13743, Candor, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13743, Candor, New York is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.26 percent of residents in 13743 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cayuga Medical Center At Ithaca with a distance of 20.32 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Candor, NY (ZIP Code 13743)

The air in Candor, New York (ZIP Code 13743), is crisp, the landscape rolling, and the pace of life deliberately slower. Yet, the specter of lung cancer, a disease that respects no boundaries, casts a shadow. This write-up assesses the "Lung Cancer Score" for residents of Candor, focusing on the critical element of healthcare access, specifically the transportation options available to those needing diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. Understanding these pathways is crucial for anyone living in, or considering moving to, this rural community.

The "Lung Cancer Score" considers the practical challenges of accessing specialized medical care. It acknowledges that prompt and reliable transportation is not merely a convenience, but a vital lifeline in the fight against this devastating disease. Factors such as drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services are weighed to provide a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape.

**The Road to Recovery: Driving and Drive Times**

Candor's location, nestled in the heart of Tioga County, dictates that residents rely heavily on personal vehicles for transportation. The primary artery connecting Candor to the wider world is **New York State Route 96**, a two-lane road that snakes its way north and south. This route offers a direct, albeit often winding, path to the nearest hospitals and oncology centers.

Drive times are a critical component of the "Lung Cancer Score." The closest hospital with comprehensive cancer care is **UHS Wilson Medical Center** in Johnson City, approximately 25 miles away. The drive, primarily via Route 96, typically takes 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This journey, while manageable, can be challenging for patients experiencing fatigue, shortness of breath, or other side effects of treatment.

Another crucial destination is **Guthrie Corning Hospital**, roughly 50 miles west, taking approximately an hour and 15 minutes via Route 96 and the **Southern Tier Expressway (I-86)**. While offering specialized cancer care, this longer drive significantly impacts the "Lung Cancer Score," adding to the physical and emotional burden on patients.

Further complicating matters is the reliance on secondary roads. Accessing specialized clinics or diagnostic facilities might necessitate navigating smaller, less-maintained roads, especially in inclement weather. Winter conditions in upstate New York can render these roads treacherous, potentially delaying or even preventing access to vital healthcare.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in Candor is severely limited. The primary public transit provider for Tioga County is the **Tioga County Public Transit (TCPT)**. However, TCPT's services are primarily demand-response, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This is a significant disadvantage for cancer patients who often require unscheduled appointments, follow-up visits, or emergency care.

TCPT's routes are not fixed, and the availability of service to specific medical facilities varies. While TCPT does strive to provide ADA-accessible vehicles, the limited service area and the need for pre-booking significantly impact the "Lung Cancer Score" for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The lack of frequent, readily available public transit poses a significant barrier to healthcare access.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the greater Binghamton area, but their presence in Candor is less consistent. Availability depends on driver density and demand, making them unreliable for scheduled medical appointments. Relying on ride-sharing for treatment is a gamble, potentially leading to missed appointments and delayed care.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like **CareRide** and **Medical Transportation Services** provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offering door-to-door service and assistance. While these services can be invaluable, they often come with a higher cost, placing an additional financial burden on patients.

The "Lung Cancer Score" must consider the availability and affordability of medical transport. The cost, coupled with the potential for delays due to scheduling or unforeseen circumstances, can negatively affect the score, highlighting the challenges faced by Candor residents.

**The Impact on the "Lung Cancer Score"**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Candor, NY (ZIP Code 13743), reflects the complexities of healthcare access in a rural environment. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create challenges for lung cancer patients. The longer drive times to specialized cancer centers, particularly during inclement weather, further exacerbate these difficulties.

The score is influenced by the availability of medical transport services, though their cost and scheduling limitations must be considered. The score is also affected by the potential for financial strain, as patients may need to rely on multiple transportation methods, including taxis, or incur costs associated with missed appointments.

**Moving to Candor: A Consideration**

For individuals considering moving to Candor, NY, understanding the "Lung Cancer Score" is crucial. While the community offers a peaceful and close-knit environment, the limitations in healthcare access must be carefully weighed. Prospective residents, particularly those with a history of lung cancer or other serious health conditions, should thoroughly assess their transportation options and consider the potential challenges of accessing specialized medical care.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not intended to discourage individuals from moving to Candor. Instead, it serves as a tool for informed decision-making. It highlights the importance of planning for healthcare access, exploring all available transportation options, and understanding the potential challenges that may arise.

**Conclusion**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Candor, NY, underscores the importance of transportation in healthcare access. While the community offers a tranquil setting, the limitations in public transit, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create challenges for those battling lung cancer. The score emphasizes the need for careful planning, proactive healthcare navigation, and a willingness to explore all available resources to ensure timely and effective care. This knowledge is particularly important for those moving to Candor, enabling them to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensuring they are prepared for the challenges of accessing specialized medical care in this rural environment.