13803, Marathon, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13803, Marathon, New York is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.69 percent of residents in 13803 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Guthrie Cortland Regional Medical Center with a distance of 12.64 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Marathon, NY (ZIP Code 13803)

The air hangs crisp and clean in Marathon, New York, a small town nestled in the heart of the Southern Tier. For those considering a move to this community, the promise of tranquility and close-knit living is often a major draw. However, when evaluating a potential relocation, especially for individuals with pre-existing health concerns, it's crucial to consider the practicalities of healthcare access. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment for ZIP code 13803, focusing on transportation options to healthcare facilities equipped to diagnose and treat lung cancer. This assessment considers the realities of commute times, public transit limitations, and available alternatives.

The importance of timely healthcare access is paramount for lung cancer patients. Early detection and treatment significantly improve survival rates. Therefore, understanding the transportation landscape becomes critical for those living with or at risk of this disease. Marathon's rural setting presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. This analysis aims to provide a clear picture of the available options, empowering residents and prospective residents to make informed decisions.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Backbone of Healthcare Access**

For most residents of Marathon, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities. The drive times to hospitals and specialized clinics are a critical factor in the "Lung Cancer Score." The nearest comprehensive cancer center, offering specialized lung cancer treatment, is typically located in Syracuse, New York, approximately 60 miles north of Marathon. The journey involves navigating a combination of state highways and rural roads.

The most direct route involves taking **New York State Route 221** east, connecting to **Interstate 81 North**. The drive on I-81, a major north-south artery, is generally smooth, but traffic congestion can occur during peak hours, especially around Syracuse. The total drive time, under ideal conditions, is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. However, winter weather, common in the Southern Tier, can significantly extend this travel time, potentially adding an hour or more to the journey.

Another option involves heading east on **New York State Route 26** to **New York State Route 13 North**, which then connects to **Interstate 81**. This route offers a slightly more scenic drive but may involve a few more turns and a slightly longer overall distance, potentially adding 15 minutes to the travel time. Both routes require careful planning, especially during inclement weather, necessitating regular checks of road conditions and travel advisories.

Closer healthcare options, such as primary care physicians and smaller clinics, are available in Cortland, New York, approximately 20 miles north of Marathon. The drive to Cortland involves traveling on **New York State Route 221** and **New York State Route 13**. The drive time is typically around 30 minutes, making these facilities more accessible for routine check-ups and initial consultations. However, these facilities may not offer the specialized equipment and expertise required for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.

**Public Transportation: Limited Options, Limited Access**

Public transportation options in Marathon and the surrounding areas are limited, significantly impacting the "Lung Cancer Score." The lack of robust public transit presents a significant challenge for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. The primary public transit provider in the area is the Cortland County Public Transportation (CCPT).

The CCPT offers fixed-route bus services, but these routes primarily serve Cortland and the immediate surrounding areas. There is no direct bus route from Marathon to Syracuse. Even if a route existed, the limited frequency and long travel times would make it impractical for patients needing timely medical care. The CCPT does offer demand-response services, which require advance booking and are primarily designed for individuals with disabilities or those who cannot access fixed-route services.

The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a positive aspect of the CCPT. All fixed-route buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other accessibility features. However, the limited service area and the need for advance booking for demand-response services pose a significant hurdle for individuals requiring frequent medical appointments. The lack of readily available and reliable public transportation is a major factor that lowers the "Lung Cancer Score" for Marathon.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Cortland and Syracuse areas. However, their availability in Marathon is sporadic and unreliable. The limited presence of ride-sharing services in Marathon adds another layer of complexity to healthcare access. Patients relying on these services may face long wait times, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution for patients needing assistance with transportation to medical appointments. Several companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services typically involve door-to-door transportation in specially equipped vehicles. However, the cost of these services can be a significant financial burden, and availability may be limited, particularly during peak demand.

Some healthcare providers may offer transportation assistance to their patients. This can involve arranging transportation through NEMT services or providing financial assistance to cover transportation costs. This is a crucial factor to investigate when considering healthcare access in Marathon. Understanding which services are available and the associated costs is vital for assessing the "Lung Cancer Score."

**The "Lung Cancer Score" and Moving to Marathon**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP code 13803 is moderately impacted by the limitations in transportation options. While the drive times to Cortland are reasonable, the longer commute to Syracuse, the primary location for specialized lung cancer treatment, presents a challenge. The lack of reliable public transportation and the limited availability of ride-sharing services further complicate healthcare access.

For individuals considering moving to Marathon, particularly those with a history of lung cancer or at high risk, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is essential. This includes evaluating their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation, and the potential cost of medical transportation services.

The benefits of living in a close-knit community and enjoying the tranquility of Marathon must be weighed against the practical challenges of accessing specialized healthcare. Prospective residents should proactively investigate the availability of transportation assistance programs offered by healthcare providers and explore options for accessing medical care in neighboring communities.

The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a reminder that healthcare access is not solely about the availability of medical facilities. It's also about the ability to get there. Understanding the transportation landscape is crucial for making informed decisions about where to live and how to ensure timely access to the care needed. The charm of Marathon, and the allure of moving there, must be balanced with a clear understanding of the transportation realities.