13658, Lisbon, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13658, Lisbon, New York is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

88.01 percent of residents in 13658 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.59 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center with a distance of 10.77 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Lisbon, NY (ZIP Code 13658)

The crisp air of Lisbon, New York, a town nestled along the St. Lawrence River, offers a certain tranquility. However, for residents facing a potential lung cancer diagnosis, the serenity can quickly erode when considering the complexities of accessing specialized healthcare. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment for residents of ZIP Code 13658, focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access, a crucial factor for anyone contemplating moving to Lisbon.

The Lung Cancer Score, in this context, is not a clinical metric. Instead, it's a composite evaluation of the ease with which a resident can reach essential healthcare services for lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. It considers various transportation modalities, including driving times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport, recognizing that reliable transportation is paramount for patients undergoing potentially life-saving treatments.

**Driving the Distance: A Road Map to Care**

The primary mode of transportation in Lisbon is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. The most direct route to significant healthcare facilities involves navigating the local roads and highways. The closest major medical center is Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg, approximately 15 miles east. The drive typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This journey primarily utilizes NY-37, a major east-west thoroughfare.

For more specialized care, residents might need to travel to larger hospitals in Syracuse, roughly 110 miles southwest. This trip involves a longer commute, potentially taking two hours or more, depending on the chosen route and traffic. This route primarily utilizes NY-37, I-81 South, and I-481. The distance and travel time significantly impact the Lung Cancer Score, especially for patients requiring frequent appointments or facing debilitating side effects from treatment.

Another option is to travel north to Canada, for example to the Ottawa Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. This trip would be approximately 100 miles and take about two hours. This trip would primarily use NY-37, the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge and the ON-416.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in Lisbon are limited, which poses a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. St. Lawrence County operates a public transit system, but service to Lisbon is infrequent and primarily focused on connecting to larger towns like Ogdensburg. The routes and schedules are subject to change, so it's essential to verify current information.

The availability of public transit is severely restricted, often operating only during limited hours and days. This lack of robust public transportation significantly lowers the Lung Cancer Score, particularly for individuals unable to drive or who cannot rely on family or friends for assistance. The absence of a reliable public transit system compounds the challenges of healthcare access, a critical consideration for anyone moving to Lisbon.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have a limited presence in rural areas like Lisbon. Availability is not guaranteed, and wait times can be substantial. This unreliability impacts the Lung Cancer Score, as patients cannot depend on ride-sharing for scheduled appointments or emergency situations. The cost of these services, when available, can also be a significant financial burden, especially for those undergoing lengthy treatments.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several companies operate in the region, providing services for ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients. These services often require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing. The availability of medical transport services improves the Lung Cancer Score, but the cost and the need for prior arrangements remain significant considerations.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Challenge**

The Lung Cancer Score for Lisbon, NY (ZIP Code 13658) is influenced by several factors. The reliance on personal vehicles for healthcare access is a significant limitation. The limited public transit options and the unpredictable availability of ride-sharing services further complicate matters. While medical transport services offer a viable alternative, their cost and the need for advance booking are important considerations.

The distance to specialized cancer centers, such as those in Syracuse, adds another layer of complexity. Long travel times can be particularly challenging for patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or recovering from surgery. This challenge underscores the importance of considering the transportation infrastructure when evaluating healthcare access.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Landscape**

For residents of Lisbon, NY (ZIP Code 13658), the Lung Cancer Score reflects a complex interplay of transportation options and their impact on healthcare access. While the scenic beauty of the area is undeniable, the limited transportation infrastructure presents challenges for those needing specialized medical care.

Individuals considering moving to Lisbon should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Exploring the availability of medical transport services, assessing the feasibility of relying on family or friends for assistance, and understanding the potential costs associated with transportation are crucial steps. This comprehensive assessment will help residents navigate the healthcare landscape and ensure they can access the care they need, when they need it. The Lung Cancer Score, therefore, is not just about numbers; it's about understanding the realities of healthcare access in a rural community and making informed decisions about one's health and well-being.