13751, Davenport Center, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13751, Davenport Center, New York is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 13751 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.79 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Aurelia Osborn Fox Memorial Hospital with a distance of 8.62 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Davenport Center (ZIP Code 13751)

The bucolic charm of Davenport Center, nestled within the rolling hills of Delaware County, New York, offers a respite from the clamor of city life. However, this tranquility presents a unique challenge: navigating the complexities of healthcare access, particularly for individuals facing a diagnosis as serious as lung cancer. This write-up delves into the realities of transportation options in ZIP code 13751, crafting a "Lung Cancer Score" that reflects the practical hurdles and potential solutions for those seeking treatment.

The Lung Cancer Score is not a formal medical assessment. Instead, it is a composite evaluation of transportation barriers, reflecting the distance, time, and available modes of transport to access essential oncology services. This analysis considers the impact of these factors on a patient's ability to receive timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. The lower the score, the better the access to healthcare.

**The Geography of Care: A Landscape of Distance**

Davenport Center, a small, rural community, is not home to a comprehensive cancer treatment center. The nearest facilities offering specialized oncology services are primarily located in Oneonta, approximately 20 miles to the east, and Delhi, about 15 miles to the west. These distances, while seemingly manageable, become significant obstacles when compounded by factors like inclement weather, physical limitations, and the need for frequent appointments.

The primary routes connecting Davenport Center to these healthcare hubs are State Route 23 (SR-23) and County Route 12 (CR-12). SR-23, a major east-west artery, provides the most direct access to Oneonta. However, this road is often subject to traffic, especially during peak hours. CR-12, offering a more scenic route to Delhi, is a winding, two-lane road that can be treacherous in winter conditions.

**Drive Times: A Measure of Endurance**

Driving to Oneonta via SR-23 typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather. The journey to Delhi, using CR-12, can be completed in about 25 to 35 minutes. These drive times, while seemingly reasonable, can be draining for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The cumulative effect of multiple appointments, often requiring several trips per week, can significantly impact a patient's physical and emotional well-being.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in Davenport Center are extremely limited. The Delaware County Public Transportation system offers some routes, but their frequency and coverage in this area are minimal. There are no direct bus routes from Davenport Center to either Oneonta or Delhi. This lack of public transportation presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not own a car or are unable to drive.

Furthermore, the absence of readily available public transit underscores the challenges faced by those who may require ADA-accessible transportation. The lack of accessible bus routes, or paratransit services, further exacerbates the difficulty for individuals with mobility impairments to reach their appointments.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader region, but their presence in Davenport Center is sporadic. Availability is often contingent on driver availability and the time of day. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is, therefore, not a reliable solution.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients requiring non-emergency medical transport, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and private, local providers may offer transportation services. However, these services can be expensive, and their availability may be limited, particularly for patients requiring frequent appointments.

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

Considering the factors discussed above, we can craft a preliminary Lung Cancer Score for individuals residing in Davenport Center (ZIP code 13751). This score, on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being the best access and 10 being the worst), reflects the challenges in accessing lung cancer care.

* **Distance to treatment centers:** 7/10 (The distance to Oneonta and Delhi is manageable, but the rural location necessitates travel.)
* **Drive times:** 6/10 (Drive times can be considerable, especially considering frequent appointments and potential traffic.)
* **Public transportation availability:** 9/10 (The lack of public transportation significantly hinders access.)
* **Ride-share availability:** 8/10 (Ride-sharing is unreliable and not a viable long-term solution.)
* **Medical transport options:** 5/10 (Medical transport is available but can be expensive and may require advance booking.)

**Overall Lung Cancer Score for ZIP code 13751: 7/10**

This score highlights the considerable transportation challenges faced by individuals in Davenport Center seeking lung cancer care. The score emphasizes the need for proactive planning, reliance on personal vehicles, and careful consideration of the financial implications of medical transportation.

**Moving to Davenport Center: A Consideration of Healthcare Access**

For individuals considering moving to Davenport Center, this analysis underscores the importance of factoring in healthcare access. While the community offers a peaceful environment, the limited transportation options necessitate careful planning for healthcare needs. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, or those nearing retirement age, should carefully evaluate their ability to manage the transportation challenges associated with accessing medical care.

**Recommendations and Future Considerations**

Improving healthcare access in Davenport Center requires a multi-faceted approach. Increased investment in public transportation, including the expansion of bus routes and the provision of accessible services, would be a significant step forward. Encouraging ride-sharing services to expand their presence in the area could also provide a more reliable transportation option.

Furthermore, exploring partnerships with local medical transport providers to offer subsidized services for low-income patients could help alleviate the financial burden of accessing care. Telemedicine initiatives, allowing patients to receive consultations and follow-up care remotely, could also reduce the need for frequent travel.

Finally, advocating for the development of a local healthcare clinic, offering basic medical services and potentially partnering with oncology specialists for outreach programs, could significantly improve healthcare access for residents of Davenport Center.

In conclusion, navigating the healthcare landscape in Davenport Center requires careful planning and a realistic assessment of transportation limitations. While the community offers a tranquil lifestyle, the absence of robust transportation options necessitates a proactive approach to accessing essential healthcare services, particularly for those battling a disease as formidable as lung cancer. The Lung Cancer Score serves as a reminder of the challenges and a call to action for creating a more accessible healthcare environment.