13667, Norfolk, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13667, Norfolk, New York is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.01 percent of residents in 13667 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.47 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Massena Hospital Inc with a distance of 8.16 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 13667**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing the complexities of a lung cancer diagnosis, is a critical factor in their well-being. This write-up explores the transportation landscape surrounding ZIP Code 13667, aiming to provide a Lung Cancer Score, a holistic assessment of accessibility to vital medical resources. We will examine drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing/medical transport availability, painting a detailed picture of the challenges and opportunities for patients in this area. This information is especially relevant for those considering moving to Norfolk and seeking seamless healthcare access.

ZIP Code 13667 encompasses a region in Upstate New York. The primary focus will be on assessing the ease of reaching oncology centers and related medical facilities from this location. The score considers factors like travel time, the availability of accessible options for individuals with mobility limitations, and the overall convenience of accessing care.

**Drive Times and Road Networks**

For residents of 13667, personal vehicles represent the most common mode of transportation. The efficiency of this mode is heavily reliant on the condition of the roads and the distance to medical facilities. Major roadways, like New York State Route 37 and New York State Route 56, serve as the main arteries for travel. These routes, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic during peak hours, potentially extending travel times.

Traveling to the nearest major healthcare hub, Canton-Potsdam Hospital, from various points within 13667 typically involves a drive of approximately 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the specific origin point and traffic conditions. This drive necessitates navigating a combination of state routes and local roads.

For specialized oncology care, patients may need to travel to larger cities like Syracuse, which is a significantly longer journey. This extended travel time adds to the stress and burden for patients, especially those undergoing treatment. The journey to Syracuse would involve using major highways like I-81, potentially requiring a drive of over two hours, excluding any potential delays.

**Public Transit Options**

Public transportation in this area presents limited options. St. Lawrence County Public Transit operates bus routes, but their coverage within 13667 and surrounding areas is not extensive. Routes are often infrequent, and the service may not directly serve all medical facilities.

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial aspect of public transit. The availability of buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and other ADA-compliant features is essential for ensuring equitable access to healthcare. Information on specific route numbers, schedules, and ADA accessibility features needs to be readily available and easy to understand for patients.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may have a limited presence in this rural area. The availability of these services can vary, and surge pricing during peak demand times or in adverse weather conditions could add to the financial burden for patients.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are a vital resource. These services offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients with mobility challenges. Researching the availability of medical transport providers in the area, including their service areas, costs, and insurance coverage, is essential.

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

The Lung Cancer Score is not a single number but a multifaceted evaluation. It considers the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** The average travel time to the nearest oncology center and other essential medical facilities.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The frequency, accessibility, and coverage of public transit routes.
* **Ride-Sharing/Medical Transport Availability:** The presence, cost, and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.
* **ADA Accessibility:** The availability of accessible transportation options for individuals with disabilities.
* **Cost:** The financial burden associated with transportation, including fuel costs, public transit fares, and ride-sharing fees.

**Challenges and Considerations**

The primary challenge for patients in 13667 is the distance to specialized medical care. Long travel times can lead to increased fatigue, missed appointments, and difficulty adhering to treatment schedules. The limited public transit options and the potential unavailability of ride-sharing services exacerbate these challenges.

For those considering moving to Norfolk, the transportation infrastructure is a critical factor. The availability of reliable and accessible transportation is essential for maintaining continuity of care and ensuring that patients can access the medical services they need.

**Recommendations**

* **Improve Public Transit:** Advocate for increased frequency and expanded route coverage of public transit services, with a focus on connecting residential areas to medical facilities.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing:** Encourage the expansion of ride-sharing services in the area and explore partnerships with healthcare providers to offer subsidized transportation options.
* **Support Medical Transport:** Ensure the availability of medical transportation services, including vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts and other accessibility features.
* **Provide Patient Education:** Offer comprehensive information to patients about available transportation options, including contact information for public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport providers.
* **Explore Telehealth:** Promote the use of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments, particularly for follow-up care and consultations.

**Conclusion**

The Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 13667 highlights the challenges faced by patients in accessing healthcare. The long distances, limited public transit options, and potential unavailability of ride-sharing services create significant barriers to care. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, including improving public transit, promoting ride-sharing, supporting medical transport, and leveraging telehealth. By prioritizing these initiatives, we can improve healthcare access and enhance the quality of life for individuals battling lung cancer in this region, especially for those contemplating moving to Norfolk. The goal is to ensure that all patients have equitable access to the care they need, regardless of their location.