14415, Bellona, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 14415, Bellona, New York is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.90 percent of residents in 14415 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Soldiers And Sailors Memorial Hospital Of Yates with a distance of 6.13 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 14415 (Bellona, NY)

The overall health score for residents of Bellona, New York (ZIP Code 14415), concerning their access to healthcare, is a complex equation. It hinges on the availability of transportation, the proximity of medical facilities, and the efficiency with which individuals can reach them. This analysis delves into the specific transportation landscape, exploring drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing possibilities, and medical transport services, painting a picture of the challenges and opportunities for those seeking healthcare within and around this rural community. This information is vital for anyone considering moving to Bellona and prioritizing their healthcare needs.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Bellona is the necessity of transportation. The community is sparsely populated, and healthcare facilities are not located directly within the ZIP code. Residents must rely on various modes of transport to reach doctors' offices, hospitals, and other essential medical services. This reliance underscores the critical role transportation plays in determining the overall health score for this area.

For those who drive, the journey to healthcare often begins on local roads. From Bellona, the most direct route to larger medical centers involves navigating the roadways. Route 14, a north-south artery, offers a straightforward path, but its winding nature and potential for seasonal weather hazards, especially in winter, can impact travel times. The other main route is Route 96, which connects to the more developed areas.

A common destination for healthcare services is Geneva, New York, approximately 15 to 20 minutes away by car, depending on traffic and the specific location within Geneva. This drive primarily involves Route 14 or Route 96. For more specialized care, residents may need to travel to larger cities like Rochester, which is roughly an hour's drive via the New York State Thruway (I-90) or a slightly longer journey on Route 14 and other connecting roads.

Public transportation options in Bellona are limited. The primary provider for public transit in the area is the Ontario County Transportation (OCT). However, service frequency and route coverage are limited in rural areas. While OCT may offer routes that pass through or near Bellona, they are unlikely to provide direct, frequent access to major healthcare facilities. This limitation significantly impacts the health score for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. ADA-accessible features on OCT buses are available, but the overall utility for healthcare access in Bellona remains constrained by the limited routes and schedules.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost-effectiveness can vary. Availability is often dependent on driver density, which is lower in rural areas. While ride-sharing can offer a convenient option, especially for those unable to drive, the cost can quickly accumulate, particularly for frequent medical appointments. Furthermore, the wait times for a ride-share may be longer than in urban areas, which could be problematic in urgent situations.

Medical transportation services are available to residents of Bellona. These services are particularly crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance to and from medical appointments. Companies like Finger Lakes Ambulance Service provide non-emergency medical transport. These services offer a valuable lifeline, but they come with associated costs, and scheduling often requires advance planning. The availability of medical transport significantly improves the health score for those who require it, but it does not completely mitigate the challenges posed by the distance to healthcare facilities.

The overall health score for residents of Bellona is therefore a mixed bag. While the area offers a degree of healthcare access, it is heavily dependent on transportation. The drive times to Geneva are relatively manageable, but the lack of robust public transportation and the limitations of ride-sharing create barriers for some. The availability of medical transport services is a positive factor, but the cost and scheduling requirements add to the complexity.

For individuals considering moving to Bellona, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. Those with reliable personal vehicles will likely have the best healthcare access. Individuals who are unable to drive or who have limited mobility will face greater challenges and may need to rely on medical transport or family and friends. The overall health score is therefore lower for those without access to reliable transportation.

The health score is also influenced by the specific healthcare needs of the individual. Those with chronic conditions requiring frequent appointments will experience a greater impact from transportation challenges than those with less frequent medical needs. The availability of telehealth services can mitigate some of the transportation barriers, but these services are not a substitute for in-person care.

In conclusion, the overall health score for residents of Bellona (ZIP Code 14415) is significantly impacted by the availability and accessibility of transportation. While drive times to Geneva are reasonable, the lack of robust public transit, the variability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport pose challenges. Those considering moving to Bellona should carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements to determine if the community meets their individual needs. The health score is a reflection of the community's resources and the individual's ability to navigate them effectively.