14544, Rushville, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 14544, Rushville, New York is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.27 percent of residents in 14544 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.48 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Soldiers And Sailors Memorial Hospital Of Yates with a distance of 11.67 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rushville, NY (ZIP Code 14544)

The specter of a lung cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding swift and efficient access to specialized medical care. For residents of Rushville, New York (ZIP Code 14544), the reality of *healthcare access* is intricately woven with the challenges of *transportation*. This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score," a comprehensive assessment of the ease with which individuals can reach vital healthcare services, considering the specific geographical constraints and available *transportation* options. It's a crucial factor for anyone *moving to Rushville* or currently residing there, particularly those at risk or facing a diagnosis.

The score considers drive times to key medical facilities, the availability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options. It reflects the urgency required in lung cancer treatment, where timely intervention significantly impacts outcomes. We will delve into the specifics of navigating the roads, exploring public transit, and identifying alternatives to ensure that residents can access the care they need without undue delay.

Rushville, nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, presents unique *transportation* challenges. The nearest major medical centers equipped to handle lung cancer diagnoses and treatment are located in larger cities like Rochester and Syracuse. This geographical reality necessitates a careful evaluation of the *transportation* infrastructure and available resources.

**Driving the Distance: Roadways and Realities**

For most residents, the primary mode of *transportation* to healthcare facilities will be personal vehicles. The journey to Rochester, home to the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), a leading cancer center, is approximately 50 miles. The most direct route typically involves heading north on New York State Route 245, a winding two-lane road that eventually connects with New York State Route 332. This route offers scenic views but can be slow-going, particularly during peak traffic hours or inclement weather.

From Route 332, travelers can merge onto Interstate 490 West, a major highway that provides relatively quick access to Rochester. The total drive time, under ideal conditions, is around one hour and 15 minutes. However, this estimate is subject to change. Traffic congestion, especially near Rochester, can significantly extend travel times, particularly during rush hour.

Another option is to head east on New York State Route 245 to New York State Route 14A, which then connects to Interstate 90 (the New York State Thruway). This route is slightly longer but may offer a more predictable travel time, especially if traffic on I-490 is heavy. The Thruway does involve tolls, an added expense to consider.

The journey to Syracuse, home to Upstate University Hospital, another major medical center, is considerably longer. The route involves taking New York State Route 245 east to New York State Route 14A, then merging onto Interstate 90 (the New York State Thruway) east. The drive is approximately 80 miles and typically takes around one hour and 45 minutes, again, depending on traffic and weather.

For those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, these drive times can be a significant burden. The need for frequent appointments, including diagnostic tests, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up visits, can place a considerable strain on patients and their families. The time spent traveling can also impact the patient's physical and emotional well-being.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public *transportation* options in Rushville and the surrounding area are limited. The availability of buses and other forms of public transit is sparse, making it challenging for those without personal vehicles to access healthcare.

The Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) operates bus routes within the Rochester area, but these routes do not extend to Rushville. The nearest RGRTA bus stops are located in Canandaigua, approximately 15 miles from Rushville. Even if a resident could reach Canandaigua, the bus routes would still require multiple transfers and significantly increase travel time to medical facilities in Rochester.

Similarly, public transit options to Syracuse are virtually nonexistent from Rushville. The lack of comprehensive public *transportation* significantly impacts *healthcare access* for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle. This is a crucial factor for anyone *moving to Rushville* and for those with limited mobility or financial resources.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features on any available public transit would need to be verified, as this is crucial for individuals with mobility challenges who may be undergoing treatment.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: A Mixed Bag**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Rochester and Syracuse areas, but their presence in Rushville is less consistent. Availability can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in rural areas. Relying on ride-sharing for frequent medical appointments can be unreliable and expensive.

Medical *transportation* services offer a more specialized option. Companies like CareRide and MedTrans provide non-emergency medical *transportation* to and from medical appointments. These services typically offer door-to-door service and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, these services can be costly, and the availability of medical transport providers in the Rushville area needs to be confirmed.

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

Considering the factors outlined above, the "Lung Cancer Score" for residents of Rushville (ZIP Code 14544) is moderate. The score reflects the following:

* **Drive Times:** While the drive times to major medical centers are manageable, they are significant and can be impacted by traffic and weather.
* **Public Transit:** The lack of public transit significantly limits *healthcare access* for those without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Ride-sharing availability is inconsistent and may not be a reliable option.
* **Medical Transport:** Medical transport services offer a viable alternative but are costly and availability needs to be confirmed.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access**

To improve the "Lung Cancer Score" and enhance *healthcare access* for residents of Rushville, several measures could be implemented:

* **Advocate for Improved Public Transit:** Efforts should be made to expand public transit options, including bus routes that connect Rushville with Rochester and other medical centers.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing Awareness:** Educate residents about the availability and limitations of ride-sharing services.
* **Support Medical Transport Services:** Encourage the expansion of medical transport services in the area, potentially through partnerships with local healthcare providers.
* **Explore Telemedicine Options:** Promote the use of telemedicine to reduce the need for frequent in-person appointments, especially for follow-up care.
* **Community Outreach:** Conduct outreach programs to educate residents about lung cancer prevention, early detection, and available resources.

For anyone *moving to Rushville*, this analysis underscores the importance of considering *transportation* limitations when assessing *healthcare access*. While the area offers a peaceful environment, the challenges of reaching specialized medical care must be carefully evaluated. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a starting point for understanding the complexities of accessing healthcare in Rushville and provides a framework for advocating for improvements in *transportation* and healthcare services.