13625, Colton, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13625, Colton, New York is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.97 percent of residents in 13625 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.36 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Canton-Potsdam Hospital with a distance of 9.89 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Colton, NY (ZIP Code 13625)

The crisp air of the Adirondacks whispers through Colton, New York, a community nestled in the heart of St. Lawrence County. While the natural beauty offers solace, the reality of accessing specialized healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as serious as lung cancer, demands careful consideration. This Lung Cancer Score delves into the transportation landscape within and around ZIP Code 13625, evaluating the accessibility of vital medical resources. The goal is to provide a clear picture for residents, potential newcomers considering **moving to Colton**, and anyone grappling with the complexities of **healthcare access** in this rural setting.

The primary challenge in Colton is its remoteness. The nearest comprehensive cancer treatment centers are located in larger towns and cities, necessitating significant travel. This dependence on **transportation** becomes a critical factor in the timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for lung cancer patients. Understanding the available options, their limitations, and potential costs is paramount.

**Driving Times and Roadways:**

The most common mode of transportation for residents of Colton is the personal vehicle. The journey to the nearest major healthcare facilities will primarily involve navigating the network of highways and local roads. The Adirondack Northway (I-87) is not directly accessible from Colton, so the primary routes involve state highways and county roads.

For those seeking specialized cancer care, the closest options are likely in Potsdam or Canton. Driving to Canton, the county seat, usually involves taking State Route 56 south. This route offers a relatively direct connection, and the drive typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The journey to Potsdam, which might involve State Route 68, is slightly longer, potentially requiring an hour or more. This is because you are going west, and it is a longer drive.

Further afield, the cities of Syracuse and Albany offer more extensive cancer treatment facilities. Reaching Syracuse, the location of Upstate Medical University, would require a drive of approximately three hours, primarily via State Route 56 to Route 81. Albany, home to the Albany Medical Center, is roughly a four-hour drive, requiring a combination of State Route 56, Route 3, and the Adirondack Northway (I-87). These longer drives necessitate careful planning, considering potential fatigue and the need for rest stops, particularly for patients undergoing treatment.

Weather conditions in the Adirondacks can be unpredictable, especially during winter. Heavy snowfall and icy roads can significantly increase travel times and pose safety risks. Therefore, patients and their families must factor in potential delays and consider alternative transportation options when adverse weather is anticipated.

**Public Transit:**

Public transportation options in Colton are limited. St. Lawrence County operates a public transit system, but its routes and schedules are designed to serve the broader county and may not provide frequent or direct service to medical facilities.

The specific routes serving Colton are infrequent and primarily cater to general transportation needs. The buses are equipped with ADA features, but the limited service frequency poses a significant challenge for patients requiring regular medical appointments. Patients may need to coordinate their schedules carefully and potentially rely on family or friends for transportation to and from bus stops.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the larger cities of Syracuse and Albany, but their presence in Colton and surrounding areas is sporadic. Availability is not guaranteed, and the cost of long-distance rides could be prohibitive.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more reliable option. Several companies operate in the region, including ambulance services and private medical transportation providers. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, ensuring patients are safely transported to and from their appointments. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and insurance coverage may vary. It is crucial to inquire about insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses before utilizing medical transportation services.

**Medical Transportation Brands:**

While specific brands and providers may vary, some examples of medical transportation services that might serve the Colton area include local ambulance services, private medical transportation companies, and potentially, non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers that contract with insurance companies.

**Accessibility and Considerations:**

The Lung Cancer Score for Colton, NY, reflects the challenges of accessing specialized healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options create significant barriers for patients. The long travel distances to major cancer treatment centers require careful planning, consideration of weather conditions, and financial resources to cover transportation costs.

Patients and their families must proactively investigate all available transportation options, including ride-sharing, medical transportation services, and potential support from community organizations. They should also explore the possibility of telehealth appointments, which can reduce the need for travel for certain types of consultations and follow-up care.

Furthermore, it is essential to advocate for improved healthcare access in the region. This could involve supporting initiatives to expand public transportation services, attract more healthcare providers to the area, and increase the availability of telehealth options.

**Conclusion:**

Navigating the healthcare landscape in Colton, NY, requires careful planning and resourcefulness. The Lung Cancer Score highlights the critical importance of transportation in accessing vital medical services. While the natural beauty and close-knit community of Colton offer undeniable appeal, individuals considering **moving to Colton** or residents facing a lung cancer diagnosis must thoroughly evaluate their **healthcare access** options. The journey to treatment may be long, but with proactive planning, community support, and a clear understanding of the available **transportation** resources, patients can navigate the challenges and access the care they need.