14543, Rush, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 14543, Rush, New York is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.85 percent of residents in 14543 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.64 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Newark-Wayne Community Hospital with a distance of 28.64 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 14543

The health and well-being of a community are intricately woven with its ability to access vital healthcare services. This analysis delves into the intricacies of healthcare access within ZIP Code 14543, evaluating the transportation landscape and its impact on residents' ability to receive timely and appropriate medical attention. We will explore the challenges and opportunities presented by the current infrastructure, offering a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" assessment.

The area under consideration, 14543, is primarily a rural region, and its healthcare landscape is profoundly shaped by the limitations of its transportation infrastructure. The availability of healthcare services is a critical determinant of a community’s health profile. The ability to reach a doctor's office, hospital, or specialist is often the difference between early intervention and delayed care, influencing the trajectory of both chronic and acute conditions.

**Roadways and Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries**

The primary roadways serving 14543 are essential for understanding the accessibility of healthcare facilities. Residents rely heavily on personal vehicles for transportation, making drive times a crucial factor in determining healthcare access. The main thoroughfare, **New York State Route 33**, serves as the primary artery connecting residents to larger towns and cities where hospitals and specialized medical services are concentrated.

Traveling north on Route 33, residents can reach the **Strong Memorial Hospital** in Rochester, a major regional medical center, in approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This drive can be extended during peak hours or inclement weather, potentially impacting the timeliness of care. The journey south on Route 33 provides access to smaller clinics and urgent care facilities within a 20-30 minute drive.

**Interstate 490**, a significant east-west route, offers an alternative route to Rochester, although it may involve navigating local roads to access it. The drive to the hospital via I-490 can be slightly faster, typically taking 40 to 55 minutes. Secondary roads, such as **Route 19** and **Route 96**, provide additional access points, but their use often involves longer travel times due to lower speed limits and potential for traffic congestion. The condition of these roads, particularly during winter months, can further exacerbate travel difficulties.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public transportation options in 14543 are limited, presenting a significant challenge for residents without personal vehicles. The **Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA)** provides some service to the surrounding areas, but its reach within 14543 is minimal. The availability of bus routes is constrained, and service frequency is often infrequent, making it difficult for residents to rely on public transit for routine medical appointments or emergencies.

The absence of comprehensive public transit necessitates a greater reliance on private transportation, further exacerbating healthcare access disparities for those with limited mobility or financial constraints. The few routes that do serve the area may not have ADA-compliant features, presenting further challenges for individuals with disabilities.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in the area, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, making it less accessible than other transportation options.

Medical transport services, such as **CareRide** and **American Medical Response (AMR)**, provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services are typically used for non-emergency medical appointments or for patients who require assistance with mobility. However, the cost of medical transport can be substantial, and prior arrangements are often required, limiting their availability for urgent situations.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Challenge**

The transportation landscape in 14543 presents a multifaceted challenge to healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit options, creates disparities in healthcare access based on factors such as vehicle ownership, income, and mobility. The long drive times to major medical centers can delay treatment and increase the risk of adverse health outcomes.

The lack of readily available transportation options can also hinder preventative care, as residents may be less likely to attend routine check-ups or screenings due to the inconvenience and cost of travel. This can lead to delayed diagnoses and a greater burden of chronic diseases. The absence of comprehensive transportation options can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

Considering the transportation infrastructure and its impact on healthcare access, the Overall Health Score for 14543 is **moderate**. While residents have access to healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit create significant challenges. The long drive times to major medical centers, coupled with the potential for traffic congestion and inclement weather, can delay treatment and negatively impact health outcomes.

The lack of readily available transportation options can also hinder preventative care, leading to delayed diagnoses and a greater burden of chronic diseases. The absence of comprehensive transportation options can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents.

**Recommendations: Paving the Path to Better Health**

Improving healthcare access in 14543 requires a multifaceted approach. Investing in public transit infrastructure, including expanding bus routes and increasing service frequency, would significantly improve healthcare access for residents without personal vehicles. The implementation of ADA-compliant features on public transit vehicles is crucial to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Promoting ride-sharing services and subsidizing transportation costs for low-income residents could also help bridge the gap in healthcare access. Encouraging partnerships between healthcare providers and transportation services to offer coordinated transportation options could further streamline the process of accessing medical care.

Furthermore, exploring telemedicine options and expanding telehealth services could reduce the need for in-person visits, particularly for routine check-ups and follow-up appointments. This would be especially beneficial for residents who face significant transportation barriers.

**Moving to Rush: A Strategic Imperative**

The community should actively seek opportunities to attract healthcare providers and facilities to the area. The presence of local clinics and urgent care centers would reduce drive times and improve healthcare access for residents. Focusing on preventative care and health education programs can empower residents to take control of their health and reduce the need for emergency medical services.

By addressing the transportation challenges and implementing these recommendations, 14543 can improve its Overall Health Score and create a healthier community for all its residents. The ability to access timely and appropriate healthcare is fundamental to individual and community well-being, and it is essential to prioritize the development of a robust and accessible transportation infrastructure.