12942, Keene, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 12942, Keene, New York is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.61 percent of residents in 12942 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.60 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Elizabethtown Community Hospital with a distance of 9.75 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 12942 (Keene, NY)

This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 12942 (Keene, NY), focusing on their ability to access healthcare. This score considers the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by the region's unique geography, transportation infrastructure, and available healthcare resources. We will examine commute times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation providers to determine the ease with which individuals can reach medical appointments and receive necessary care. Ultimately, this information is crucial for anyone considering moving to Keene, NY, and assessing their long-term health prospects.

Keene, nestled within the Adirondack Mountains, presents a landscape that is both beautiful and challenging. The rugged terrain and sparse population density directly impact the availability and accessibility of healthcare services. Residents of 12942 often face significant travel distances to reach specialists, hospitals, and other medical facilities. This geographical reality necessitates a careful evaluation of transportation options and their impact on overall health outcomes.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Keene is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. Driving times to various healthcare facilities are a critical factor in determining the overall health score. The town's central location means that residents often need to travel to larger towns for comprehensive medical care.

For instance, the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake is a crucial destination, accessible via NY-73 North and NY-86 West. The drive, typically taking around 30-45 minutes, can be significantly impacted by weather conditions, particularly during the winter months. The winding roads and potential for snow and ice necessitate careful driving and can increase travel times, impacting access to emergency care.

Further afield, the University of Vermont Health Network - Elizabethtown Community Hospital is another important healthcare provider, reached via NY-9N South. This drive is generally shorter, around 20-30 minutes, but still requires navigating rural roads.

For more specialized care, residents might need to travel to Plattsburgh, requiring a longer journey via NY-86 East and I-87 North (the Adirondack Northway). This trip can take over an hour, potentially increasing stress and delaying access to critical medical services. The Adirondack Northway, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion, especially during peak travel seasons, further impacting healthcare access.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in Keene are limited, presenting a significant challenge to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The Essex County Public Transportation system (ECPT) offers bus services, but routes and schedules are often infrequent and may not directly serve all healthcare facilities.

The ECPT operates routes that may connect Keene with larger towns like Saranac Lake and Elizabethtown. However, these routes often have limited operating hours, potentially making it difficult to attend appointments outside of standard business hours. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is essential for individuals with disabilities, and this factor must be considered when evaluating public transportation options. Residents need to verify the availability of ADA-compliant vehicles and the accessibility of bus stops along the routes.

The lack of robust public transportation in Keene underscores the importance of alternative transportation solutions for those who cannot drive.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the region, but their availability is often limited, particularly in rural areas like Keene. The presence of these services may fluctuate depending on driver availability and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for healthcare access requires careful planning and advance booking to ensure reliable transportation.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), play a vital role in ensuring healthcare access for individuals with mobility limitations or those needing assistance. Ambulance services are essential for emergency situations, providing rapid transport to the nearest hospital.

NEMT services, often provided by specialized companies, offer transportation for non-emergency medical appointments, such as doctor's visits, dialysis treatments, and physical therapy. These services typically require pre-booking and may have specific eligibility requirements. The availability and affordability of NEMT services are crucial for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation options.

**Healthcare Access and the Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for residents of 12942 is significantly influenced by the challenges of healthcare access. The long drive times, limited public transportation, and variable availability of ride-sharing services can create barriers to timely and consistent medical care. These factors can lead to delayed diagnoses, reduced adherence to treatment plans, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes.

The score is further impacted by the need to travel to larger towns and cities for specialized care. This requires careful planning, consideration of travel costs, and the potential for increased stress. The availability of medical transportation services, particularly NEMT, is a crucial factor in mitigating these challenges.

**Conclusion:**

For those considering moving to Keene, NY, a thorough assessment of healthcare access is essential. The overall health score for 12942 is influenced by the need to navigate long distances, rely on personal vehicles, and consider the limitations of public transportation and ride-sharing. Careful planning, including researching available medical transportation services and understanding the local healthcare landscape, is critical for ensuring access to necessary medical care.

The ability to access healthcare is a fundamental determinant of overall health and well-being. Residents of Keene must proactively address the transportation challenges to ensure they receive the care they need, when they need it. This requires a multifaceted approach, including utilizing available transportation options, advocating for improved public transportation services, and leveraging medical transportation resources. The health score is not just a number; it represents the quality of life and the ability to thrive in this beautiful, yet challenging, Adirondack community.