13827, Owego, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13827, Owego, New York is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.45 percent of residents in 13827 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.78 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Our Lady Of Lourdes Memorial Hospital with a distance of 16.44 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Owego, NY (ZIP Code 13827)

The crisp air of Owego, New York, nestled in the heart of the Southern Tier, offers a serene backdrop for life. However, the idyllic setting presents unique challenges when considering healthcare access, especially for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP code 13827, focusing on the critical element of transportation and its impact on receiving timely and effective care. This is a crucial consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Owego, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a formal medical assessment, but rather a composite metric considering transportation options, drive times to specialized cancer centers, availability of public transit, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services. These factors directly influence a patient's ability to attend appointments, undergo treatments, and ultimately, navigate the complexities of lung cancer care. The score will range from 1 to 10, with 1 representing severely limited access and 10 representing excellent access.

**Drive Times and Highway Navigation:**

Owego, NY (13827) is primarily served by a network of local roads and highways, which directly impact the commute to healthcare facilities. The most significant factor in this area is the distance to specialized cancer centers. The primary destination for comprehensive lung cancer care is often the Guthrie Cancer Center in Sayre, PA, approximately 30 miles away. Driving time typically ranges from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The primary route involves navigating Route 17 (also known as the Southern Tier Expressway) and then heading south on Route 220.

For those seeking care closer to home, the Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, NY, offers cancer services. The drive to Binghamton, approximately 30 minutes away, involves traveling on Route 17 and then taking the exit for the hospital. While this drive is shorter, the availability of specialized lung cancer treatments and expertise may be more limited compared to the Guthrie Cancer Center.

Other potential destinations for specialized care include Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, NY, roughly a two-hour drive via I-81 North, or the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, NY, a significantly longer journey of approximately four hours, primarily via I-86 West and I-90 West. These longer drives pose significant challenges for patients undergoing treatment, requiring frequent travel and potentially increasing fatigue and discomfort.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is negatively impacted by the reliance on personal vehicles for transportation. While the roads are generally well-maintained, the distances to specialized care centers, particularly those offering cutting-edge treatments, can be a significant burden. The unpredictable nature of New York weather, especially during winter months, can further complicate travel, potentially delaying or even preventing access to vital medical appointments.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options within and around Owego are limited. The Tioga County Public Transit (TCPT) offers bus services, but routes and schedules are not specifically tailored to the needs of cancer patients. The TCPT operates on fixed routes, with limited frequency and operating hours. This makes it challenging for patients needing regular appointments, as the routes may not align with clinic schedules or treatment times.

The TCPT does offer ADA-accessible buses, providing a crucial service for patients with mobility limitations. However, the limited route coverage and frequency remain significant barriers to healthcare access. The lack of direct routes to major cancer centers further exacerbates the challenge. For patients relying on public transit, the journey to treatment can involve multiple transfers and extended travel times, adding to the physical and emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is significantly lowered by the limited availability and functionality of public transportation. The absence of dedicated medical transport services or routes specifically designed to serve cancer patients further complicates the situation.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Services:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Owego area, offering a potential alternative for transportation. However, the availability of drivers can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden for patients requiring frequent trips for treatment.

Medical transport services are also available, offering specialized transportation for patients with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, the availability of these services can be limited, and the cost can be substantial, particularly for long-distance travel.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is moderately improved by the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. However, the limitations of these services, including cost, availability, and the potential for delays, still pose significant challenges for patients. The lack of readily accessible and affordable transportation options remains a critical concern.

**Overall "Lung Cancer Score" for Owego (13827):**

Considering the factors discussed above, the "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP code 13827 is a **4 out of 10**. This score reflects the challenges associated with transportation and healthcare access in this area. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential costs and availability issues of ride-sharing and medical transport services all contribute to this low score.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

Improving the "Lung Cancer Score" for Owego requires a multi-faceted approach. Enhancements to the public transit system, including dedicated routes to cancer centers and increased frequency of service, would significantly improve healthcare access. Partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation for cancer patients could also alleviate some of the financial burdens. Increased awareness of and access to medical transport services is also crucial.

For individuals considering moving to Owego, particularly those with a history of lung cancer or other health concerns, a thorough assessment of transportation needs and healthcare access is essential. Researching available healthcare facilities, understanding the transportation options, and considering the potential financial implications of travel are critical steps in making an informed decision. Prioritizing access to healthcare is a fundamental consideration when deciding where to live, and in Owego, the transportation challenges are significant.