14415, Bellona, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 14415, Bellona, New York is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.90 percent of residents in 14415 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Finger Lake Health-Geneva General Hospital with a distance of 8.52 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 14415**

The picturesque landscape of Bellona, New York, nestled within ZIP code 14415, offers a tranquil setting. However, the serene environment necessitates careful consideration of healthcare access, especially for those facing the complexities of lung cancer. This write-up provides a comprehensive analysis, assigning a "Lung Cancer Score" based on transportation options and their impact on accessing vital medical care.

The Lung Cancer Score reflects the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach specialized lung cancer treatment centers. It considers drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score suggests significant challenges. The goal is to empower individuals considering moving to Bellona or already residing there, to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs.

**The Driving Landscape: A Score of 6/10**

For those who prefer the autonomy of personal vehicles, navigating to healthcare facilities in the region primarily involves driving. The primary artery is New York State Route 14, a north-south thoroughfare that connects Bellona to larger towns and cities. Accessing the Finger Lakes Health System in Geneva, approximately 15 miles away, typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. This facility offers comprehensive cancer care, including oncology services.

Traveling to Rochester, a major healthcare hub, presents a greater challenge. Taking the New York State Thruway (I-90) eastward to the I-490 interchange is the most direct route, but the journey spans approximately 50 miles. Drive times can fluctuate between 1 hour and 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This route provides access to highly specialized cancer centers like the Wilmot Cancer Institute at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

The reliance on personal vehicles, while offering flexibility, poses limitations. The time commitment for regular appointments, chemotherapy sessions, and radiation treatments can be substantial, potentially impacting a patient's quality of life. Rural roads, especially during inclement weather, can further complicate travel. While the driving experience is relatively straightforward, the distance to specialized care lowers the score.

**Public Transportation: A Score of 3/10**

Public transportation options in the 14415 ZIP code are limited. The primary provider is the Ontario County Transportation System (OCTS). However, service frequency is generally low, and routes may not directly serve all healthcare facilities. This makes public transit a less viable option for frequent medical appointments.

OCTS operates a demand-response system, requiring advance booking. This can be challenging for individuals with unpredictable treatment schedules. While OCTS offers ADA-accessible vehicles, the scheduling process and potential wait times can still present significant hurdles. The lack of a robust public transit network significantly hampers healthcare access, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: A Score of 4/10**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their reliability and cost can vary. Availability may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in more rural areas. The cost of frequent rides to and from medical appointments can quickly become a financial burden.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or medical needs, offer a more specialized option. Companies like CareRide and MedTrans provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services typically require pre-booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing. However, they offer door-to-door service and assistance, which can be invaluable for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

While ride-sharing and medical transport provide alternative transportation options, their availability, cost, and potential logistical complexities limit their overall impact on improving the Lung Cancer Score. The options are available, but not consistently reliable.

**Healthcare Access and the Lung Cancer Score: A Synthesis**

The Lung Cancer Score for ZIP code 14415 is currently a 4.3/10. This score reflects the challenges associated with accessing specialized lung cancer care. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options contribute to longer travel times and potential logistical difficulties. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides some relief, but the cost and reliability of these options remain concerns.

For individuals considering moving to Bellona or already residing there, understanding these transportation limitations is crucial. While the area offers a peaceful environment, the distance to specialized healthcare facilities requires careful planning. Patients and their families should factor in travel time, costs, and potential disruptions to their daily lives when making healthcare decisions.

**Recommendations and Future Considerations**

Improving healthcare access in ZIP code 14415 requires a multi-faceted approach. Strengthening the public transportation network, with increased service frequency and direct routes to healthcare facilities, would be a significant step forward. Exploring partnerships between healthcare providers and ride-sharing services to offer discounted or subsidized transportation options could also improve access.

Furthermore, telemedicine services could play a vital role in providing remote consultations and follow-up care, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Expanding the availability of home healthcare services could also alleviate the burden of travel for patients requiring assistance with daily living activities.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that residents of Bellona, regardless of their transportation capabilities, have timely and convenient access to the specialized care they need. The Lung Cancer Score serves as a starting point for ongoing assessment and improvement, ensuring that the community can effectively support its residents facing the challenges of lung cancer. This will make Bellona a more attractive location for those considering moving there. The key is improving transportation.