13693, Three Mile Bay, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13693, Three Mile Bay, New York is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.05 percent of residents in 13693 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 25.72 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Samaritan Medical Center with a distance of 17.37 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Three Mile Bay (ZIP Code 13693)

The crisp air of Three Mile Bay, nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario, offers a picturesque backdrop. Yet, for residents of ZIP Code 13693, the beauty masks a critical reality: the potential challenges of accessing timely and effective healthcare, particularly for a serious illness like lung cancer. This write-up delves into the intricate web of transportation options, quantifying their impact on healthcare access and ultimately assigning a "Lung Cancer Score" for the region. This score will reflect the ease or difficulty a resident faces in reaching crucial medical services, a vital consideration for anyone contemplating a move to this idyllic corner of New York.

The journey to healthcare in Three Mile Bay is inextricably linked to the limitations of its transportation infrastructure. The nearest comprehensive medical facilities, including those specializing in oncology, are located in Watertown, roughly 25 miles away. This distance, while seemingly manageable, becomes a significant hurdle when compounded by the vagaries of weather, the limitations of personal mobility, and the availability of alternative transportation options.

The primary arteries connecting Three Mile Bay to Watertown are Route 12 and Route 180. Route 12, a two-lane highway, is the main thoroughfare, offering a scenic but often slow drive, especially during peak seasons or inclement weather. Route 180 provides an alternative, albeit a slightly longer route. Drive times under ideal conditions typically average around 35-45 minutes. However, winter storms, common in this region, can easily double or triple these times, transforming a routine trip into a potentially life-threatening ordeal for someone battling lung cancer.

Public transportation options are limited in this rural setting. The Jefferson County Transit (JCT) operates a demand-response service, requiring advance booking. While JCT aims to provide door-to-door service, its operational hours and capacity are limited, making it a less-than-ideal solution for frequent medical appointments, especially for those requiring specialized cancer treatments. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial factor; JCT vehicles are equipped with ADA-compliant features, but the overall availability and responsiveness of the service remain a concern.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are sporadically available in the Three Mile Bay area. Their presence is contingent on driver availability, which can fluctuate significantly, particularly during off-peak hours or in adverse weather. Relying on ride-sharing for consistent transportation to cancer treatments is inherently unreliable, potentially creating significant stress and logistical nightmares for patients and their families.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients requiring non-emergency medical transport, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like MedTrans and CareRide operate in the region, providing transportation to medical appointments. However, these services often require pre-booking, and their availability can be limited, particularly for short-notice appointments or during periods of high demand. The cost of these services also adds a financial burden to an already challenging situation.

The impact of these transportation limitations extends beyond mere inconvenience. Delays in accessing diagnostic tests, specialist consultations, and life-saving treatments can significantly impact a lung cancer patient's prognosis. The stress and anxiety associated with navigating complex transportation logistics can also negatively affect a patient's mental and emotional well-being, further hindering their ability to cope with the disease.

Considering the factors outlined above, we can now formulate a "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 13693. This score will reflect the overall accessibility of healthcare services, taking into account drive times, public transportation limitations, ride-sharing unreliability, and the availability of medical transportation services.

**Lung Cancer Score Methodology:**

* **Drive Time:** (40% Weight) Average drive time to Watertown (25 miles) under ideal conditions. Consideration given to potential delays due to weather and traffic.
* **Public Transportation:** (20% Weight) Availability, frequency, and ADA accessibility of JCT services.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** (15% Weight) Frequency and reliability of Uber/Lyft services.
* **Medical Transportation:** (15% Weight) Availability, cost, and responsiveness of medical transportation services.
* **Proximity to Support Services:** (10% Weight) Availability of local pharmacies, support groups, and palliative care services.

**Scoring System:**

* **Excellent (80-100):** Easy access to healthcare with multiple reliable transportation options.
* **Good (60-79):** Adequate access to healthcare, with some limitations in transportation.
* **Fair (40-59):** Limited access to healthcare, with significant transportation challenges.
* **Poor (20-39):** Difficult access to healthcare, with severe transportation limitations.
* **Very Poor (0-19):** Extremely difficult access to healthcare, with virtually no reliable transportation options.

**Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 13693:**

Based on the assessment above, the Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 13693 is **Fair (48)**. This score reflects the following:

* **Drive Time:** While the drive to Watertown is manageable under ideal conditions, weather-related delays and traffic can significantly impact travel times.
* **Public Transportation:** The limited availability and demand-response nature of JCT services pose a challenge.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The sporadic availability of ride-sharing services makes them unreliable for consistent medical appointments.
* **Medical Transportation:** While medical transportation services are available, their cost and pre-booking requirements can be a barrier.
* **Support Services:** The limited presence of local support services adds to the overall challenges.

**Conclusion:**

The Lung Cancer Score of "Fair" highlights the significant transportation challenges faced by residents of Three Mile Bay (ZIP Code 13693) in accessing timely and effective healthcare. While the area offers a tranquil and desirable living environment, potential residents, especially those with existing health concerns or a predisposition to lung cancer, must carefully consider these transportation limitations before making a move. Understanding these challenges is crucial for making informed decisions about healthcare access and ensuring the best possible outcomes for individuals facing this devastating disease. The score serves as a vital tool for prospective residents, healthcare providers, and community planners to address the healthcare needs of this beautiful, yet geographically isolated, community. The need for improved transportation options, expanded public transit, and readily available medical transport services is paramount to improving the quality of life and healthcare access for all residents of Three Mile Bay.