13844, South Plymouth, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 13844, South Plymouth, New York is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.68 percent of residents in 13844 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.79 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Chenango Memorial Hospital with a distance of 7.52 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 13844

The quaint, rural charm of South Plymouth, New York, nestled within ZIP Code 13844, offers a slower pace of life and a strong sense of community. However, when considering a move to this area, a critical factor to assess is the accessibility of healthcare. This "Overall Health Score" delves into the complexities of navigating the local transportation landscape to reach essential medical services, providing a comprehensive understanding for potential residents.

The primary challenge in South Plymouth, and much of rural America, lies in the limited availability of public transportation. This necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles for most residents. The drive times to healthcare facilities become a crucial aspect of the overall health score. Residents must factor in the time spent on the road, the distance traveled, and the potential for delays due to weather or traffic.

The most direct route to larger medical centers often involves using **New York State Route 12**. This highway provides a relatively quick connection to Norwich, approximately 20 miles north. The journey along Route 12 usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. However, this route is primarily a two-lane highway, which can experience slowdowns during peak travel times or inclement weather.

For those seeking healthcare options to the south, a journey along **County Route 10** and then connecting to **New York State Route 206** leads to the town of Bainbridge. This route offers access to smaller clinics and general practitioners. The drive to Bainbridge is typically shorter, around 15 to 20 minutes, but the available medical services may be more limited compared to Norwich.

Further complicating matters is the lack of robust public transportation options. The Chenango County Area Transit (CCAT) provides some limited bus services, but these routes are infrequent and primarily serve the larger towns like Norwich. These buses are not designed to cater specifically to healthcare access, and their schedules may not align with medical appointment times. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant features on these buses should be confirmed, as accessibility is paramount for individuals with disabilities.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, though their presence is not as consistent or reliable as in larger urban centers. The availability of drivers and the cost of these services can vary significantly depending on the time of day and the distance traveled. Relying solely on ride-sharing for healthcare access is risky, particularly in emergencies or when appointments are scheduled at inconvenient hours.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation. These services typically require advance booking and may involve specific eligibility requirements. Investigating the availability and cost of these services is essential for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to personal transportation.

The overall health score for commute to healthcare in 13844 is therefore significantly impacted by the dependence on personal vehicles. While the drive times to nearby towns are generally manageable, the lack of public transportation and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create potential barriers to healthcare access. This is especially true for individuals without personal transportation, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

The quality of the roads themselves also contributes to the overall health score. The maintenance of **Route 12** and **Route 206** is crucial for ensuring safe and efficient travel. Potholes, poor road markings, and inadequate snow removal during winter months can significantly increase travel times and pose safety risks.

The availability of urgent care facilities and emergency medical services within a reasonable distance is another critical factor. While South Plymouth itself may not have a hospital or urgent care center, the proximity to Norwich and Bainbridge provides access to these services. However, the time it takes to reach these facilities in an emergency situation can be a matter of life and death. The emergency response times and the availability of ambulance services are crucial aspects of the overall health score.

When considering moving to South Plymouth, prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and their ability to access healthcare. Those who rely on public transportation or ride-sharing should investigate the feasibility of these options in the area. Individuals with mobility limitations or chronic health conditions should pay particular attention to the availability of medical transportation services and the accessibility of medical facilities.

The overall health score is not solely determined by the drive times. It also considers the availability of healthcare providers, the quality of the medical facilities, and the affordability of healthcare services. However, the accessibility of healthcare is a fundamental component of the overall health score, and the transportation infrastructure plays a vital role in determining this accessibility.

For those contemplating a move to South Plymouth, the need for careful planning and preparation is evident. The charm of rural living must be balanced with the practical realities of healthcare access. Thorough research into transportation options, medical facilities, and the potential challenges of navigating the local landscape is essential.

Ultimately, the overall health score for commute to healthcare in 13844 reflects a complex interplay of factors. While the drive times to nearby towns are generally manageable, the lack of robust public transportation and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create potential barriers to healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the quality of the roads, and the availability of medical transportation services all contribute to the overall assessment. Prospective residents must carefully consider these factors to make an informed decision about whether South Plymouth is the right place for them.