14812, Beaver Dams, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 14812, Beaver Dams, New York is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.56 percent of residents in 14812 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.60 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Schuyler Hospital with a distance of 7.64 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 14812

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Finger Lakes region, the small community of Beaver Dams, New York, finds itself within ZIP code 14812. Assessing the overall health score here demands a deep dive into the crucial element of **transportation** and its impact on **healthcare access**. For those considering **moving to Beaver Dams**, understanding these nuances is paramount to ensuring their well-being. This analysis considers the various modes of transport available, from personal vehicles to public transit, and evaluates their efficiency in connecting residents with vital medical services.

The primary determinant of healthcare accessibility in 14812 is the reliance on personal vehicles. The topography, characterized by rural roads and limited public transit options, necessitates a car for most residents. The drive times to healthcare facilities are heavily influenced by the proximity of these facilities and the efficiency of the road network.

The most direct route to significant healthcare centers often involves navigating the local roadways. Residents typically utilize County Route 14, a winding two-lane road that serves as a crucial artery for the area. This route can lead to the larger towns of Watkins Glen or Horseheads, where more comprehensive medical services are located.

Travel to larger facilities, such as Guthrie Corning Hospital, located in Corning, NY, necessitates a longer journey. This often involves merging onto New York State Route 14, a major north-south thoroughfare. This route can be subject to traffic, especially during peak hours, potentially extending commute times. The use of Interstate 86, a major east-west highway, offers an alternative, although slightly longer, route to Corning.

The drive to the nearest urgent care facilities, such as those in Watkins Glen, is typically a 15-20 minute drive, depending on traffic and road conditions. These facilities provide immediate care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Access to primary care physicians in Watkins Glen and Horseheads may require similar drive times.

Specialist care, such as cardiology or oncology, often necessitates travel to larger medical centers in Corning or Elmira. These journeys can extend drive times to 30-45 minutes, depending on the location of the specialist and the route taken. This extended travel time can be a significant barrier to accessing specialized care, especially for individuals with chronic conditions or mobility limitations.

Public transportation options in 14812 are limited. The Chemung County Transit System (CCTS) provides some bus service within the county, but the routes and schedules are infrequent and primarily serve the larger towns. There is no direct public transit route connecting Beaver Dams to major healthcare facilities. The CCTS does not offer ADA-accessible features on all its routes, which can be a challenge for individuals with disabilities.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability is not always guaranteed, particularly during off-peak hours or in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments. Medical transport services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies, are available for emergencies and scheduled medical appointments. However, these services are typically more expensive than other transportation options and may require pre-arrangement.

The availability of medical transport services is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or those unable to drive themselves. These services provide a vital link to healthcare facilities, ensuring that residents can access the care they need. However, the cost and availability of these services can vary, impacting healthcare accessibility.

The overall health score for 14812, concerning transportation and healthcare access, reveals a mixed picture. While residents have access to healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create challenges. Drive times, especially to specialized care facilities, can be significant, potentially delaying access to essential medical services.

The lack of robust public transit and the variable availability of ride-sharing services further exacerbate these challenges. The cost and availability of medical transport services also play a role in determining the overall health score. For individuals considering **moving to Beaver Dams**, the availability of reliable **transportation** to **healthcare** facilities should be a primary consideration.

To improve the overall health score, efforts should be made to enhance public transit options, including increasing the frequency of bus routes and expanding ADA-accessible services. Encouraging ride-sharing programs and subsidizing medical transport services could also help bridge the gap in healthcare access.

Furthermore, promoting telehealth services, where appropriate, can reduce the need for travel and improve access to care, particularly for routine appointments and follow-up consultations. Investing in local healthcare facilities, such as expanding the services offered at urgent care centers or establishing satellite clinics, could also improve healthcare access within the community.

The overall health score in 14812 is influenced by several factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services all contribute to the challenges of accessing healthcare. While residents have access to healthcare facilities, the drive times and the lack of alternative **transportation** options can create barriers. For those **moving to Beaver Dams**, careful consideration of these factors is essential to ensure their ability to access the healthcare they need.