14514, North Chili, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 14514, North Chili, New York is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

81.84 percent of residents in 14514 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.76 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Unity Hospital with a distance of 7.51 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in North Chili, NY (ZIP Code 14514)

The health and well-being of a community are inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of North Chili, New York (ZIP Code 14514), focusing on the crucial element of transportation. Understanding the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities is paramount when considering moving to North Chili, as it directly impacts their ability to maintain optimal health. We will explore the various transportation options available, including drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, providing a comprehensive picture of healthcare access.

The "Overall Health Score" is not a numerical value but a qualitative assessment, considering the strengths and weaknesses of the transportation infrastructure within and around North Chili. This analysis aims to inform prospective residents about the practical realities of accessing healthcare, offering valuable insights for informed decision-making.

**Driving the Distance: Navigating the Roads to Wellness**

For many North Chili residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The convenience and flexibility of driving are undeniable, but the efficiency of this mode is heavily influenced by traffic patterns and the distances to healthcare providers. The major thoroughfare for navigating the area is Chili Avenue, which provides direct access to numerous medical facilities.

Traveling east on Chili Avenue offers swift access to Strong West, a satellite location of the University of Rochester Medical Center. The drive is typically under 10 minutes, making it a convenient option for urgent care and routine appointments. Further east, the journey to the main Strong Memorial Hospital requires a longer drive, typically taking around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. This route involves navigating Chili Avenue, transitioning to West Henrietta Road, and finally merging onto the Inner Loop.

Heading west on Chili Avenue leads to the Rochester suburb of Gates, where several primary care physicians and specialists are located. Drive times to these facilities are usually within 15-20 minutes. For residents living in the southern part of North Chili, accessing healthcare facilities in the town of Henrietta involves navigating Scottsville Road, which may require a longer drive due to potential traffic congestion.

The availability of free parking at most healthcare facilities in the area is a significant advantage for drivers. However, the cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance should be factored into the overall cost of transportation. The ease of driving, however, is a major factor in the overall health score, particularly for those with mobility issues or limited public transit options.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Bus Routes**

The Rochester Regional Transit Service (RTS) provides public transportation within the area, offering an alternative for those without personal vehicles or who prefer not to drive. Several bus routes serve North Chili, providing varying degrees of healthcare access. Route 40, which travels along Chili Avenue, is a crucial route, connecting North Chili to the city of Rochester and providing access to several medical facilities along the way.

The frequency of Route 40 varies throughout the day, with more frequent service during peak hours. The accessibility of the bus stops is a key consideration. While many stops are equipped with shelters and benches, not all are fully ADA-compliant. Passengers with mobility impairments should verify the accessibility of their nearest bus stops before relying on public transit.

Other routes, such as Route 7, offer connections to other parts of the city, potentially providing access to a broader range of healthcare providers. However, these connections may require transfers, increasing travel time and complexity. The reliability of the RTS is also a factor. Delays due to traffic or other unforeseen circumstances can impact healthcare access, particularly for appointments with strict time constraints.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another option for transportation to healthcare facilities. These services provide on-demand transportation, offering convenience and flexibility. However, the availability of ride-sharing services can vary depending on the time of day and the location within North Chili. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can also increase the cost of transportation.

For individuals with specific medical needs, medical transport services provide specialized transportation options. These services often cater to patients with mobility issues, offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist with transportation. Several medical transport providers operate in the Rochester area, including Lifetime Care and AMR. These services typically require advance booking and may be covered by insurance, depending on the patient's needs and the insurance plan.

**The Overall Health Score: A Synthesis of Factors**

The "Overall Health Score" for accessing healthcare in North Chili, NY (ZIP Code 14514) is moderately positive. The convenience of driving, with its relatively short drive times to several healthcare facilities, is a significant advantage. The availability of public transit, particularly Route 40, provides an alternative for those without personal vehicles. However, the frequency of service and the accessibility of bus stops are areas for improvement.

Ride-sharing services and medical transport offer additional options, but their availability and cost should be considered. The geographical proximity to a variety of healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care facilities, is a positive factor.

When considering moving to North Chili, prospective residents should carefully assess their individual healthcare needs and transportation preferences. Those who rely on public transit should research the routes and accessibility of bus stops. Those with mobility issues should investigate medical transport options.

The overall picture suggests that North Chili offers reasonable healthcare access, but the ease of access varies depending on individual circumstances. The ability to drive and the proximity to healthcare facilities are key strengths, while the limitations of public transit and the potential costs of ride-sharing should be considered. The "Overall Health Score" reflects a community that prioritizes healthcare access, with ongoing efforts to improve transportation options and ensure that all residents can reach the care they need.