13648, Harrisville, New York Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 13648, Harrisville, New York is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.39 percent of residents in 13648 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.36 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Clifton Fine Hospital with a distance of 12.01 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Harrisville (ZIP Code 13648)

Harrisville, New York, nestled in the heart of the Adirondack region, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering healthcare access, particularly for men concerned about prostate cancer. This analysis, framed around a "Prostate Cancer Score," evaluates the ease of reaching essential medical services from ZIP code 13648, focusing on transportation options and their impact on timely diagnosis and treatment. For those contemplating a move to Harrisville, understanding these factors is crucial.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" is not a formal medical metric. It’s a composite assessment reflecting the practical hurdles men face in accessing urological care, from initial screenings to advanced treatments. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and the presence of medical transport services. A higher score indicates greater accessibility and a lower score suggests significant transportation barriers.

**The Road Ahead: Driving to Care**

For most Harrisville residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The nearest hospitals and specialized urology clinics are located in Watertown, approximately 45 miles away, or in Syracuse, roughly 100 miles distant. The drive to Watertown typically involves navigating Route 3, a two-lane highway that can experience variable traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather. Expect a drive time of around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic and weather.

Reaching Syracuse necessitates a longer journey, primarily via Interstate 81. This interstate offers a faster, though more congested, route. The drive time to Syracuse can range from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, again influenced by traffic and weather. These extended drive times can be a significant burden, especially for individuals experiencing symptoms or requiring frequent follow-up appointments. Delays can exacerbate anxiety and potentially impact the timeliness of care.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in and around Harrisville are extremely limited. The area is not well-served by extensive bus routes or train lines. The primary mode of public transportation is the Jefferson County Transit System (JCTS), which provides limited service within Jefferson County, including Watertown. However, service to Harrisville is non-existent.

The absence of reliable public transit presents a considerable challenge for individuals without personal vehicles, those unable to drive due to medical conditions, or those who cannot afford the cost of operating a vehicle. This lack of options significantly diminishes healthcare access, especially for those needing regular appointments or facing mobility limitations. The lack of ADA-compliant features on any public transit further complicates matters for individuals with disabilities.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Watertown and Syracuse areas. However, their presence in Harrisville itself is sporadic and unreliable. Securing a ride-share for a medical appointment in Watertown or Syracuse could prove challenging, requiring advanced planning and potentially incurring significant costs.

Medical transport services offer a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot drive and lack other transportation options. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in the region. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation to medical appointments. However, availability and cost can vary. Researching local NEMT providers, such as Ambulnz or Logisticare, is essential for anyone considering this option.

**The Prostate Cancer Score for Harrisville**

Considering the transportation challenges, Harrisville receives a moderate "Prostate Cancer Score." The reliance on personal vehicles, combined with the long drive times to medical facilities, presents a significant barrier to care. The limited public transit and unreliable ride-sharing options further compound these difficulties. While medical transport services offer a viable alternative, their cost and availability can still be a concern.

**Implications for Residents and Prospective Movers**

For current Harrisville residents, proactive planning is vital. Establishing a relationship with a urologist in Watertown or Syracuse is crucial. Understanding the drive times, traffic patterns, and potential delays is essential for scheduling appointments. Exploring medical transport options and understanding their associated costs is also advisable.

For individuals considering moving to Harrisville, the healthcare access situation should be a key consideration. If regular access to specialized urological care is a priority, the transportation challenges must be carefully weighed. Evaluating the availability of reliable transportation, including personal vehicles, medical transport services, and the potential for ride-sharing, is crucial.

**Improving Healthcare Access in Harrisville**

Addressing the healthcare access challenges in Harrisville requires a multi-pronged approach. Efforts to improve public transportation options, even with limited resources, could significantly benefit residents. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Furthermore, promoting telehealth services and encouraging the establishment of satellite clinics in the Harrisville area could bring specialized care closer to home. Increased awareness of medical transport services and their availability is also essential.

Ultimately, improving healthcare access in Harrisville requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, local government, community organizations, and residents. Addressing the transportation barriers is paramount to ensuring that men in Harrisville have timely access to the prostate cancer screenings, diagnoses, and treatments they need. The journey to healthcare in this rural community is often a long one, and the "Prostate Cancer Score" serves as a reminder of the importance of overcoming these transportation hurdles.