12924, Keeseville, New York Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 12924, Keeseville, New York is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.33 percent of residents in 12924 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Elizabethtown Community Hospital with a distance of 16.99 miles from the area.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 12924**

The Adirondack Park, with its rugged beauty and tranquil charm, beckons. If you’re considering a move to Keeseville, New York (ZIP code 12924), and are over 50, or have a family history of prostate cancer, understanding healthcare access is paramount. This assessment provides a “Prostate Cancer Score,” focusing on the accessibility of diagnostic and treatment options, considering the nuances of transportation within and around this rural community.

Keeseville’s location, nestled between the Ausable River and the Adirondack Mountains, presents unique transportation challenges. Public transit is limited, and the reliance on personal vehicles is significant. This analysis considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services to determine the feasibility of accessing prostate cancer healthcare.

**Drive Time Analysis: Navigating the Roads**

The primary route for accessing specialized prostate cancer care from Keeseville involves driving. Plattsburgh, approximately 20 miles east, is the closest hub with comprehensive medical facilities. A drive to the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) in Plattsburgh usually takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The journey primarily utilizes **New York State Route 9**, a major north-south artery.

From Keeseville, you might also consider driving south to access healthcare in Lake Placid, approximately 35 miles away. This route involves navigating **New York State Route 9N**, a scenic but winding road. Drive times to Lake Placid vary, averaging around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the season and traffic.

For more specialized care, or for treatment options not available locally, you might need to travel to Burlington, Vermont, or Albany, New York. Burlington, roughly 80 miles east, is accessible via a combination of **Interstate 87 (the Northway)** and **Interstate 89**, and the drive can take approximately two hours. Albany, about 160 miles south, also requires using the Northway, and the drive typically takes three to three and a half hours. These longer journeys highlight the importance of reliable transportation and careful planning.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Limited Access**

Public transportation options in Keeseville are extremely limited. The Adirondack Transit Authority (ATA) offers some bus routes, but their service in this area is infrequent and primarily geared toward connecting larger towns. The routes and schedules are subject to change, so it's crucial to verify current information.

The ATA does not have routes that specifically serve Keeseville. The closest bus stop would be in Plattsburgh. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features of the ATA buses vary. While the ATA strives to provide accessible services, individuals with mobility limitations should confirm the availability of ramps, lifts, and other accommodations before relying on public transit.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Plattsburgh, but their presence in Keeseville is less consistent. Availability depends on driver density and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments could be unreliable, especially during inclement weather or off-peak hours.

Medical transport services are crucial for those unable to drive or who require assistance. Several companies operate in the region, offering non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from medical appointments. These services often require advance booking.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **Adirondack Medical Transport:** Provides NEMT services.
* **Champlain Valley Transportation:** Offers medical transportation.
* **Local Ambulance Services:** May provide transportation in specific circumstances.

These services can be a lifeline, but their availability and cost should be carefully considered.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Assessing Healthcare Access**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Keeseville (ZIP code 12924) reflects the balance between healthcare needs and transportation realities.

* **Diagnostic Services:** Primary care physicians in Keeseville can perform initial prostate cancer screenings, including digital rectal exams (DREs) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests. However, for further diagnostics, such as biopsies or imaging, patients typically need to travel to Plattsburgh or Lake Placid.
* **Treatment Options:** Treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, are generally available in Plattsburgh. Lake Placid might offer some limited treatment options. Advanced treatment, such as brachytherapy or specialized clinical trials, may necessitate travel to Burlington or Albany.
* **Follow-up Care:** Post-treatment follow-up appointments, including regular PSA tests and consultations, are usually conducted at the treatment facility, necessitating continued travel.

**The Score:**

Given the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for Keeseville is moderate. While basic screening and some initial care are available locally, accessing comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options requires travel, which can pose challenges for some individuals. The score is further influenced by the potential for seasonal weather-related disruptions to transportation.

**Recommendations for Residents and Prospective Movers:**

* **Establish a Primary Care Physician:** Find a primary care physician in Keeseville or Plattsburgh who is familiar with prostate cancer screening and management.
* **Plan for Transportation:** If you are considering moving to Keeseville, factor in the need for reliable transportation to medical appointments. Consider the costs and availability of medical transport services.
* **Explore Support Networks:** Connect with local support groups or cancer organizations that can provide assistance with transportation or other needs.
* **Understand Insurance Coverage:** Verify your health insurance coverage for transportation costs and out-of-network care if necessary.
* **Consider Proactive Screening:** If you are over 50 or have a family history of prostate cancer, discuss screening options with your doctor and schedule regular check-ups.
* **Embrace the Adirondack Spirit:** While healthcare access presents challenges, the beauty and tranquility of Keeseville and the surrounding Adirondacks offer a unique quality of life. By carefully planning your healthcare needs and transportation options, you can enjoy the benefits of this exceptional community.

This "Prostate Cancer Score" is a snapshot of healthcare access in Keeseville. It is essential to conduct thorough research, consult with healthcare professionals, and consider individual circumstances when making decisions about healthcare and relocation. The goal is to ensure that residents have the information needed to navigate the transportation and healthcare landscape effectively.