13834, Portlandville, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13834, Portlandville, New York is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 13834 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Aurelia Osborn Fox Memorial Hospital with a distance of 6.92 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Assessing Healthcare Access in Portlandville (ZIP Code 13834)

The insidious nature of lung cancer demands swift and efficient access to quality healthcare. For residents of Portlandville, New York (ZIP Code 13834), the reality of diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care is inextricably linked to the available transportation options. This "Lung Cancer Score" aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the accessibility landscape, considering the critical role of transportation in the fight against this devastating disease. The goal is to illuminate the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals within this specific ZIP code, offering insights for both residents and those considering moving to Portlandville.

The cornerstone of this assessment lies in understanding the drive times to the nearest healthcare facilities equipped to handle lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The primary healthcare hub serving the region is Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, approximately 25 miles from Portlandville. The most direct route involves navigating along **New York State Route 28**, a two-lane highway that can experience congestion, especially during peak travel times or tourist seasons. The drive typically takes around 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic.

Another option involves utilizing **County Route 11**, which merges onto **New York State Route 205** before connecting to **New York State Route 28**. This route, while offering scenic views, can add travel time due to its winding nature and potential for slower speeds. This journey might stretch to an hour, particularly if weather conditions are unfavorable. The time sensitivity inherent in lung cancer care necessitates meticulous planning, factoring in potential delays and the urgency of appointments.

Beyond Bassett Medical Center, other potential healthcare destinations include Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, approximately 55 miles away. This journey primarily involves traveling on **New York State Route 7** and then **Interstate 88**. While the interstate offers higher speeds, the longer distance translates to a drive time of roughly an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half, depending on traffic and weather. This extended travel time could be a significant factor in the treatment journey.

Public transportation options in the area are limited. The primary provider is the Otsego County Public Transportation (OCPT). While OCPT offers some routes, their coverage in rural areas like Portlandville is sparse. There is no direct public transit route to Bassett Medical Center. The lack of a reliable public transportation network presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. This is particularly relevant for elderly residents or those facing mobility challenges related to their condition.

The OCPT does offer ADA-accessible buses, which are crucial for individuals with disabilities. However, the infrequent service and limited route coverage restrict their utility for accessing specialized healthcare. The absence of readily available public transportation underscores the critical dependence on private vehicles or alternative transportation methods for residents of Portlandville.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence can be sporadic, especially in rural areas. Availability can be influenced by driver density, time of day, and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments could be unreliable and potentially expensive. The unpredictability of ride-sharing availability adds another layer of complexity to the transportation equation.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available. These services are typically reserved for patients with specific medical needs or those requiring assistance with mobility. The cost of these services can be significant, and their availability is subject to insurance coverage and pre-authorization.

The availability of medical transportation is crucial for patients who are unable to drive or lack access to other transportation options. However, the reliance on these services can add to the financial burden of healthcare and may require careful planning and coordination.

The Lung Cancer Score also considers the distance to specialized cancer centers and treatment facilities. While Bassett Medical Center offers oncology services, the availability of advanced treatments, such as radiation therapy or specialized surgical procedures, might necessitate travel to larger regional centers. The additional travel time and logistical challenges associated with accessing specialized care can significantly impact the patient experience.

The lack of readily available transportation options can also affect access to supportive care services, such as support groups, counseling, and palliative care. These services are essential for managing the physical and emotional challenges of lung cancer, but their accessibility can be hampered by transportation barriers.

The impact of transportation challenges extends beyond the initial diagnosis and treatment phase. Regular follow-up appointments, chemotherapy sessions, and radiation therapy treatments require consistent and reliable transportation. The cumulative impact of these trips can be significant, affecting the patient's physical and emotional well-being.

The financial implications of transportation are also a critical factor. The cost of gas, vehicle maintenance, ride-sharing services, or medical transportation can add to the financial burden of healthcare. This can be especially challenging for individuals with limited incomes or those facing significant medical expenses.

In assessing the Lung Cancer Score for Portlandville, the following factors are considered:

* **Drive times to healthcare facilities:** The time required to reach Bassett Medical Center and other relevant healthcare providers.
* **Availability of public transportation:** The frequency, route coverage, and accessibility of public transit options.
* **Presence of ride-sharing services:** The reliability and cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing options.
* **Availability of medical transportation:** The availability, cost, and accessibility of medical transportation services.
* **Distance to specialized cancer centers:** The distance to facilities offering advanced treatments and specialized care.
* **Access to supportive care services:** The ease of access to support groups, counseling, and palliative care.
* **Financial implications of transportation:** The cost of transportation and its impact on the patient's financial well-being.

For residents of Portlandville, the Lung Cancer Score reflects a landscape where transportation significantly impacts healthcare access. While the drive to Bassett Medical Center is manageable, the limited public transportation options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services pose challenges. The need for reliable transportation is amplified by the urgency of lung cancer treatment and the importance of regular follow-up care.

The lack of robust transportation infrastructure can also affect the ability of individuals to participate in clinical trials or access cutting-edge treatments. This can limit their options and potentially impact their prognosis.

For those considering moving to Portlandville, the availability of transportation should be a key consideration. The ability to access healthcare services promptly and reliably is paramount, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those at risk for lung cancer. The need for careful planning and the potential reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods are crucial factors to assess.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for Portlandville, ZIP Code 13834, highlights the critical link between transportation and healthcare access. While the proximity to Bassett Medical Center provides a baseline level of care, the limited transportation options create significant challenges for residents. Addressing these challenges through improved public transportation, expanded ride-sharing services, and enhanced medical transportation options would significantly improve healthcare access and outcomes for individuals battling lung cancer in Portlandville. The journey to recovery is made more difficult by transportation hurdles, therefore, the need for accessible and reliable transportation is paramount.