12084, Guilderland, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 12084, Guilderland, New York is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.12 percent of residents in 12084 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.54 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Peter's Hospital with a distance of 5.62 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 12084 (Guilderland, NY)

The health of a community is intrinsically linked to its access to healthcare. This analysis provides an overall health score for residents of ZIP code 12084, focusing on the critical factor of transportation and its impact on healthcare access. This assessment considers drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive perspective for individuals considering moving to Guilderland and its surrounding areas.

Guilderland, a town nestled in Albany County, New York, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and proximity to urban amenities. However, the ease with which residents can access essential healthcare services significantly influences their overall well-being. This analysis seeks to illuminate the transportation landscape, providing a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access in this specific ZIP code.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

For many Guilderland residents, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation. Assessing drive times to healthcare facilities is crucial. The major thoroughfare, **Interstate 87 (the Northway)**, provides swift north-south access. **New York State Route 146** and **New York State Route 155** serve as vital east-west connectors.

Driving to **Albany Medical Center**, a major regional hospital, typically takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. **Ellis Hospital** in Schenectady, another significant healthcare provider, is reachable within 25-35 minutes via I-890 and I-88. Smaller clinics and urgent care facilities within Guilderland, such as those along **Western Avenue (Route 20)**, offer more immediate options, often accessible within a 5-10 minute drive.

Traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times. Accidents on the Northway or Route 20 can cause considerable delays, potentially affecting access to time-sensitive medical care. This factor warrants careful consideration when evaluating the transportation component of healthcare access.

**Public Transit Options:**

The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) provides public transit services within the Albany metropolitan area. Several CDTA bus routes serve Guilderland, offering an alternative to driving.

**Route 12** and **Route 13** are key routes that traverse Western Avenue (Route 20), providing access to various medical offices and clinics. **Route 19** offers a connection to the University at Albany campus, where additional healthcare facilities may be available.

While the CDTA network offers a degree of accessibility, the frequency of service and the potential for longer travel times are important considerations. Many bus stops may not be located directly in front of medical facilities, requiring a short walk.

The CDTA prioritizes accessibility, with all fixed-route buses equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating. This is a crucial aspect of ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can access healthcare services. However, the reliance on fixed routes and schedules may not be ideal for all residents, especially those requiring urgent care or with complex medical needs.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation option. These services are readily available in Guilderland, providing on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities. The convenience of ride-sharing can be particularly beneficial for individuals who do not own a vehicle or who are unable to drive.

However, ride-sharing costs can fluctuate, especially during peak demand periods. This financial factor should be considered when evaluating the affordability of healthcare access via ride-sharing.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, offer specialized transportation options. Companies like **Care Ride** and **First Transit** provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. These services typically require advance booking and may be covered by insurance, depending on the individual's plan and medical necessity.

Medical transport services are particularly valuable for individuals with limited mobility, those requiring assistance during transport, or those who cannot utilize public transit or ride-sharing. The availability of these services enhances healthcare access for vulnerable populations within the community.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The overall health score for transportation and healthcare access in ZIP code 12084 is moderately favorable. The availability of multiple transportation options, including driving, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, provides a reasonable level of access to healthcare facilities.

However, several factors can influence the score. Traffic congestion on major roadways can increase drive times, potentially delaying access to care. The frequency and coverage of CDTA bus routes may not fully meet the needs of all residents, particularly those in more remote areas or with complex medical requirements. The cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services can present a financial barrier for some individuals.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To enhance the overall health score, several improvements could be considered. Expanding CDTA bus service, particularly during off-peak hours and to underserved areas, could improve public transit access. Investing in infrastructure improvements to reduce traffic congestion on major roadways would shorten drive times. Promoting awareness of available medical transport services and exploring opportunities to subsidize these services for low-income individuals could improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

**Conclusion:**

The transportation landscape in ZIP code 12084 presents a mixed picture regarding healthcare access. While residents have multiple transportation options, challenges remain. Careful consideration of drive times, public transit limitations, ride-sharing costs, and the availability of medical transport services is crucial for individuals considering moving to Guilderland. By addressing the identified challenges and implementing targeted improvements, the community can further enhance healthcare access and contribute to the overall health and well-being of its residents. The health score is a dynamic measure, and ongoing efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and services are vital to ensuring that all residents have timely and affordable access to the healthcare they need.