13345, Greig, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13345, Greig, New York is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.04 percent of residents in 13345 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.82 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lewis County General Hospital with a distance of 12.97 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 13345

The crisp air of the Adirondacks, the tranquil beauty of the Mohawk River – the allure of Greig, New York (ZIP Code 13345) is undeniable. But beneath the idyllic surface lies a crucial consideration for residents and prospective newcomers: healthcare access, particularly for those at risk of or battling lung cancer. This write-up explores the transportation landscape impacting healthcare access for lung cancer patients in Greig, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment.

The score considers drive times to specialized cancer centers, public transportation options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services. It aims to provide a realistic picture of the challenges and opportunities in navigating the healthcare system from this rural location. The goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and overall well-being, especially when considering moving to Greig.

The primary healthcare provider for residents of Greig is likely to be St. Luke's Hospital in New Hartford, approximately 40 miles away. A drive along **New York State Route 28** is the most direct route, typically taking around 50 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This journey, while manageable, necessitates reliable personal transportation. The secondary route option, taking **New York State Route 12**, adds a few minutes to the commute.

For specialized lung cancer treatment, patients may need to travel further afield. The Upstate Medical University Cancer Center in Syracuse, approximately 60 miles away, offers comprehensive cancer care. Driving time to Syracuse via **New York State Route 28** and then **Interstate 81** can range from one hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half, depending on traffic. The commute can be challenging for patients undergoing treatment, requiring frequent appointments and potentially experiencing fatigue or other side effects.

The availability of public transportation is limited in this rural area. The Utica Transit Authority (UTA) provides some service, but its routes primarily serve the city of Utica, about 30 miles from Greig. There are no direct public transportation routes connecting Greig to Utica or Syracuse. This represents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive.

The UTA does offer ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the limited public transportation options. However, the lack of direct routes and the distance to the nearest bus stops in Utica significantly impact the accessibility of healthcare for lung cancer patients relying on public transit.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Utica and Syracuse areas. However, their availability in Greig is less certain, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for regular appointments could be unreliable and expensive. The cost of frequent rides, coupled with potential surge pricing, can be a significant financial burden for patients.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for patients needing assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. Several companies operate in the region, including ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation providers. These services typically require advance booking and can be costly, but they provide a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation options.

Companies like Ambulnz and LogistiCare often provide services in the area. However, their availability and coverage in the rural areas of Greig can vary. Patients should research and confirm service availability and pricing well in advance of any appointments.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 13345 is a composite measure of these factors. It considers the drive times, the limitations of public transportation, the uncertainty of ride-sharing, and the cost and availability of medical transportation.

**Drive Time Factor:** The relatively long drive times to specialized cancer centers in Syracuse and Utica contribute negatively to the score. The reliance on personal vehicles places a burden on patients and caregivers.

**Public Transportation Factor:** The lack of direct public transportation significantly lowers the score. This limits access for individuals without personal vehicles, making healthcare access more difficult.

**Ride-Sharing Factor:** The uncertain availability and potential cost of ride-sharing services in Greig add another negative element to the score.

**Medical Transportation Factor:** While medical transportation services offer a solution, their cost and the need for advance booking add a layer of complexity.

Considering these factors, the "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 13345 is a **moderate to low**. While healthcare access is available, it is not easily accessible. The long distances, limited public transportation, and reliance on personal vehicles or potentially expensive medical transport services create significant challenges for lung cancer patients.

For individuals considering moving to Greig, this score highlights the importance of carefully evaluating their healthcare needs and transportation options. It is crucial to assess personal transportation resources, research medical transportation providers, and understand the potential financial implications of accessing healthcare.

This assessment is not intended to discourage anyone from living in Greig. Rather, it aims to provide a realistic picture of the transportation challenges associated with healthcare access. By understanding these challenges, individuals can proactively plan for their healthcare needs and make informed decisions about their well-being.

The score underscores the need for improved transportation infrastructure and healthcare access in rural areas. Policy initiatives that support public transportation expansion, promote ride-sharing partnerships, and subsidize medical transportation costs could significantly improve healthcare access for residents of Greig and other rural communities.

Ultimately, the "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a tool for informed decision-making. It encourages residents and prospective newcomers to consider the complexities of healthcare access in a rural setting. By acknowledging these challenges, individuals can proactively plan for their healthcare needs and ensure they receive the care they deserve.