14485, Lima, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 14485, Lima, New York is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.39 percent of residents in 14485 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Strong Memorial Hospital with a distance of 15.69 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Lima, NY (ZIP Code 14485)

The idyllic village of Lima, New York, nestled in the Finger Lakes region, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, assessing its overall health score necessitates a deep dive into its healthcare access, particularly considering the critical element of **transportation**. This analysis will explore the challenges and opportunities for residents of ZIP code 14485 in reaching essential medical services. We will examine drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of the landscape for those seeking quality healthcare.

Lima's relative remoteness presents a significant hurdle. The town is primarily served by state routes and local roads. The primary arteries for accessing healthcare facilities in the surrounding areas are New York State Route 5 & 20, a major east-west thoroughfare, and New York State Route 15, which provides a north-south connection. Other important roads include County Road 49 and County Road 47. These routes, while generally well-maintained, can experience delays due to weather conditions, particularly during the winter months. This factor directly impacts the reliability and timeliness of healthcare access.

Driving times to healthcare providers are a crucial metric. The nearest hospital, Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, is approximately a 20-25 minute drive via NY-15 S. This drive, while relatively short, can be significantly impacted by traffic, especially during peak hours. For more specialized care, residents often travel to Rochester, a city approximately 30-45 minutes away via I-390 N. The distance to Rochester necessitates careful planning, considering the potential for unexpected delays. The urgency of the medical need, of course, exacerbates the stress of travel.

Public transportation options in Lima are limited. The Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) does not directly serve Lima with regular bus routes. This lack of public transit significantly impacts the health score, particularly for individuals who do not drive, including seniors, those with disabilities, and individuals with limited financial resources. The absence of reliable public transit creates a barrier to accessing routine appointments, preventative care, and emergency services. This lack of accessibility can lead to delayed treatment and poorer health outcomes.

The availability of ride-sharing services in Lima is also a factor. While Uber and Lyft may operate in the area, their availability is not guaranteed, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Reliance on ride-sharing can be expensive and unpredictable, making it a less-than-ideal solution for consistent healthcare access. The cost of these services, combined with the potential for long wait times, further compounds the challenges faced by residents.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services, are available in Lima. However, their primary function is to respond to emergencies. For non-emergency medical appointments, the options are more limited. Specialized medical transport services, designed to transport patients to and from appointments, may be available, but their availability and cost can vary. The need for pre-arranged transportation adds complexity to the process of accessing healthcare.

For individuals considering **moving to Lima**, the healthcare access landscape should be a primary consideration. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the limited public transit options, necessitates careful planning. Prospective residents should assess their own transportation needs and capabilities. Those who are unable to drive or who have mobility limitations may find it challenging to access the healthcare services they require.

The overall health score for Lima, NY (14485) is negatively impacted by the **transportation** challenges. The limited public transit, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential for delays due to weather or traffic all contribute to a less-than-ideal healthcare access environment. While the drive times to some facilities are relatively short, the lack of alternative transportation options creates a vulnerability for many residents.

The absence of a robust public transit system, particularly one with ADA-compliant features, is a significant deficiency. This lack of accessibility disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, hindering their ability to access preventative care and manage chronic conditions. The limited availability of ride-sharing services further exacerbates the problem, leaving many residents with few reliable options for reaching medical appointments.

The healthcare landscape in Lima requires a multi-faceted approach to improve its health score. Investing in public transportation infrastructure, including expanding RGRTA services to include routes that serve Lima, would be a significant step forward. This could involve establishing regular bus routes, potentially including routes that connect Lima to Rochester and other surrounding towns. These routes should be fully ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for all residents.

Promoting and supporting ride-sharing initiatives, potentially through partnerships with local healthcare providers, could also improve access. Subsidizing ride-sharing services for low-income residents or those with disabilities could help bridge the gap created by the lack of public transit. Furthermore, educating residents about available medical transport services and their associated costs is crucial.

The availability of telehealth services can also play a crucial role in improving healthcare access in Lima. Encouraging the adoption of telehealth technologies, particularly for routine check-ups and follow-up appointments, can reduce the need for travel. This is especially beneficial for residents with mobility limitations or those who live far from healthcare facilities.

Furthermore, the presence of medical facilities within Lima itself would significantly improve the health score. Expanding the range of services offered by existing clinics or attracting new healthcare providers to the area would reduce the need for residents to travel long distances for care. This could include establishing specialist clinics or expanding the services offered by primary care physicians.

In conclusion, the overall health score for commuting to healthcare in Lima, NY (14485) is moderate, but could be significantly improved. The primary challenges are related to **transportation** limitations, specifically the lack of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles. Addressing these challenges through strategic investments in public transportation, ride-sharing programs, and telehealth services is crucial for ensuring equitable **healthcare access** for all residents. Considering these factors is paramount for anyone **moving to Lima** and seeking to maintain their health and well-being. The village's future health depends on its ability to address these critical needs.