14592, York, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 14592, York, New York is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.01 percent of residents in 14592 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.42 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wyoming County Community Hospital with a distance of 15.92 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 14592

The crisp air of Western New York, often celebrated for its scenic beauty, belies a harsh reality for residents of ZIP code 14592 (York, NY) facing a lung cancer diagnosis. This write-up, the "Lung Cancer Score," assesses the critical element of healthcare access, focusing on the transportation landscape that dictates a patient's ability to receive timely and effective treatment. This analysis is especially relevant for anyone considering moving to York, as it directly impacts quality of life.

Understanding the intricacies of transportation is paramount. A diagnosis of lung cancer necessitates frequent appointments: consultations, diagnostic imaging (CT scans, PET scans), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up visits. The ability to reliably and comfortably reach these appointments can significantly impact a patient's physical and emotional well-being, and ultimately, their prognosis.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary arteries for transportation in and around York are the major highways and local roads. Driving is often the most direct, though not always the most accessible, option. Residents of 14592 will likely rely on NY-36, a north-south state route, for initial travel. This road connects York to larger population centers and healthcare facilities.

Traveling north on NY-36 provides access to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, a comprehensive cancer center, approximately a 45-60 minute drive. This drive, while feasible, can be challenging for patients experiencing fatigue, nausea, or pain. The route involves navigating traffic, particularly during peak hours, which can exacerbate these symptoms.

Heading south on NY-36 leads to Dansville, NY, where a smaller, local hospital, Noyes Memorial Hospital, offers some outpatient services. This drive is shorter, typically 15-20 minutes, and may be suitable for less intensive treatments or routine check-ups. However, it may not provide the specialized care available at larger facilities.

Other roadways, such as County Route 2, provide alternative routes, though they may be less direct and potentially involve more rural driving conditions. These roads might be preferable for avoiding congestion on NY-36, but their narrow lanes and winding curves could pose challenges for some patients.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation in 14592 is extremely limited, significantly impacting healthcare access. The Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) provides bus service in the broader Rochester area, but service to York is infrequent and primarily focuses on connecting to larger towns.

There are no direct bus routes from York to major cancer centers like Strong Memorial Hospital. The most likely scenario involves a bus route that travels to a larger town like Geneseo, and then a transfer to another bus or potentially a ride-share service. This multi-leg journey can be time-consuming, potentially exceeding two hours, and physically demanding, making it a difficult option for many patients.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial. Patients with mobility limitations or those undergoing treatment may require specialized accommodations. While RGRTA strives to provide accessible vehicles, the limited frequency of service in York increases the likelihood of delays and missed appointments if accessible buses are unavailable.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible transportation option. However, their availability in rural areas like York can be unpredictable. Wait times for a ride-share vehicle might be lengthy, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-share services can also be a significant financial burden, especially with frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several providers operate in the region, including:

* **Care Ride:** A company that often contracts with insurance providers to transport patients.
* **Ambucare:** A medical transportation service that provides non-emergency medical transport.

These services provide door-to-door assistance, including helping patients in and out of vehicles and assisting with mobility devices. However, their availability must be confirmed in advance, and they may require pre-authorization from insurance companies. The cost of medical transportation can vary, and it's essential to investigate insurance coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses.

**Healthcare Access and Moving to York:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 14592 reveals significant challenges in healthcare access related to transportation. While driving offers the most direct route, the long drive times to comprehensive cancer centers, coupled with the potential for fatigue and discomfort, present obstacles. The limited public transit options and the reliance on ride-share or medical transport further complicate the situation.

For individuals considering moving to York, this analysis highlights the importance of carefully evaluating transportation options and healthcare resources. Proximity to a caregiver who can drive patients to appointments, or access to reliable medical transportation services, becomes crucial.

The availability of local healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians and oncologists, can also influence the "Lung Cancer Score." Proximity to these providers can reduce the frequency of long-distance travel for routine care and symptom management.

**Conclusion:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 14592 emphasizes the critical link between transportation and healthcare access. The limited public transit options, combined with the reliance on driving and the potential challenges of ride-share and medical transport, create significant hurdles for patients.

For residents of York, and especially those considering moving to York, a thorough understanding of these transportation challenges is essential. Planning for healthcare needs, including securing reliable transportation, is a crucial aspect of ensuring timely and effective treatment. The availability of support networks, such as family, friends, or community organizations, to assist with transportation can significantly improve the "Lung Cancer Score" and improve a patient's quality of life.