13691, Theresa, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13691, Theresa, New York is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.94 percent of residents in 13691 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.55 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is River Hospital Clinics with a distance of 10.19 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Theresa, NY (ZIP Code 13691)

The crisp air of Theresa, New York, a small town nestled in the heart of the North Country, holds a certain allure. The promise of a slower pace, a tight-knit community, and the beauty of the surrounding landscape draws people seeking a change. However, before making the move, prospective residents, particularly those with health concerns, must consider a crucial factor: healthcare access. This analysis focuses on the transportation landscape in and around ZIP code 13691, specifically regarding access to lung cancer care, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" to help assess the feasibility of receiving timely and effective treatment.

The score considers various transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, each playing a vital role in connecting patients to vital healthcare. The ultimate goal is to provide a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities for individuals seeking lung cancer care in Theresa, thereby enabling informed decisions about relocating or establishing residency.

**The Lung Cancer Score will be based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing the most challenging access and 5 representing the most accessible. This score will consider the following factors:**

* **Drive Times:** The time required to reach the nearest facilities offering comprehensive lung cancer care.
* **Public Transportation:** The availability, frequency, and accessibility of public transit options.
* **Ride-Sharing Services:** The availability and reliability of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability and types of medical transport services.
* **Overall Accessibility:** A composite score reflecting the combined impact of all the above factors.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries of Care**

For residents of Theresa, the reliance on personal vehicles is significant. The primary routes connecting the town to major healthcare centers are the highways and roads. The closest hospitals equipped to handle lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care are located in Watertown, NY, approximately 25 miles away. This journey typically involves traveling on NY-37, a major east-west thoroughfare.

Traffic is generally light, but weather conditions, particularly during the harsh winters of Northern New York, can significantly impact travel times. Heavy snowfall, ice, and reduced visibility can transform a 30-45 minute drive into a considerably longer and more hazardous undertaking.

Further afield, Syracuse, NY, offers a wider array of specialized lung cancer treatment options, including advanced radiation therapy and surgical expertise. This journey involves traveling on NY-37, then connecting to I-81 South. The drive is approximately 100 miles and can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and weather. This longer distance introduces a significant barrier to timely access to care, especially for patients requiring frequent appointments.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in and around Theresa are limited. The Jefferson County Public Transit (JCPT) provides bus services within Jefferson County, but these services are primarily focused on Watertown and surrounding areas. There is no direct bus route from Theresa to Watertown or Syracuse.

The JCPT operates with a focus on ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance, ensuring that all buses are accessible to individuals with mobility impairments. However, the limited service frequency and the lack of routes directly serving Theresa significantly restrict the usefulness of public transit for lung cancer patients. The necessity of relying on personal vehicles or other means of transportation is a significant challenge.

**Ride-Sharing Services: A Variable Resource**

The availability of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in Theresa and the surrounding areas is variable. While these services may be available, their reliability and cost can be significant barriers. Availability is often dependent on driver density, which is lower in rural areas.

The cost of a ride-sharing trip to Watertown or Syracuse can be substantial, especially for frequent appointments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Furthermore, the lack of guaranteed availability, particularly during inclement weather or off-peak hours, can leave patients stranded and unable to access essential care. This uncertainty adds to the stress and complexity of managing a lung cancer diagnosis.

**Medical Transport: A Specialized Solution**

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer a more specialized solution for patients with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive. Ambulance services are available for emergency situations, providing immediate transport to the nearest hospital.

NEMT services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. These services typically involve wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, the availability of NEMT services in Theresa may be limited, and booking these services often requires advance notice. The cost of NEMT can also be a significant factor, and coverage by insurance varies.

**Lung Cancer Score: A Composite Assessment**

Considering the factors discussed above, the Lung Cancer Score for ZIP code 13691 is assessed as follows:

* **Drive Times:** 3 (Moderate. While Watertown is relatively close, Syracuse is a significant distance, and weather can be a major factor.)
* **Public Transportation:** 1 (Very Limited. No direct routes to healthcare facilities.)
* **Ride-Sharing Services:** 2 (Limited. Availability and cost can be significant barriers.)
* **Medical Transport:** 2 (Limited. Availability and cost are significant considerations.)
* **Overall Accessibility:** **2** (Limited. Challenges in transportation significantly impact healthcare access.)

**Conclusion: Navigating Healthcare in Theresa**

The Lung Cancer Score of 2 highlights the significant challenges faced by residents of Theresa, NY, in accessing timely and effective lung cancer care. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services create significant barriers.

For individuals considering moving to Theresa or already residing there, careful consideration of these transportation challenges is crucial. Those with a history of lung cancer or at high risk should prioritize their healthcare needs.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities:** Consider the proximity to hospitals and cancer centers when choosing a residence.
* **Assess insurance coverage:** Ensure that your insurance plan covers transportation costs, including ride-sharing, medical transport, and potential lodging expenses.
* **Explore all transportation options:** Research all available transportation options, including public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services.
* **Plan for inclement weather:** Be prepared for harsh weather conditions and the potential impact on travel times.
* **Build a support network:** Develop a support network of family, friends, or community members who can assist with transportation needs.

Moving to Theresa offers a unique lifestyle, but it is essential to be aware of the healthcare access challenges. This Lung Cancer Score provides a starting point for understanding the transportation landscape and making informed decisions about healthcare needs. This score is a critical consideration for anyone contemplating a move to Theresa, ensuring that healthcare access is a priority in the journey of life.