12776, Roscoe, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 12776, Roscoe, New York is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.25 percent of residents in 12776 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.51 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Delaware Valley Hospital, Inc with a distance of 18.48 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 12776 (Roscoe, NY)

Navigating the healthcare landscape in Roscoe, New York (ZIP Code 12776) presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This assessment delves into the accessibility of medical services, factoring in transportation options, drive times, and the availability of alternative methods. Understanding these elements is crucial for anyone considering moving to Roscoe, as they significantly impact overall health and well-being. We will explore the current state of healthcare access within the community, providing a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" based on the available data.

Roscoe, a charming town nestled in the Catskill Mountains, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, its rural setting presents hurdles when it comes to accessing healthcare. The primary concern revolves around transportation. Limited public transportation options and significant distances to specialized medical facilities necessitate careful planning and consideration. This write-up aims to illuminate these factors, enabling informed decisions regarding healthcare access for residents and prospective newcomers.

The "Overall Health Score" will be determined by assessing the following key areas: drive times to various healthcare providers, availability of public transit, ride-sharing and medical transport options, and the presence of healthcare facilities within the ZIP code. The score will reflect the ease or difficulty of accessing necessary medical care, influencing the overall health and wellness of the community.

**Drive Times: The Road to Healthcare**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare in Roscoe is undoubtedly personal vehicles. The distances to healthcare facilities are substantial, demanding a reliance on cars for most residents. The closest primary care physician's office is likely located within Roscoe itself, potentially mitigating some travel time for routine appointments. However, access to specialists and hospitals necessitates journeys outside the immediate area.

Driving to larger hospitals like Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown, NY, involves navigating a network of roads. The primary route involves heading east on NY-17 (also known as the Quickway), a major highway that provides access to several towns and cities. The drive on NY-17 is generally efficient, although traffic can be a factor during peak hours. The journey to Middletown, approximately 60 miles, can take around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Another option for specialized care is the Bassett Healthcare Network in Cooperstown, NY, which is a longer drive. This route involves heading north on NY-17, then taking I-88 West. This trip, covering about 100 miles, takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. This longer drive highlights the geographic challenges faced by Roscoe residents when seeking advanced medical care.

Smaller urgent care facilities and specialty clinics may be found in nearby towns like Liberty or Monticello. Reaching these facilities involves driving on secondary roads, such as NY-17, NY-206, and local roads. Travel times to these destinations vary, typically ranging from 20 minutes to an hour. These shorter trips provide some relief for urgent needs but still require the use of a personal vehicle.

The drive times to these facilities underscore the importance of reliable transportation. The distance to specialized care can be a significant barrier, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those without access to a personal vehicle. This reliance on personal vehicles directly influences the "Overall Health Score."

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Roscoe are extremely limited. The rural nature of the area and low population density make it challenging to establish and maintain a robust public transit system. There is no dedicated bus service within Roscoe.

The lack of public transportation presents a significant obstacle for those unable to drive or who do not own a car. This includes elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The absence of accessible public transit severely impacts healthcare access, contributing to a lower "Overall Health Score."

The absence of accessible public transit in Roscoe is a critical factor in assessing healthcare access. The lack of options isolates vulnerable populations and limits their ability to seek timely medical attention.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in some areas surrounding Roscoe. However, their availability in the immediate vicinity is inconsistent. The remote location and limited demand may make it difficult to secure a ride, especially during off-peak hours or for longer distances to hospitals.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution for individuals needing assistance. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in the region. These services often cater to patients requiring transport to and from medical appointments. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, and they may require advance booking.

The reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport adds complexity to healthcare access. While these options provide alternatives, they are often less convenient and more expensive than personal transportation. The availability of these services is a factor in the "Overall Health Score," but their limitations must be acknowledged.

**Healthcare Facilities within ZIP Code 12776**

Roscoe itself has limited healthcare facilities. This typically includes a primary care physician's office, and possibly a small clinic. The availability of these services is a positive factor in the "Overall Health Score," providing convenient access for routine medical needs. However, the lack of specialized services necessitates travel to other towns and cities.

The limited number of healthcare facilities within the ZIP code emphasizes the importance of transportation. Residents must travel outside Roscoe for specialized care, creating a greater reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation options.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary**

The "Overall Health Score" for accessing healthcare in Roscoe (ZIP Code 12776) is moderately low. The primary challenge is the reliance on personal vehicles for transportation. The drive times to specialized care facilities are substantial, and public transportation is virtually nonexistent. Ride-sharing services are limited, and medical transport options, while available, can be expensive and require advance planning.

The presence of a primary care physician's office within Roscoe provides some convenience for routine medical needs. However, the need to travel for specialized care and the lack of alternative transportation options significantly impact the "Overall Health Score."

**Recommendations**

Improving healthcare access in Roscoe requires a multi-faceted approach. Efforts should focus on:

* **Advocating for increased public transportation:** Exploring the feasibility of establishing a limited bus route or partnering with regional transit authorities to provide service to Roscoe.
* **Promoting ride-sharing and medical transport services:** Increasing awareness of available options and potentially subsidizing transportation costs for vulnerable populations.
* **Supporting telehealth initiatives:** Expanding access to telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person visits.
* **Attracting additional healthcare providers:** Encouraging specialists to establish practices in Roscoe or nearby communities.

Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving the "Overall Health Score" and ensuring that all residents of Roscoe have equitable access to the healthcare they need. For those moving to Roscoe, a thorough understanding of these transportation and healthcare access issues is essential for making informed decisions.