14541, Romulus, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 14541, Romulus, New York is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.02 percent of residents in 14541 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.15 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Finger Lake Health-Geneva General Hospital with a distance of 10.89 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Romulus, NY (ZIP Code 14541)

This report assesses the accessibility of healthcare services for residents of Romulus, New York (ZIP code 14541), focusing on transportation options and their impact on overall health. The analysis considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, providing a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" that reflects the ease or difficulty of accessing vital healthcare. This is particularly relevant for individuals considering **moving to Romulus**, as transportation infrastructure significantly influences quality of life and health outcomes.

The health of a community is intrinsically linked to its ability to access healthcare. In a rural area like Romulus, the challenge of **healthcare access** is often amplified by geographical distances and limited transportation choices. The ability to reach medical appointments, pharmacies, and emergency services quickly and reliably is a fundamental determinant of well-being. This report endeavors to illuminate the landscape of **transportation** options available to residents, providing a nuanced understanding of the healthcare accessibility challenges and opportunities within the community.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of transportation in Romulus is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The town’s location, nestled between Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake, necessitates reliance on roads for most journeys. Access to healthcare facilities is largely dependent on the efficiency of the road network. The major thoroughfares impacting healthcare access include New York State Route 96, which runs north-south through Romulus, and New York State Route 89, traversing east-west along the eastern edge of Seneca Lake.

For residents needing to reach the nearest hospitals, the drive times can vary considerably. Geneva General Hospital, located approximately 15 miles north in Geneva, NY, is a significant healthcare provider. Driving to Geneva via NY-96 typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This is a relatively manageable commute, though it can become challenging during winter months.

Another important healthcare destination is Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, NY, located approximately 30 miles southeast. The route involves traveling on NY-96 south and then connecting to NY-34. The drive to Ithaca can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, making it a longer and potentially more stressful journey, especially for those requiring frequent medical appointments or facing emergencies.

Smaller clinics and urgent care facilities exist in neighboring towns like Ovid and Seneca Falls. These facilities are generally closer, with drive times ranging from 10-20 minutes, depending on location and traffic. However, the scope of services offered at these facilities may be limited compared to the larger hospitals. The availability of these smaller facilities does improve the overall health score, offering more convenient options for routine care.

**Public Transit Assessment:**

Public transportation options in Romulus are limited. The Seneca County Transit System (SCTS) provides some service, but the routes and frequency are not designed to serve the healthcare needs of all residents. The SCTS operates a demand-response service, meaning riders must schedule their trips in advance. This service is often used for essential trips, including medical appointments, shopping, and errands.

The availability of fixed-route bus service is extremely limited, and the routes are not specifically designed to connect Romulus residents with major healthcare facilities. The lack of frequent and reliable public transit significantly impacts the **healthcare access** for individuals who do not own a vehicle, particularly the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features on SCTS vehicles are crucial. These features include wheelchair lifts and ramps, making the service accessible to individuals with mobility impairments. However, the limited availability of the service and the need for advance scheduling can still pose challenges for individuals with disabilities. The lack of readily available public transit is a major factor that negatively impacts the overall health score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region but may not be consistently accessible in Romulus. The availability of these services is often dependent on driver availability, which can be limited in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, especially for longer trips to hospitals in Geneva or Ithaca.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for individuals who require assistance with transportation to medical appointments. These services typically include non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and ambulance services for emergencies. Several medical transport providers serve the Romulus area, including Finger Lakes Ambulance and Rural Metro Ambulance. These services can be essential for individuals with mobility limitations or those who require medical assistance during transport.

The cost of medical transport can vary depending on the service and the distance traveled. Insurance coverage for medical transport also varies, and some individuals may face out-of-pocket expenses. The availability of medical transport services is a positive factor, but the potential cost and insurance limitations can still pose challenges to **healthcare access**.

**Overall Health Score and Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in Romulus, NY (14541) is moderate. While drive times to some healthcare facilities are relatively manageable, the limited public transit options and the potential for limited ride-sharing availability create challenges for many residents. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for long commutes to major hospitals, and the cost of medical transport all contribute to a less-than-ideal score.

The score is slightly improved by the presence of smaller clinics and urgent care facilities in neighboring towns, providing more convenient options for routine care. The availability of medical transport services also offers a critical lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the overall score is negatively impacted by the lack of a robust public **transportation** system.

For individuals considering **moving to Romulus**, it is crucial to carefully assess their **healthcare access** needs and consider the limitations of the available **transportation** options. Those who rely on public transit or have mobility limitations should be particularly aware of the challenges they may face. The community could benefit from initiatives to improve public transit, expand ride-sharing availability, and increase the affordability of medical transport services. These improvements would significantly enhance the "Overall Health Score" and improve the quality of life for all residents.