13666, Newton Falls, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13666, Newton Falls, New York is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

79.38 percent of residents in 13666 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.83 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Clifton Fine Hospital with a distance of 4.81 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Newton Falls, NY (ZIP Code 13666)

Considering a move to Newton Falls, New York (ZIP Code 13666)? This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score," a hypothetical metric quantifying ease of access to lung cancer healthcare, specifically focusing on transportation options. This is crucial given the potentially urgent nature of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. While not a formal medical assessment, this score considers the practical challenges of **transportation** to medical facilities, directly impacting **healthcare access**.

Newton Falls, nestled in the Adirondack Park, presents unique challenges and opportunities. The nearest major medical centers equipped for comprehensive lung cancer care are located outside the immediate vicinity, necessitating reliance on various **transportation** methods. The "Lung Cancer Score" considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, painting a picture for those considering **moving to Newton Falls**.

The score, on a scale of 1-10 (1 being extremely difficult access, 10 being excellent access), is a hypothetical tool to illustrate the complexities of navigating the healthcare landscape. This analysis assumes the need for specialized care, including diagnostic imaging (CT scans, PET scans), pulmonology consultations, oncology appointments, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions.

**Drive Times: The Primary Route**

The most common route for specialized lung cancer care from Newton Falls likely involves driving. The closest major hospitals with oncology departments are in Watertown, NY, approximately 60 miles away. The primary route utilizes New York State Route 3 (NY-3), a two-lane highway that winds through the Adirondack Park. The drive, under ideal conditions, takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

However, this drive is subject to seasonal variations. Winter weather, with its potential for snow and ice, can significantly extend travel times, potentially doubling or tripling the journey duration. Delays due to accidents or road closures on NY-3 are also a concern. Alternative routes are limited. County Route 24, a smaller road, offers a slightly different path, but it is also subject to weather-related delays and is not recommended for emergency situations.

**Drive Times: Secondary Options**

Another option involves traveling to Syracuse, NY, which offers a wider range of specialized care facilities. This journey, however, is significantly longer. The route would primarily utilize NY-3, merging onto Interstate 81 (I-81) south. The total distance is approximately 120 miles, with a drive time of around 2 hours and 15 minutes under optimal conditions. This route is also subject to weather delays, especially during the winter months, and traffic congestion around Syracuse.

**Public Transit: Limited Availability**

Public transit options in and around Newton Falls are extremely limited. There is no established public bus system directly connecting Newton Falls to Watertown or Syracuse. This severely restricts **healthcare access** for individuals without personal vehicles or the ability to drive.

While some regional bus services may operate in the surrounding areas, they are unlikely to provide direct, convenient routes to specialized medical facilities. Furthermore, the lack of readily available public transit poses a significant challenge for individuals with mobility limitations, making it difficult to attend appointments, especially those requiring frequent visits. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility on any potential bus routes would need to be meticulously investigated.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Watertown and Syracuse areas, but their availability in Newton Falls is uncertain. Even if available, the cost of a ride-share to a medical appointment could be prohibitive, especially for frequent visits. The long distances involved significantly increase the cost, making it an unreliable option for routine care.

Medical transport services are available but are typically reserved for patients with specific medical needs, such as those requiring ambulance transport or specialized medical assistance during travel. These services are generally more expensive than standard transportation options and may require pre-authorization from insurance providers. The availability of medical transport services in Newton Falls needs to be confirmed, as coverage can be limited in rural areas.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Several medical transport brands may service the region. These include ambulance services, which are crucial for emergency situations, and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers. Researching specific brands and their service areas is vital.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" for Newton Falls (13666)**

Considering the challenges outlined above, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Newton Falls, NY (13666) is estimated to be a 3 out of 10. This low score reflects the significant reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, the potential for weather-related delays, and the uncertainty of ride-sharing availability. This score highlights the critical importance of **transportation** planning for anyone considering **moving to Newton Falls**, especially those with existing or potential lung cancer diagnoses.

**Conclusion: Navigating Healthcare Realities**

The "Lung Cancer Score" emphasizes the need for careful consideration when assessing **healthcare access** in Newton Falls. Individuals considering **moving to Newton Falls** should factor in the challenges associated with **transportation** to medical facilities. Prioritizing personal vehicle ownership, exploring potential carpooling options, and understanding the limitations of public transit are essential. Proactive planning, including identifying reliable medical transport providers and establishing relationships with healthcare providers in advance, can help mitigate the challenges of accessing specialized lung cancer care in this rural setting. While Newton Falls offers the beauty of the Adirondacks, its remoteness presents significant hurdles in navigating the healthcare system. This analysis is a starting point for understanding these complexities.