12924, Keeseville, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 12924, Keeseville, New York is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.33 percent of residents in 12924 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Elizabethtown Community Hospital with a distance of 16.99 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Keeseville, NY (ZIP Code 12924)

The overall health score for residents of Keeseville, New York (ZIP Code 12924) is intrinsically linked to their ability to access healthcare services. This write-up assesses the landscape of transportation options available to navigate this rural area, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, ultimately painting a picture of healthcare access and its impact on community well-being. For those considering moving to Keeseville, understanding these factors is crucial for making informed decisions about their health and lifestyle.

Keeseville, nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding transportation. The primary mode of transportation is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. The town's location, while offering scenic beauty, also necessitates reliance on driving to reach most medical facilities. This dependence directly influences the health score, as it impacts factors like travel time, fuel costs, and the physical strain of driving, particularly for those with mobility limitations or chronic conditions.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a significant consideration. The closest primary care providers are likely located in Keeseville itself, potentially reducing travel time. However, specialized care often necessitates travel to larger towns. Plattsburgh, approximately 20 miles east, is a major healthcare hub, home to the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH). Driving to Plattsburgh via **Route 9** typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. **Route 22** provides an alternate route, offering similar travel times.

Further afield, Burlington, Vermont, approximately 90 miles east, offers additional specialized care options. The drive to Burlington, primarily via **Interstate 87 (the Northway)** and **Interstate 89**, can take upwards of two hours. This longer commute significantly impacts the health score, particularly for urgent care needs or frequent appointments. The availability of reliable transportation, therefore, becomes paramount.

Public transportation options in Keeseville are limited. The Clinton County Public Transportation (CCPT) provides bus service within the county, but its routes and schedules may not directly serve all healthcare facilities or offer frequent service. The CCPT may offer routes that connect to Plattsburgh, providing a potential, though time-consuming, option for those without personal vehicles. ADA accessibility features on CCPT buses are available, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service.

For those seeking to avoid driving, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Plattsburgh area, though their presence in Keeseville is less consistent. Availability depends on driver density and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments can be expensive and unreliable, especially in a rural area. Pre-booking is highly recommended.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Ambulance services are available for emergency situations. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, such as First Transit, may be available to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. These services often require pre-booking and can be a lifeline for those who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation options. However, the availability of NEMT services can vary, and wait times may be a factor.

The overall health score for Keeseville residents is, therefore, a complex interplay of factors. While the town itself may offer some local healthcare options, the need to travel to Plattsburgh, Burlington, or other regional centers significantly impacts healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services all contribute to a lower score, especially for those with mobility limitations, chronic illnesses, or limited financial resources.

The health score is further influenced by the cost of transportation. Fuel expenses, vehicle maintenance, and potential parking fees at healthcare facilities add to the financial burden of accessing care. This financial strain can deter individuals from seeking timely medical attention, ultimately impacting their health outcomes.

Weather conditions in the Adirondacks can also play a significant role. Winter storms can make driving hazardous, increasing travel times and potentially hindering access to care. This seasonal factor further complicates the transportation landscape and underscores the need for reliable alternatives.

For those considering moving to Keeseville, careful consideration of these transportation factors is essential. Prospective residents should assess their individual healthcare needs, their ability to drive, and their access to alternative transportation options. Researching local healthcare providers, including their hours of operation and appointment scheduling processes, is also crucial.

The availability of support services, such as volunteer driver programs or community transportation initiatives, can improve the health score. These programs can provide a valuable resource for individuals who lack access to other transportation options. Increased investment in public transportation and the expansion of ride-sharing services could also enhance healthcare access and improve the overall health score for the community.

In conclusion, the overall health score for Keeseville residents is influenced by the challenges of transportation. While the town offers natural beauty and a close-knit community, the need to travel for specialized healthcare services, coupled with limited public transit and ride-sharing options, presents a significant hurdle. Addressing these transportation challenges through strategic investments, community initiatives, and individual planning is crucial for improving healthcare access and promoting the well-being of the residents of Keeseville. For those planning to move to Keeseville, careful consideration of these factors is essential for ensuring their healthcare needs are met.