14464, Hamlin, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 14464, Hamlin, New York is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.87 percent of residents in 14464 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.03 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is F F Thompson Hospital with a distance of 44.42 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Hamlin, NY (ZIP Code 14464)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Hamlin, New York (ZIP Code 14464), necessitates a deep dive into the crucial element of healthcare access, specifically focusing on transportation options. This evaluation considers drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of ride-share and medical transport services, all of which directly impact the ability of Hamlin residents to reach essential medical care. The ultimate goal is to paint a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access in this community, providing valuable insights for both current residents and those considering moving to Hamlin.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Hamlin is, undeniably, the personal vehicle. The town's relative remoteness and limited public transit options make car ownership almost a necessity for navigating the healthcare landscape. Drive times to various healthcare facilities are thus a primary factor in determining the overall health score.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

For routine primary care, residents often seek services in Hamlin itself or nearby towns like Brockport. Reaching the **Hamlin Family Medical Center** on West Ridge Road typically involves a short drive, usually less than 10 minutes. Accessing the **Brockport Urgent Care** facility on West Avenue, Brockport, is achievable within a 15-20 minute drive, primarily via **Route 18** (Lake Road) and then **Route 31**. These relatively short commutes contribute positively to the overall health score.

However, the need for specialized care or hospitalizations significantly extends travel times. The nearest full-service hospital, **Unity Hospital** in Greece, NY, requires a drive of approximately 25-35 minutes. This journey typically involves navigating **Route 18** (Lake Road) to **Route 104** (Ridge Road) and then onto **Long Pond Road**. Traffic conditions on **Route 104** can sometimes impact travel times, particularly during peak hours.

For more specialized care, such as cardiology or oncology, residents may need to travel to the city of Rochester, NY. This significantly increases the commute. Reaching the **University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC)**, a major regional healthcare provider, can take between 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic. This journey involves a combination of **Route 18**, **Route 104**, and **Interstate 490**. The longer travel times to specialized care providers negatively affect the overall health score, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Hamlin are severely limited, posing a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The **Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA)**, the primary public transit provider for the Rochester area, does not offer direct bus routes to Hamlin. The closest RGRTA routes are located in Brockport and Greece, requiring residents to arrange for transportation to connect with the bus system.

This lack of direct public transit significantly impacts the health score, especially for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those who cannot afford or do not have access to a car. The absence of readily available public transportation necessitates reliance on other, often less reliable or more expensive, transportation methods.

The **ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)** accessibility of the RGRTA routes that are accessible to Hamlin residents is a critical consideration. All RGRTA buses are required to be ADA-compliant, including features like wheelchair lifts and priority seating. However, the need to transfer between multiple modes of transportation and the potential for long wait times can still present challenges for individuals with mobility limitations.

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

Ride-share services like **Uber** and **Lyft** are available in the Hamlin area, offering an alternative transportation option, especially for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. However, the availability of these services can be variable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, potentially making it unaffordable for some residents.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer another solution. Companies like **Care Ride** and **First Transit** may serve the Hamlin area, providing specialized transportation for individuals with disabilities or those requiring assistance. These services often offer door-to-door transportation and can accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. However, medical transport services can be expensive and may require advance booking, which can pose challenges for urgent or unexpected medical needs.

**Overall Health Score Implications:**

The overall health score for Hamlin residents concerning healthcare access is moderately impacted by the limitations in transportation options. While access to primary care facilities is relatively convenient, the longer travel times to specialized care providers and hospitals, coupled with the scarcity of public transit, negatively affect the score.

The availability of ride-share services and medical transport provides some relief, but their cost and reliability remain concerns. The lack of direct public transit poses a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles, potentially leading to delayed or missed medical appointments, ultimately impacting their health outcomes.

**Moving to Hamlin: A Transportation Consideration:**

For individuals considering moving to Hamlin, the transportation landscape must be a primary consideration. Those who rely on public transit or have limited access to personal vehicles should carefully assess the feasibility of accessing healthcare services. The need for a personal vehicle is almost a necessity, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing or medical transport should be factored into the overall cost of living.

Furthermore, individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent medical appointments should evaluate the potential impact of longer travel times on their ability to receive timely and consistent care. The health score is directly linked to ease of access to care, and the limitations in transportation options in Hamlin must be carefully considered.

In conclusion, while Hamlin offers a pleasant suburban environment, the transportation challenges related to healthcare access warrant careful consideration. The overall health score is somewhat diminished by these factors, emphasizing the need for residents to have reliable transportation options to ensure their ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care. This information provides a valuable framework for assessing the health and well-being of the community and making informed decisions about healthcare access and overall quality of life in Hamlin, NY.