14504, Manchester, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 14504, Manchester, New York is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.40 percent of residents in 14504 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Newark-Wayne Community Hospital with a distance of 9.02 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 14504 (Manchester, NY)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access essential services, especially healthcare. This report delves into the accessibility of medical facilities for residents of ZIP code 14504, Manchester, New York, providing an "Overall Health Score" based on transportation options, drive times, public transit availability, and other factors impacting healthcare access. This assessment is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Manchester, as it offers a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in navigating the local healthcare landscape.

Manchester, nestled in Ontario County, presents a unique transportation profile. The town’s rural setting, while offering scenic beauty, often complicates healthcare access. Understanding the available routes and their limitations is crucial for residents and prospective newcomers. The following analysis provides a detailed overview of the transportation infrastructure and its impact on healthcare accessibility, ultimately contributing to the overall health score for the area.

**Drive Time Dynamics: Navigating the Roads to Wellness**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Manchester is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. Drive times to medical facilities are significantly influenced by traffic conditions and the distances involved. The main arteries for travel include New York State Route 21 (NY-21), a north-south thoroughfare that connects Manchester to nearby towns and cities. Route 96, another critical road, provides east-west access. Interstate 90 (I-90), the New York State Thruway, offers a faster route to larger medical centers, but requires a toll and a drive to the nearest exit.

Drive times vary depending on the destination. For primary care physicians and urgent care facilities within Manchester and neighboring communities like Clifton Springs, travel times are generally manageable, typically ranging from 5 to 20 minutes. However, accessing specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, or advanced surgical procedures, often necessitates travel to larger hospitals in Canandaigua, Geneva, or Rochester. These trips can extend drive times significantly.

Traveling to Thompson Health in Canandaigua, a major regional hospital, can take between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic on NY-21. Geneva General Hospital, located in Geneva, is approximately a 25 to 45-minute drive via NY-96. The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), a comprehensive medical center in Rochester, is a longer journey, typically requiring a 45- to 75-minute drive via I-90 and the Rochester city streets. These longer drive times can pose challenges, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations, chronic illnesses, or those requiring frequent medical appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Manchester are limited, which significantly impacts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The Ontario County Public Transportation (OCPT) provides some service, but its routes and schedules are often infrequent and may not directly serve all medical facilities. Furthermore, the OCPT service frequency is reduced on weekends and evenings, making it difficult to access healthcare outside of typical business hours.

The availability of ADA-accessible features on OCPT buses is a crucial consideration for individuals with disabilities. While OCPT strives to provide accessible services, the limited route coverage and potential for lengthy travel times can still present challenges. The lack of comprehensive public transit coverage means that many residents, especially those unable to drive, face significant barriers to accessing healthcare.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Manchester area, offering an alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, the availability of these services can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in rural areas. Ride-share costs can also accumulate, making them a potentially expensive option for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, are available to assist individuals with medical needs. These services typically transport patients to and from medical appointments, but they often require pre-booking and may have specific eligibility requirements. The availability and cost of medical transport services can vary depending on the provider and the patient's insurance coverage.

**Overall Health Score Considerations**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Manchester, NY (14504) is influenced by several factors. The reliance on personal vehicles for the majority of healthcare trips presents a significant challenge for those without access to a car. The limited public transit options further exacerbate this issue, especially for individuals with disabilities, seniors, and low-income residents.

Drive times, while generally manageable for primary care, can be substantial for specialized care, potentially delaying treatment or increasing the burden on patients. The availability of ride-sharing services provides a supplementary option, but it is subject to availability and cost considerations. Medical transport services offer a crucial lifeline for some, but their availability and eligibility requirements may limit their accessibility.

**Recommendations and Conclusion**

To improve the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Manchester, several strategies could be implemented. Expanding public transportation routes and schedules, especially to include direct service to medical facilities, would significantly improve accessibility for residents without personal vehicles. Promoting and supporting ride-sharing services could help bridge the transportation gap.

Increasing awareness of medical transport services and their availability would also be beneficial. Furthermore, community initiatives to provide transportation assistance to those in need could help improve healthcare access. Finally, considering the location of healthcare facilities, and the potential for development of new facilities closer to the population, should be a part of the local planning.

Moving to Manchester offers a unique lifestyle, but residents and prospective newcomers must carefully consider the implications of the area's transportation infrastructure on healthcare access. By understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with healthcare transportation, individuals can make informed decisions about their health and well-being. The "Overall Health Score" for 14504, while not perfect, is a solid assessment of the current situation, and the recommendations outlined above would help to enhance the health and well-being of the Manchester community.