14529, Perkinsville, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 14529, Perkinsville, New York is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 14529 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.47 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Nicholas H Noyes Memorial Hospital with a distance of 3.74 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Perkinsville, NY (ZIP Code 14529)

The quaint village of Perkinsville, nestled in the heart of Steuben County, New York, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, the idyllic setting presents a unique challenge when considering the overall health score of its residents. A critical factor influencing this score is the accessibility of healthcare, a complex equation intrinsically linked to transportation options. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape of Perkinsville (14529), evaluating its impact on healthcare access and ultimately, the overall health of its community.

The primary mode of transportation in Perkinsville is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. The winding rural roads, while picturesque, demand careful navigation. The primary artery connecting Perkinsville to the wider world is New York State Route 36. This two-lane highway provides the most direct route to larger towns and cities where healthcare facilities are concentrated. Commuting to healthcare appointments in Perkinsville often involves a drive, and the duration of that drive significantly impacts the overall health score.

Heading north on Route 36, the nearest significant healthcare hub is the town of Wayland, approximately a 15-20 minute drive. Wayland boasts a small hospital, St. James Hospital, providing basic medical services. Further afield, a drive to Hornell, roughly 30-40 minutes north on Route 36, offers a wider array of specialized medical care. Hornell is home to St. James Hospital's main campus, including specialists, emergency services, and a more comprehensive range of treatment options.

Traveling south on Route 36, the journey to healthcare facilities becomes more extended. The city of Bath, approximately a 45-60 minute drive, provides access to the Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital and other medical services. The drive to Bath, while manageable, can be impacted by weather conditions, particularly during the winter months, potentially delaying access to critical care.

The reliance on personal vehicles presents challenges for individuals without access to a car, the elderly, and those with disabilities. The limited public transportation options further exacerbate these difficulties. The absence of a robust public transit system significantly diminishes the overall health score for these vulnerable populations.

Public transportation options in and around Perkinsville are severely limited. The primary provider of public transit in Steuben County is the Steuben County Transit System. However, their routes are infrequent and primarily serve larger towns. A route serving Perkinsville itself is unlikely. The lack of regular bus service means that individuals without a car must rely on friends, family, or potentially, costly ride-sharing services to reach medical appointments.

Steuben County Transit System buses generally lack extensive ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features. While some buses may be equipped with wheelchair lifts, the overall accessibility of the system is limited. This poses a significant barrier for individuals with mobility impairments, further diminishing their healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence is sporadic. The availability of these services in Perkinsville is not guaranteed, and wait times can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another option. Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport companies. These services can be a valuable resource for individuals who are unable to drive themselves or who require specialized assistance. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and they may not be covered by all insurance plans.

When considering moving to Perkinsville, the transportation challenges must be weighed against the benefits of rural living. While the area offers a peaceful environment, the lack of readily available transportation significantly impacts healthcare access. Individuals with chronic medical conditions or those who require frequent medical attention must carefully assess their ability to navigate the transportation landscape.

The overall health score for Perkinsville is therefore significantly influenced by transportation limitations. The reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of robust public transit, and the sporadic availability of ride-sharing services create barriers to healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations. The drive-times to healthcare facilities, while manageable for some, can be a significant challenge for others.

The need for improved transportation infrastructure and services is evident. Investing in public transportation options, expanding ride-sharing availability, and supporting medical transportation services would significantly improve healthcare access and, consequently, the overall health score of the Perkinsville community.

Furthermore, promoting telehealth services could help mitigate the transportation challenges. Telehealth allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for in-person appointments. Expanding broadband internet access in Perkinsville is crucial to support the growth of telehealth services.

The overall health score of Perkinsville, therefore, is a complex equation. The beauty of the rural setting must be balanced against the realities of limited transportation options. Individuals considering a move to Perkinsville should carefully assess their healthcare needs and their ability to navigate the transportation landscape. The community could benefit from initiatives that improve healthcare access, including investments in transportation infrastructure, the expansion of telehealth services, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The journey to improved health in Perkinsville requires a multifaceted approach, with transportation playing a central role.