13603, Watertown, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13603, Watertown, New York is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

97.79 percent of residents in 13603 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.28 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Samaritan Medical Center with a distance of 6.96 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Watertown, NY (ZIP Code 13603)

Considering a move to Watertown, New York (ZIP code 13603) and concerned about healthcare access, particularly for lung cancer treatment? This Lung Cancer Score provides a detailed overview of transportation options and potential challenges, offering insights into the ease of reaching crucial medical facilities. Your ability to navigate the transportation landscape significantly impacts your healthcare journey, making this analysis essential.

Understanding the transportation infrastructure is critical when evaluating healthcare access. In Watertown, a rural setting, the primary mode of transportation is the personal vehicle. Public transit options exist, but they are limited. Ride-sharing services offer another layer, while medical transport provides specialized assistance. This score considers these factors, providing a realistic assessment of your potential access to lung cancer care.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Backbone of Access**

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Watertown lies in the roadways. The primary route for accessing specialized care is often the personal vehicle. The primary hospital in the area, Samaritan Medical Center, located within Watertown, is easily accessible from most points in the 13603 ZIP code. However, for specialized oncology services, including advanced lung cancer treatment, you might need to travel further.

Driving to Syracuse, approximately 75 miles south, is a common scenario. This journey is primarily via Interstate 81 (I-81), a major north-south artery. The drive typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The route is generally well-maintained, but winter weather can present challenges, potentially extending travel times and necessitating caution.

Another option is to travel to Rochester, roughly 150 miles west. This trip usually involves a combination of I-81 and the New York State Thruway (I-90). The drive takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours, again contingent on traffic and weather. Both Syracuse and Rochester offer comprehensive cancer centers, providing a range of treatment options.

Local roads, such as Arsenal Street and State Route 3, provide access within Watertown. These roads connect residential areas to Samaritan Medical Center and local businesses. Navigating these roads is generally straightforward, though rush-hour traffic can cause minor delays. The condition of these roads is generally good, but potholes and winter weather can occasionally impact driving conditions.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Potential Challenges**

Public transportation options in Watertown are limited, posing a challenge for those without access to a personal vehicle. The Watertown Urban Transit Authority (WUTA) operates a bus system, offering routes within the city limits. However, these routes may not directly serve medical facilities outside of Samaritan Medical Center or the broader region where specialized lung cancer treatment is available.

The WUTA system includes some buses with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, such as ramps and lifts. However, the frequency of service, especially on weekends and evenings, can be limited. This makes relying solely on public transit for cancer treatment appointments, which may require multiple trips per week, a significant logistical hurdle.

For travel to Syracuse or Rochester, public transit options are even more constrained. There are no direct bus or train routes. This means that relying on public transit for these longer journeys is generally impractical, significantly impacting healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Watertown. However, their availability and reliability may vary. During peak hours or in inclement weather, wait times can be longer, and surge pricing may apply. This can add to the financial burden of healthcare access, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for patients with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. Companies like MedTrans and First Transit provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services often involve door-to-door transportation, including assistance with getting in and out of vehicles.

Medical transport services are crucial for individuals who cannot drive themselves or rely on public transit. However, these services can be expensive and may require advance booking, which can complicate scheduling appointments. The availability of these services and the cost can significantly impact healthcare access, particularly for those with limited financial resources.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The Lung Cancer Score for ZIP code 13603 considers all these factors. It assesses the ease of accessing lung cancer treatment facilities, taking into account drive times, public transit limitations, ride-sharing availability, and the role of medical transport.

The score is not a single number but a comprehensive evaluation. It highlights the challenges of relying solely on public transit, the importance of a personal vehicle, and the potential benefits of ride-sharing and medical transport. It also considers the financial implications of transportation, including the cost of gas, ride-sharing fares, and medical transport services.

This Lung Cancer Score is designed to inform prospective residents about the realities of healthcare access in Watertown. It emphasizes the importance of considering transportation options when evaluating a move, particularly for individuals with existing health conditions or those at risk for lung cancer.

**Moving to Watertown: Planning for Healthcare Access**

For those considering moving to Watertown, this analysis underscores the importance of careful planning. If you are seeking specialized lung cancer treatment, a personal vehicle is highly recommended. Researching the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services is also crucial.

When choosing a residence, consider proximity to Samaritan Medical Center and the ease of access to major roadways like I-81. Explore the WUTA bus routes to understand their limitations and potential benefits. Factor in the potential for travel to Syracuse or Rochester for specialized care.

Finally, discuss your healthcare needs with your physician. Obtain referrals to specialists and understand the frequency and duration of appointments. This information will help you create a realistic transportation plan and ensure you can access the care you need. By proactively addressing these transportation challenges, you can enhance your healthcare access and improve your overall quality of life in Watertown.