12190, Wells, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 12190, Wells, New York is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.22 percent of residents in 12190 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 30.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Nathan Littauer Hospital with a distance of 25.33 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 12190 (Wells, NY)

The quaint Adirondack town of Wells, New York, nestled within ZIP code 12190, offers a serene lifestyle, but its remote location presents unique challenges to healthcare access. This write-up assesses the overall health score, focusing on transportation options and their impact on residents' ability to reach medical facilities. We'll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture for those considering moving to Wells, ensuring they understand the complexities of healthcare access.

The overall health score for 12190, concerning healthcare accessibility, is influenced by the limited transportation infrastructure. While the area boasts natural beauty, the reality of reaching medical professionals requires careful consideration. The score reflects the trade-offs between the tranquility of Wells and the potential difficulties in accessing timely and convenient healthcare.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Wells is the personal vehicle. The drive times to various medical facilities significantly impact the overall health score. The most immediate healthcare option is often the local primary care physician, but specialized care and hospital services necessitate travel to nearby towns.

Traveling south on **New York State Route 30**, the primary artery through Wells, provides access to the Adirondack Medical Center in Lake Placid, approximately a 75-mile journey. This drive, while scenic, can take upwards of two hours, especially during peak tourism seasons or inclement weather. The winding roads and potential for wildlife encounters further complicate the journey.

Heading east on **NY-30** and then onto **NY-149** leads to Glens Falls Hospital, a larger facility offering a broader range of services. This trip covers roughly 60 miles and takes about an hour and a half, depending on traffic. The journey involves navigating through several towns, adding to the potential for delays.

Northward travel on **NY-30** to the town of Indian Lake, a 30-minute drive, offers limited healthcare options, primarily for urgent care and basic medical needs. This route is generally less congested but still subject to seasonal variations.

The drive times highlight a critical aspect of the health score: the dependence on personal vehicles and the significant travel distances. This can be particularly challenging for elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, or those without reliable transportation. The remoteness of Wells necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential travel delays.

**Public Transit Limitations:**

Public transportation options in 12190 are extremely limited. The Adirondack Trailways bus service provides infrequent service along **NY-30**, connecting Wells to larger towns and cities. However, the schedule is often restricted, making it impractical for routine medical appointments. The infrequent nature of the bus service significantly diminishes the overall health score, as it offers limited accessibility for those without private transportation.

Furthermore, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility on the Adirondack Trailways routes is a concern. While the buses are designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, the limited frequency and the long travel times can pose challenges. The lack of readily available public transit severely restricts healthcare access for those unable to drive or lacking access to a personal vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not readily available in Wells. The sparse population and the remote location make it economically unviable for these companies to operate. This absence further exacerbates the transportation challenges for healthcare access, especially for those without access to a car.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), play a vital role in supporting healthcare access. Ambulance services are available for emergency situations, and the response times are generally within acceptable standards. However, non-emergency medical transportation options are more limited.

Several local medical transport providers may offer services to transport patients to and from medical appointments. These services often require advance booking and may have limited availability. The cost of these services can also be a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for low-income residents. The reliance on medical transport services, with their potential for limited availability and high costs, negatively impacts the overall health score.

**Healthcare Access and Moving to Wells:**

For those considering moving to Wells, the limitations in healthcare access must be a primary consideration. The drive times to medical facilities, the lack of public transportation, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services create significant challenges. Individuals with chronic health conditions, those requiring frequent medical appointments, or those with mobility limitations should carefully evaluate these factors.

The overall health score for 12190 is negatively impacted by the transportation constraints. While the town offers a peaceful and scenic environment, the remoteness and limited transportation options make healthcare access more challenging than in more urbanized areas. Residents must be prepared to rely on personal vehicles, plan for potentially long travel times, and consider the availability and cost of medical transport services.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP code 12190 is moderate, heavily influenced by the limitations in transportation options. While emergency services are available, the dependence on personal vehicles, the lack of public transit, and the limited availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services pose significant challenges. For those considering moving to Wells, a thorough understanding of these constraints is crucial. Careful planning, consideration of healthcare needs, and the ability to manage travel times are essential for ensuring adequate healthcare access in this beautiful but geographically isolated community. The serene beauty of Wells is balanced by the practical realities of healthcare access, making it a trade-off that potential residents must carefully weigh.