14568, Walworth, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 14568, Walworth, New York is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.56 percent of residents in 14568 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.59 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Soldiers And Sailors Memorial Hospital Of Yates with a distance of 34.36 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 14568 (Walworth, NY)

This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access within ZIP Code 14568, encompassing the town of Walworth, New York. This score considers various modes of transportation, drive times, and the availability of healthcare facilities, ultimately assessing the ease with which residents can reach essential medical services. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering moving to Walworth, ensuring they can maintain their health and well-being.

Walworth, a primarily rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The score reflects the reality of relying on personal vehicles, as public transit options are limited. However, the proximity to larger towns and cities, coupled with evolving transportation services, offers avenues for healthcare access. This assessment aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape for residents of Walworth.

The primary mode of transportation for accessing healthcare in Walworth is the personal vehicle. Driving times are significantly influenced by the location of healthcare facilities relative to the residential area. For instance, reaching the nearest urgent care facility, located in the neighboring town of Macedon, typically involves a drive of approximately 10-15 minutes. This journey often utilizes **Route 31**, a major east-west thoroughfare, and local roads.

For more specialized medical care, residents often travel to larger medical centers in nearby cities like Rochester. This commute necessitates utilizing major highways such as **Interstate 490** and **Route 33**, potentially increasing travel time. Depending on the specific location within Walworth and the destination hospital, drive times to Rochester can range from 30 to 45 minutes, or even longer during peak traffic hours.

The presence of traffic, particularly during rush hour, significantly impacts healthcare access. Delays on **Interstate 490**, especially around the Rochester area, can make it challenging for individuals with urgent medical needs to reach their appointments promptly. Therefore, residents must factor in potential delays when planning their healthcare journeys.

Public transportation options within Walworth and the surrounding areas are limited. The Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) provides bus service in the greater Rochester area, but its routes and frequency are restricted in Walworth. Currently, there are no direct bus routes serving the town.

This lack of robust public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not have access to a personal vehicle, especially the elderly, individuals with disabilities, or those with limited financial resources. The absence of accessible public transportation necessitates reliance on alternative methods.

The RGRTA does offer ADA-accessible buses on its routes within the Rochester area. However, the lack of service to Walworth renders these features largely irrelevant for residents. The absence of public transit underscores the importance of exploring alternative transportation options for healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential solution for healthcare transportation. However, the availability of these services in Walworth can be variable. While these services are generally accessible, their cost and reliability may be a concern for some residents.

Furthermore, the availability of ride-sharing services might be limited during off-peak hours or in areas with low population density. Residents should consider these factors when relying on ride-sharing for healthcare appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or specific medical needs, represent another option. These services often provide door-to-door transportation and can accommodate wheelchairs or other medical equipment.

Several medical transportation providers operate in the Rochester area, including specialized ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport companies. While these services offer a valuable resource, they can be expensive and require advance booking.

The cost of transportation is a significant factor impacting healthcare access. Fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, and the expense of ride-sharing or medical transportation services can create a financial burden, particularly for low-income individuals.

The financial implications of transportation costs can lead to delayed or missed medical appointments, potentially exacerbating health conditions. Therefore, addressing the affordability of transportation is crucial for improving healthcare access in Walworth.

The availability of healthcare facilities within Walworth itself is limited. The town primarily relies on primary care physicians, dentists, and other general practitioners. Residents often need to travel to neighboring towns or cities for specialized medical care, such as cardiology, oncology, or specialized surgeries.

The concentration of healthcare facilities in the Rochester area necessitates longer commute times for residents requiring specialized care. This geographic disparity underscores the importance of efficient transportation options.

Telemedicine, or telehealth, offers a promising avenue for improving healthcare access in rural communities like Walworth. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits.

Telehealth services can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations, those living far from medical facilities, or those seeking follow-up care. Expanding the availability of telemedicine services can significantly improve healthcare access for Walworth residents.

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in ZIP Code 14568 reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to healthcare facilities in neighboring towns and cities provides access to a range of medical services, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options present challenges.

The score is negatively impacted by the absence of robust public transit, potential traffic delays, and the cost of transportation. However, the availability of ride-sharing services, medical transportation options, and the potential for telemedicine offer avenues for improvement.

To enhance the "Overall Health Score," efforts should focus on improving public transportation options, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation, and expanding the availability of telemedicine services. Addressing the affordability of transportation and promoting awareness of available resources are also crucial steps.

For individuals considering moving to Walworth, it is essential to carefully assess their healthcare needs and transportation requirements. Understanding the limitations and opportunities regarding healthcare access is crucial for ensuring their well-being. The town's location, while rural, offers proximity to larger cities, allowing for a balance between rural living and access to comprehensive healthcare services.