14506, Mendon, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 14506, Mendon, New York is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.76 percent of residents in 14506 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.74 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Newark-Wayne Community Hospital with a distance of 20.86 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 14506 (Mendon, NY)

The idyllic town of Mendon, nestled within the 14506 ZIP code, offers a tranquil setting. However, a serene environment doesn't automatically equate to ease of access to essential healthcare services. Understanding the complexities of transportation and its impact on healthcare access is crucial for anyone considering moving to Mendon, or for current residents seeking to optimize their health and well-being. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for healthcare accessibility in Mendon, considering various transportation modalities.

The score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-share options, and medical transport services. Each aspect is evaluated for its efficiency, reliability, and accessibility, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations. The ultimate goal is to paint a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities Mendon residents face in accessing the healthcare they need.

**Drive Time Dynamics: The Road to Wellness**

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Mendon is the reliance on personal vehicles. The town's rural nature necessitates driving to reach most medical facilities. Residents typically navigate a network of local roads and highways to access healthcare in neighboring communities. The primary arteries are Route 64, Route 251, and Route 15.

Driving to healthcare facilities in the Rochester metropolitan area, where the majority of specialized care is located, can be a significant time commitment. The drive to Strong Memorial Hospital, a major healthcare hub, typically takes between 25 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic. The journey involves traversing Route 64 North, then connecting to I-390 North. Rush hour, particularly during weekday mornings and evenings, can significantly extend travel times, potentially impacting the timeliness of appointments or the ability to seek immediate care.

Similarly, accessing UR Medicine's Highland Hospital, another prominent healthcare provider, requires a drive of approximately 20 to 35 minutes, primarily using Route 64 and then East Henrietta Road. This route, while generally less congested than the I-390 corridor, is still susceptible to traffic delays, especially around the East Henrietta Road commercial district.

Smaller, more localized healthcare options, such as primary care physicians and urgent care clinics, are available in nearby towns like Pittsford and Honeoye Falls. These facilities offer shorter drive times, typically ranging from 10 to 20 minutes, using Route 64, Route 251, and local roads. However, these facilities may have limited specialized services, necessitating longer trips for more complex medical needs.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Mendon are limited, posing a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) provides bus service in the broader Rochester area, but its coverage in Mendon is minimal. The primary route serving the area is the 11, which travels along Route 64.

The 11 bus route, while providing a connection to the city, has limited frequency, with buses running primarily during peak commuting hours. This infrequent schedule makes it impractical for many healthcare appointments, especially those requiring early morning or late afternoon visits. Furthermore, the 11's route does not directly serve many of the major hospitals or medical centers, requiring transfers to other bus routes, further increasing travel time and complexity.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration for public transit. RGRTA is committed to providing accessible services, with all buses equipped with ramps or lifts for wheelchair users. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent schedules still pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations, making public transit a less viable option for many Mendon residents.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Rochester area, offering an alternative transportation option. However, their availability in Mendon can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability makes ride-sharing a less dependable option for scheduled healthcare appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like CareRide and MedTrans provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. These services are typically pre-booked, ensuring reliable transportation to and from medical appointments. However, these services can be costly, and availability may be limited, particularly for short-notice appointments.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations for Moving to Mendon**

Based on the analysis, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Mendon (14506) is moderate. While the town offers a pleasant living environment, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create significant challenges for accessing healthcare. Drive times to major hospitals and specialized medical facilities can be substantial, especially during peak traffic hours.

The limited availability of public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services further complicate healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. Medical transportation services offer a viable alternative, but their cost and potential availability constraints must be considered.

For individuals considering moving to Mendon, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation requirements is crucial. Those who rely on regular medical appointments or have mobility limitations should carefully evaluate the practicality of relying on personal vehicles, explore the availability and cost of medical transportation services, and consider the potential challenges of accessing healthcare in the area. The decision to move to Mendon should be made with a clear understanding of the transportation and healthcare access landscape, ensuring that residents can readily obtain the medical care they need.