13820, Oneonta, New York Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 13820, Oneonta, New York is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

82.96 percent of residents in 13820 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Aurelia Osborn Fox Memorial Hospital with a distance of 0.28 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Oneonta (ZIP Code 13820)

Considering a move to Oneonta, New York (ZIP Code 13820), and concerned about prostate cancer healthcare access? This assessment delves into the realities of commuting to healthcare, specifically for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, offering a "Prostate Cancer Score" based on transportation options. This score reflects the ease and efficiency of reaching crucial medical services, acknowledging that timely access to care significantly impacts outcomes.

Oneonta, nestled in the Catskill Mountains foothills, presents unique transportation challenges. While the city boasts a charming atmosphere, its location influences healthcare access. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport options, painting a comprehensive picture of navigating the healthcare landscape.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Cornerstone of Access**

For many, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. Accessing urology and oncology services often necessitates driving. The primary artery in and out of Oneonta is **Interstate 88 (I-88)**, a vital east-west corridor. Driving to Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, a regional healthcare hub, via I-88 typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Within Oneonta, **State Route 28 (NY-28)** and **State Route 7 (NY-7)** are essential for navigating the city and accessing local medical facilities. Traffic can be moderate, especially during peak hours, adding to commute times. While these roads provide access to local clinics and primary care physicians, specialized prostate cancer care usually requires travel to Cooperstown or further afield.

**The Score:** Drive times, while manageable, introduce potential delays, especially during inclement weather. The reliance on personal vehicles can also be a barrier for those without access to a car.

**Public Transit: Limited but Present**

Public transportation in Oneonta is limited. The **Oneonta Public Transit (OPT)** offers bus routes within the city. However, these routes are primarily designed for local errands and commuting within the city limits. They don't directly serve the primary healthcare facilities in Cooperstown.

The OPT system operates with a limited schedule, often with reduced service on weekends and evenings. While some routes may offer connections to other transportation hubs, the overall public transit infrastructure poses challenges for those relying on it for healthcare access, especially when dealing with the demands of prostate cancer treatment.

**ADA Accessibility:** The OPT system is committed to ADA accessibility, with buses equipped to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the limited route network and infrequent service remain a significant constraint for many.

**The Score:** Public transit, while ADA-compliant, is not a practical option for most prostate cancer patients needing to access specialized care outside Oneonta.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Oneonta, but their reliability and availability can vary. Demand often fluctuates, and wait times might be longer than in more urban areas. Relying on ride-sharing for regular appointments or treatments requires careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services often require advance booking and may have associated costs. However, they provide a vital lifeline for individuals unable to drive or utilize public transit.

**The Score:** Ride-sharing provides a potential option, but its reliability is questionable. Medical transport services offer a more dependable, albeit more expensive, solution.

**Prostate Cancer Score and Considerations for Moving to Oneonta**

Based on the transportation analysis, the Prostate Cancer Score for ZIP Code 13820 reflects a moderate level of healthcare access. While the drive to Cooperstown is relatively short, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit and ride-sharing services present challenges.

**Key Considerations:**

* **Proximity to Bassett Medical Center:** The proximity to Bassett Medical Center, a comprehensive healthcare facility, is a significant advantage.
* **Personal Vehicle Dependency:** Owning and maintaining a reliable vehicle is crucial for accessing specialized prostate cancer care.
* **Planning and Scheduling:** Advance planning and scheduling are essential for appointments, especially when utilizing ride-sharing or medical transport.
* **Support System:** Having a strong support system to assist with transportation and appointments is beneficial.
* **Cost of Transportation:** Factor in the cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, ride-sharing, or medical transport services when budgeting for healthcare expenses.

**Overall Assessment:**

The Prostate Cancer Score for Oneonta (ZIP Code 13820) is **6/10**. This score acknowledges the relatively short drive times to a major medical center but highlights the limitations of public transit and ride-sharing options. Individuals considering moving to Oneonta should carefully assess their transportation needs and plan accordingly. While the area offers a peaceful lifestyle, securing reliable transportation is paramount for managing prostate cancer effectively. Healthcare access is a critical factor when moving to a new community.