14591, Wyoming, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 14591, Wyoming, New York is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.60 percent of residents in 14591 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wyoming County Community Hospital with a distance of 7.44 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 14591

ZIP Code 14591, encompassing the town of Wyoming, New York, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. Nestled in rural Wyoming County, residents face challenges and opportunities in navigating the transportation network to reach essential medical services. This write-up provides an 'Overall Health Score' assessment, considering the multifaceted aspects of transportation and its impact on healthcare access. We'll explore drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture for those considering moving to Wyoming and its surrounding areas.

The foundation of healthcare access in 14591 is, undeniably, the automobile. The primary arteries for reaching healthcare facilities are Route 20A and Route 19. Route 20A, a vital east-west thoroughfare, provides access to Warsaw, the county seat, and beyond. Route 19, running north-south, offers connections to smaller towns and the larger urban centers of Rochester and Buffalo. Drive times are significantly influenced by these routes. For basic primary care, residents can typically reach Warsaw within a 15-20 minute drive, depending on their specific location within the ZIP code.

Specialist appointments and hospital visits, however, often necessitate longer journeys. The nearest hospital, Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw, is generally reachable within the same timeframe. However, for specialized care, residents might need to travel to larger hospitals in Rochester, approximately an hour's drive via Route 19 and Interstate 390, or Buffalo, roughly a 1.5-hour drive primarily via Route 20A and Interstate 90. These longer commutes can pose significant challenges, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions or mobility limitations.

Public transportation options are limited in 14591, reflecting the rural character of the region. The Wyoming County Transportation System (WCTS) offers demand-response services, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. These services are crucial for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. WCTS provides door-to-door transportation within Wyoming County and limited connections to neighboring counties. While the WCTS strives to offer ADA-accessible vehicles, availability can be a constraint, particularly during peak hours or for same-day requests.

The absence of fixed-route bus lines or readily available public transit significantly impacts the 'Overall Health Score.' The reliance on demand-response services necessitates careful planning and coordination, potentially delaying access to care. Furthermore, the limited operating hours of WCTS can restrict access to appointments outside of typical business hours. This is a critical factor for those working non-traditional hours or needing emergency care.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not as consistent as in more urban environments. Availability is often dependent on driver density, which can fluctuate. Residents in 14591 might experience longer wait times or higher fares compared to larger cities. Ride-sharing can be a viable option for those who cannot drive or prefer not to, but it's not a guaranteed solution, particularly for urgent medical needs.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, play a crucial role in bridging the transportation gap. Several providers operate in the area, including private ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport companies. These services offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients with mobility limitations or medical needs during transit. However, these services often come with a higher cost than other transportation options, and insurance coverage can vary.

The 'Overall Health Score' for 14591 is impacted by the interplay of these factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, while providing flexibility, places a burden on those who cannot drive or do not own a car. The limited public transit options, coupled with the variable availability of ride-sharing, create challenges for accessing healthcare. The presence of medical transport services offers a crucial lifeline, but the cost and insurance considerations can be a barrier.

The geographical remoteness of 14591 also influences healthcare access. The distance to larger hospitals and specialist facilities in Rochester and Buffalo necessitates longer travel times, potentially impacting the timeliness of care. This is particularly relevant for individuals requiring urgent or specialized medical attention. The lack of readily available urgent care facilities within the ZIP code further exacerbates this challenge.

For individuals considering moving to Wyoming, NY, understanding these transportation dynamics is paramount. Prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Those reliant on public transit or ride-sharing should factor in potential delays and limitations. Individuals with chronic conditions or mobility limitations should explore the availability and cost of medical transport services.

The 'Overall Health Score' for 14591 is further influenced by the availability of telehealth services. Telehealth, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can mitigate some of the transportation challenges. Many healthcare providers offer virtual appointments, allowing patients to consult with doctors and specialists without traveling. The availability of reliable internet access is, however, a prerequisite for utilizing telehealth services.

The healthcare landscape in 14591 is not static. Efforts are underway to improve healthcare access, including expanding telehealth services and enhancing the availability of medical transport options. The Wyoming County Community Hospital is actively involved in community outreach programs and initiatives aimed at addressing healthcare disparities.

In conclusion, the 'Overall Health Score' for 14591 reflects a mixed picture. While residents have access to basic primary care and the Wyoming County Community Hospital, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing create challenges. The longer travel times to specialist facilities in Rochester and Buffalo further complicate healthcare access. For those moving to Wyoming, careful planning and consideration of transportation needs are essential to ensure timely and convenient access to healthcare. The availability of medical transport services and the growing adoption of telehealth offer promising avenues for improving the 'Overall Health Score' in the future.