13694, Waddington, New York Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 13694, Waddington, New York is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.95 percent of residents in 13694 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.66 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Massena Hospital Inc with a distance of 14.82 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Waddington, NY (ZIP Code 13694)

Considering a move to the serene village of Waddington, New York (ZIP Code 13694)? Alongside the picturesque St. Lawrence River and the allure of small-town life, it's crucial to assess your healthcare access, especially concerning critical conditions like prostate cancer. This write-up provides a detailed "Prostate Cancer Score" analysis, focusing on transportation options and healthcare facilities relevant to prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment within a reasonable commuting distance.

The score is not a numerical value but a qualitative assessment of the challenges and opportunities presented by Waddington's location. It weighs the availability of specialized medical care, the ease of getting there, and the overall accessibility of healthcare services. The aim is to provide a realistic picture for potential residents, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Understanding the Landscape: Prostate Cancer and Healthcare Access**

Prostate cancer, a prevalent disease among men, necessitates regular screening, timely diagnosis, and often, specialized treatment. This includes urologists, oncologists, radiation therapy, and potentially surgery. The availability and accessibility of these services are paramount when evaluating healthcare access in any location. For residents of Waddington, the remoteness and limited public transportation pose significant challenges.

**Driving Directions: The Primary Transportation Route**

The primary mode of transportation in Waddington is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The nearest hospitals and specialized medical centers are located in larger towns and cities, requiring a car for most healthcare appointments.

To reach the nearest hospital with urology services, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg, NY, one would primarily utilize NY-37. The drive is approximately 20 miles and takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. NY-37 is generally well-maintained, but winter driving conditions can significantly impact travel times.

For more specialized care, such as radiation oncology or advanced surgical procedures, patients often travel to larger cities like Watertown or Syracuse. The drive to Watertown involves taking NY-37 East to NY-12, a journey of approximately 70 miles and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Syracuse, with its comprehensive medical facilities, is a more significant undertaking, requiring a drive of approximately 150 miles, primarily via NY-37 East to I-81 South, which could take upwards of 2 hours and 30 minutes, traffic permitting.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Waddington and the surrounding area are extremely limited, presenting a significant hurdle for individuals without personal vehicles. The St. Lawrence County Public Transit System (SLCPTS) operates a limited bus service, but its routes and schedules are not designed for frequent trips to healthcare facilities.

The SLCPTS operates several routes, but their coverage in Waddington and surrounding areas is infrequent. Furthermore, it is essential to confirm ADA accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts and ramps, on all public transit vehicles. The limited frequency of routes and potential for long wait times significantly impact healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Alternative Solutions**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the larger cities like Ogdensburg, Watertown, and Syracuse. However, their availability in Waddington itself is uncertain and sporadic. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is therefore not recommended.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are a potential alternative. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and local ambulance services may provide non-emergency medical transportation. However, these services often require prior arrangements and can be costly. It is crucial to investigate the availability and cost of medical transportation services before moving to Waddington.

**Healthcare Facilities and Specialist Availability**

Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg, NY, is the closest hospital with urology services. While it provides essential care, the availability of sub-specialists like radiation oncologists may be limited. For more advanced treatments, patients may need to travel to larger medical centers in Watertown or Syracuse.

The proximity of Waddington to the Canadian border could also be a factor. While healthcare in Canada is accessible, navigating the complexities of cross-border healthcare, including insurance coverage and medical records transfer, adds another layer of complexity.

**Assessing the Prostate Cancer Score**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Waddington, NY, is primarily influenced by the limitations in transportation and the relative distance to specialized medical facilities. The score is a complex assessment, and it is important to consider individual needs and circumstances.

* **Transportation:** The reliance on personal vehicles is a significant constraint. Limited public transportation options and the uncertainty of ride-sharing services add to the challenges.
* **Healthcare Access:** While basic urology services are available at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, access to sub-specialists and advanced treatments requires longer travel times.
* **Support Systems:** The availability of family support, community resources, and patient advocacy groups can mitigate some of the challenges.

**Considerations for Moving to Waddington**

For individuals considering a move to Waddington, particularly those with a history of prostate cancer or at higher risk, careful consideration of healthcare access is essential.

* **Pre-existing Conditions:** Individuals with pre-existing conditions should assess the availability of specialists and the ease of accessing necessary treatments.
* **Transportation Planning:** Plan for potential transportation challenges, including long drives and the need for alternative transportation options.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that your health insurance plan covers healthcare services in the region, including travel costs.
* **Community Resources:** Investigate the availability of local support groups, patient advocacy organizations, and other resources.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Landscape**

Moving to Waddington offers the charm of small-town living and the beauty of the St. Lawrence River. However, for those concerned about prostate cancer care, understanding the transportation and healthcare access landscape is crucial. While Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center provides essential urology services, residents may need to travel to Watertown or Syracuse for specialized treatments. The limited public transportation and the uncertainty of ride-sharing services necessitate reliance on personal vehicles.

Careful planning, including assessing healthcare needs, transportation options, and insurance coverage, is essential. By understanding the challenges and opportunities, potential residents can make informed decisions and ensure they have access to the healthcare they need. The "Prostate Cancer Score" highlights the importance of proactive planning and underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of healthcare access when considering a move to Waddington.