13777, Glen Aubrey, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 13777, Glen Aubrey, New York is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

76.33 percent of residents in 13777 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.72 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Our Lady Of Lourdes Memorial Hospital with a distance of 11.11 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 13777 (Glen Aubrey, NY)

The overall health score for residents of Glen Aubrey, New York (ZIP Code 13777), concerning healthcare access, hinges significantly on the ease and efficiency of transportation. Living in a rural area like this presents unique challenges, demanding a thorough examination of available options, from personal vehicles to public transit, to ensure residents can readily reach essential medical services. This analysis considers drive times, public transportation routes, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of the healthcare access landscape.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Glen Aubrey is the personal vehicle. The primary arteries for reaching healthcare facilities are New York State Route 38 and Interstate 81. Driving times, however, are significantly impacted by traffic, weather conditions, and the distance to major medical centers.

For routine appointments and general care, the drive to the UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich, approximately 20 miles away, might take around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic on Route 38. This route is generally well-maintained, but winter weather can significantly extend travel times.

Specialized care often necessitates travel to larger hospitals in Binghamton, roughly 20 miles away. This journey typically involves navigating Interstate 81 and can take 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic flow. Binghamton offers a wider range of specialist services, including those at UHS Wilson Medical Center and Lourdes Hospital.

Residents considering moving to Glen Aubrey should factor in these drive times when assessing their healthcare needs. The convenience of a short commute to a local clinic is often traded for the potential need to travel longer distances for specialized care.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Glen Aubrey are limited, posing a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The Broome County Transit (BCT) system does not directly serve Glen Aubrey with regular routes. Therefore, residents must rely on alternative methods to reach medical appointments.

While BCT might offer demand-response services, these are typically limited, requiring advance booking and often involving longer travel times and multiple transfers. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial factor, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access public transit. However, the infrequent service and the need for pre-planning make public transportation a less desirable option for many residents.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Binghamton area, but their presence in Glen Aubrey is less consistent. Availability may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing requires careful planning and may be more expensive than personal transportation.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), play a vital role in providing healthcare access for those who cannot drive or use public transportation. These services are often covered by insurance and can transport patients to and from medical appointments.

The availability of NEMT services in Glen Aubrey is essential, particularly for elderly residents or those with mobility limitations. Several providers operate in the region, including local ambulance services and private companies specializing in medical transport. However, it is crucial to verify insurance coverage and book these services well in advance.

**Healthcare Access and Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for residents of Glen Aubrey, regarding healthcare access, is moderately impacted by the challenges of transportation. While the area offers access to various healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options create barriers for some residents.

The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport provides some relief, but their reliability and affordability vary. Residents should carefully consider these factors when evaluating their healthcare needs and making decisions about where to live.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To enhance the overall health score for Glen Aubrey residents, several improvements could be implemented.

* **Expanding Public Transit:** Advocacy for increased BCT service, including fixed routes or demand-response options, would significantly improve healthcare access for those without personal vehicles.
* **Promoting Ride-Sharing:** Efforts to encourage ride-sharing services to expand their presence in the area could improve accessibility.
* **Supporting Medical Transport:** Promoting awareness of available medical transport services and ensuring their affordability and accessibility is critical.
* **Community Health Initiatives:** Supporting community health programs that provide transportation assistance or mobile healthcare services could help bridge the gap.
* **Telehealth Adoption:** Encouraging the use of telehealth services can help reduce the need for travel to appointments, especially for routine check-ups and follow-up care.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for Glen Aubrey residents is influenced by the interplay of transportation options and healthcare facilities. While the area offers access to medical care, the challenges associated with transportation, particularly for those without personal vehicles, create barriers. By focusing on improving public transportation, expanding ride-sharing availability, supporting medical transport services, and promoting community health initiatives, the healthcare access landscape can be significantly improved, ultimately enhancing the overall health and well-being of Glen Aubrey residents. Those moving to Glen Aubrey should carefully consider these factors to ensure their healthcare needs can be met.