14612, Rochester, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 14612, Rochester, New York is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.55 percent of residents in 14612 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.59 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Unity Hospital with a distance of 4.90 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 14612

This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of Rochester, New York's 14612 ZIP code, focusing on their ability to access healthcare. The score considers the accessibility of medical facilities via various transportation methods, a critical factor in overall well-being. Understanding these transportation dynamics is essential for anyone considering moving to Rochester or for current residents seeking to optimize their healthcare access.

The 14612 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of the city, presents a complex tapestry of transportation options. Assessing healthcare access requires a nuanced understanding of these modalities, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing services. This evaluation will also consider the presence of medical transportation specifically designed to serve those with mobility challenges.

**Drive Times and Road Network:**

The primary mode of transportation for many residents is personal vehicles. The ease of navigating the road network significantly impacts healthcare access. Key arteries like the **Inner Loop**, **Interstate 490 (I-490)**, and **Interstate 590 (I-590)** are crucial. Traveling to major hospitals, such as Strong Memorial Hospital and Rochester General Hospital, often involves navigating these highways.

Drive times vary depending on the destination and time of day. During peak hours, congestion on I-490 and around the Inner Loop can significantly extend travel times. For example, a trip from the heart of 14612 to Strong Memorial Hospital, typically a 10-15 minute drive under normal conditions, can easily double during rush hour. Residents must factor in these delays when scheduling appointments or in emergency situations. Local roads like **Monroe Avenue**, **East Avenue**, and **Clifford Avenue** provide alternative routes, but they are often subject to traffic lights and slower speeds.

**Public Transit: Navigating the RTS System:**

The Rochester Transit Service (RTS) provides public transportation within the city. Several bus routes serve the 14612 area, connecting residents to various healthcare facilities. Understanding the routes, schedules, and accessibility features is crucial.

Routes like the **Route 1** (East Avenue), **Route 2** (Monroe Avenue), and **Route 7** (Clifford Avenue) offer direct or connecting access to major hospitals and clinics. However, the frequency of these routes, especially during evenings and weekends, can be a limiting factor. Waiting times and the potential for multiple transfers can add considerable time to a healthcare journey.

RTS strives to provide accessibility for individuals with disabilities. All buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and designated seating areas. However, the availability of accessible stops and the overall convenience of the system for individuals with mobility impairments remain concerns.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer another transportation option. They provide on-demand access to healthcare facilities, potentially bypassing the constraints of public transit schedules. These services can be particularly beneficial for those who do not own a car or prefer not to drive.

However, ride-sharing costs can be a barrier, especially for frequent healthcare appointments. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can further exacerbate these costs. Additionally, the availability of ride-sharing services in the 14612 area, while generally good, can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the overall demand.

Medical transportation services specifically cater to individuals with healthcare needs. Companies like **Care Ride** and **American Medical Response (AMR)** offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services are often covered by insurance, providing a cost-effective option for those requiring assistance with mobility or medical needs.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

The "Overall Health Score" for residents of 14612, considering healthcare access, is a mixed bag. The availability of multiple transportation options – personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport – provides a degree of flexibility. However, several factors impact the score.

The reliance on personal vehicles exposes residents to the vagaries of traffic congestion, particularly on I-490 and around the Inner Loop. Public transit, while offering a cost-effective alternative, faces challenges related to frequency, transfer times, and overall accessibility, despite the ADA features. Ride-sharing provides convenience but can be expensive. Medical transportation offers a specialized solution, but access may be limited by insurance coverage and availability.

The score is also affected by the location of healthcare facilities. While major hospitals are relatively accessible, specialized clinics and primary care providers may be located further afield, increasing travel times and the complexity of transportation logistics.

**Recommendations and Considerations:**

Improving healthcare access in 14612 requires a multi-pronged approach. Enhancements to the RTS system, including increased route frequency, particularly during off-peak hours and weekends, would be beneficial. Expanding the network of accessible bus stops and improving the overall user experience for individuals with disabilities is also crucial.

Promoting the use of ride-sharing services through subsidies or partnerships with healthcare providers could help mitigate the cost barriers. Further, increasing awareness of medical transportation services and ensuring their availability to all who need them are vital.

For those considering moving to Rochester, particularly to the 14612 area, understanding these transportation dynamics is essential. Prospective residents should assess their healthcare needs and transportation preferences, considering the trade-offs between cost, convenience, and accessibility. Researching the proximity of healthcare providers and the availability of transportation options near their potential residence is highly recommended.

Ultimately, the "Overall Health Score" in 14612 reflects a complex interplay of transportation infrastructure, healthcare resources, and individual circumstances. By addressing the challenges and leveraging the strengths of the existing system, the community can strive to ensure that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare they need. This is particularly important for a city like Rochester, which is actively working to improve its healthcare outcomes and attract new residents.