12967, North Lawrence, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 12967, North Lawrence, New York is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.95 percent of residents in 12967 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.51 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Alice Hyde Medical Center with a distance of 19.24 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 12967

This comprehensive analysis evaluates the accessibility of healthcare services for residents of ZIP Code 12967, North Lawrence, New York. Our “Overall Health Score” considers various transportation modalities, including private vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport options. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the ease with which residents can access essential medical care, influencing decisions about moving to North Lawrence.

**Driving the Distance: Navigating the Roads to Wellness**

For many in 12967, the car remains the primary mode of transportation. The reliance on personal vehicles significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for those without a car or unable to drive. The major artery, Route 37, serves as the primary conduit, connecting North Lawrence to surrounding communities with healthcare facilities.

Traveling east on Route 37 leads towards Massena, a town with a hospital, primary care physicians, and various specialist practices. Expect a drive time of approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. The route is generally well-maintained, but winter weather can pose challenges, potentially extending travel times and increasing the risk of accidents.

Heading west on Route 37 offers access to healthcare in Potsdam, a larger town with a more extensive range of medical services, including a hospital, specialist clinics, and dental care. The drive to Potsdam typically takes around 30-40 minutes, presenting a longer commute. This longer duration necessitates considering the time commitment for appointments, especially for those with work or family obligations.

Smaller local roads, such as County Route 45 and County Route 47, provide alternative routes, though they often involve slower speeds and may be less well-maintained. These roads are crucial for residents living in more rural areas within the ZIP code, potentially adding significant travel time to their healthcare appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in 12967 are limited, posing a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who do not own a car or cannot drive. The St. Lawrence County Public Transit system provides some service, but routes and schedules may be infrequent, particularly to healthcare facilities outside of Massena and Potsdam.

The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial consideration. While the transit system strives to provide accessible services, it is essential to confirm the availability of accessible routes and features for specific appointments. This ensures that individuals with disabilities can access healthcare without undue hardship.

The lack of frequent and comprehensive public transportation options necessitates careful planning for those reliant on this mode. Residents must factor in longer travel times, potential waiting periods, and the need to coordinate schedules with the limited bus routes. This can lead to missed appointments or delayed access to essential medical care.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence in 12967 may be sporadic, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. The availability of these services can be a significant factor in healthcare access, offering a convenient alternative to driving or public transit.

Medical transport services offer specialized transportation for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. These services, often provided by ambulance companies or private providers, can transport patients to and from medical appointments. However, these services often come with a higher cost and require advance booking, making them less accessible for urgent or unplanned healthcare needs.

**The Healthcare Landscape: A Snapshot of Services**

The availability of healthcare facilities within and near 12967 is a critical factor in assessing healthcare access. The proximity to hospitals, primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care clinics significantly impacts the overall health score.

Massena Memorial Hospital, located a short drive east on Route 37, provides a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and outpatient clinics. This hospital is a crucial resource for residents of 12967, offering immediate access to medical attention in emergency situations.

The Potsdam Hospital, located west on Route 37, provides a broader range of specialized services, including cardiology, oncology, and surgical care. This hospital offers a more comprehensive healthcare experience, but the longer travel time requires careful planning.

The availability of primary care physicians and specialists within the immediate vicinity of 12967 is also crucial. Access to routine checkups, preventative care, and specialist consultations is essential for maintaining good health. The availability of these services reduces the need for longer travel times and improves the overall health score.

**The Impact of Geography and Demographics**

The geographical layout of 12967, including its rural nature and dispersed population, influences healthcare access. Residents in more remote areas may face longer travel times to healthcare facilities, highlighting the importance of transportation options.

The demographics of the population, including age, income, and disability status, also play a crucial role. Seniors and individuals with disabilities may face greater challenges accessing healthcare, making the availability of accessible transportation and medical services even more critical.

**The Overall Health Score: A Composite Assessment**

The “Overall Health Score” for commuting to healthcare in 12967 is a composite measure, weighing the various factors discussed above. The score reflects the accessibility of healthcare services, considering transportation options, the proximity of healthcare facilities, and the demographics of the population.

The score will be lower for residents who rely on public transit or have limited transportation options. The score will be higher for those with access to personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, and medical transport. The score will also be influenced by the proximity to healthcare facilities and the availability of specialized medical services.

**Improving Healthcare Access: Recommendations for 12967**

Improving healthcare access in 12967 requires a multi-faceted approach. Enhancing public transportation services, including increased frequency and expanded routes, is essential. This would significantly benefit those without personal vehicles.

Promoting ride-sharing services and ensuring their availability in the area would also be beneficial. Subsidies or incentives could encourage ride-sharing companies to operate in 12967, increasing access to healthcare.

Expanding medical transport services and making them more affordable would also improve healthcare access. This would be particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs.

Investing in telehealth services, such as virtual doctor appointments and remote monitoring, could also reduce the need for travel and improve healthcare access. Telehealth can be especially useful for routine checkups, follow-up appointments, and specialist consultations.

Finally, encouraging the development of healthcare facilities within or near 12967 would significantly improve healthcare access. This could involve attracting primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care clinics to the area.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Path to Wellness**

The “Overall Health Score” for 12967 reflects the complexities of healthcare access in a rural setting. While residents have access to healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit pose challenges. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport, along with the development of telehealth services, can improve healthcare access. The goal is to create a community where all residents, regardless of their transportation circumstances, can easily access the healthcare they need, making moving to North Lawrence a healthier decision.