13774, Fishs Eddy, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 13774, Fishs Eddy, New York is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

80.17 percent of residents in 13774 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.07 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Delaware Valley Hospital, Inc with a distance of 13.90 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Fishs Eddy, NY (ZIP Code 13774)

Nestled in the heart of the Catskills, Fishs Eddy, New York (ZIP Code 13774) offers a serene escape, a haven of natural beauty. But the idyllic charm of this rural community must be weighed against the practicalities of daily life, particularly when considering healthcare access. This comprehensive analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents, examining the transportation landscape and its impact on receiving timely and appropriate medical care. The score will consider drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, offering a realistic picture for those considering moving to Fishs Eddy.

The primary factor influencing the health score is the inherent challenge of **transportation** in a rural environment. The distance to healthcare facilities, coupled with limited public transit, creates a significant hurdle for residents. The score will reflect this reality, acknowledging the potential for delays and difficulties in accessing essential medical services.

Drive times are a critical element in determining healthcare access. Residents of Fishs Eddy will likely rely on personal vehicles for most of their journeys. The closest major hospital, Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, is approximately 50 miles away. The most direct route typically involves taking NY-17 West, a major highway that eventually becomes I-86 West. The drive, under ideal conditions, can take around an hour and fifteen minutes. However, factors such as traffic, weather, and road construction can easily extend this time, significantly impacting the health score.

Other healthcare options are available, but they also involve considerable travel. Smaller clinics and urgent care facilities may be located in nearby towns like Hancock or Deposit. Accessing these facilities often requires navigating a network of smaller roads, including NY-26, County Route 17, and local roads, all of which can be subject to seasonal closures or hazardous conditions. The time spent traveling to these facilities, while potentially shorter than a trip to Binghamton, must still be factored into the overall health score.

Public **transportation** options in Fishs Eddy are extremely limited. The lack of a robust public transit system is a major detriment to healthcare access. There are no dedicated bus routes serving Fishs Eddy, and the nearest bus stops are located in larger towns like Hancock. These routes, if available, would likely involve multiple transfers and extended travel times, making them impractical for most medical appointments, especially in cases of urgent need. The absence of reliable public transit significantly lowers the overall health score, particularly for those who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive.

For individuals with disabilities, the lack of accessible public transit poses an even greater challenge. The absence of buses with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, such as ramps or lifts, exacerbates the difficulties faced by those with mobility limitations. This lack of accessibility further reduces the overall health score for this segment of the population.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader region, but their presence in Fishs Eddy is uncertain and unreliable. The availability of these services depends on driver density and demand. In a rural area like Fishs Eddy, the wait times for a ride-share could be significant, and there is no guarantee that a ride will be available at all, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This uncertainty regarding ride-share availability further diminishes the overall health score.

Medical transport services offer a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot drive or require specialized assistance. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, including ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport providers. These services are essential for those with mobility issues or medical conditions that prevent them from driving. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and the availability of ambulances is contingent on emergency situations.

The overall health score for Fishs Eddy is directly impacted by the availability of medical transport services. The reliance on these services, especially in emergency situations, increases the overall cost of healthcare and can lead to delays in receiving treatment. The health score must reflect the financial burden and the potential for delays associated with relying on medical transport.

The factors discussed above combine to create a complex picture of healthcare access in Fishs Eddy. The score must reflect the challenges posed by long drive times, the absence of reliable public transit, the uncertainty of ride-sharing services, and the cost and availability of medical transport. These factors combine to create a healthcare landscape that is less accessible than in more urban areas.

The overall health score for Fishs Eddy, New York (ZIP Code 13774) is therefore a moderate to low score. The score is negatively impacted by the significant distances to major healthcare facilities, the absence of public transit, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services. While medical transport services are available, their cost and the potential for delays further reduce the score.

For individuals considering **moving to Fishs Eddy**, it is crucial to understand the implications of this health score. Those with chronic health conditions, limited mobility, or a lack of access to a personal vehicle should carefully consider the challenges associated with accessing healthcare in this rural environment. Planning for healthcare needs, including establishing relationships with local healthcare providers and developing contingency plans for transportation, is essential.

Despite the challenges, Fishs Eddy offers a unique quality of life. The beauty of the Catskills and the close-knit community can be incredibly appealing. However, prospective residents must weigh these benefits against the practical considerations of healthcare access. Understanding the transportation landscape and the potential impact on their health is critical to making an informed decision about moving to this charming, yet geographically isolated, community. The overall health score serves as a reminder that while the beauty of Fishs Eddy is undeniable, its remoteness presents significant challenges when it comes to receiving timely and accessible healthcare. The health score is a crucial piece of information for anyone considering making Fishs Eddy their home, providing a realistic assessment of the healthcare landscape and its impact on residents' well-being.