13864, Willseyville, New York Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 13864, Willseyville, New York is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.16 percent of residents in 13864 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.22 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cayuga Medical Center At Ithaca with a distance of 13.92 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Willseyville (ZIP Code 13864)

The tranquility of Willseyville, nestled within the heart of upstate New York, offers a respite from the frenetic pace of city life. But when considering a move, particularly for those concerned about healthcare access, a deeper understanding of the local landscape is crucial. This analysis provides a "Prostate Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 13864, focusing on the vital intersection of transportation and healthcare access, specifically concerning prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. This score is not a numerical value but a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities in accessing healthcare for this specific health concern.

For individuals in Willseyville facing a potential prostate cancer diagnosis, the initial step often involves a visit to a primary care physician for screening. While Willseyville itself may have limited medical facilities, the surrounding areas offer a range of healthcare options. The primary challenge, however, is transportation. The rural nature of the region necessitates careful consideration of how one navigates the distance to these crucial appointments.

The primary arteries of transportation in and around Willseyville are State Route 38 and State Route 79. Driving to the nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities, such as the Guthrie Cortland Medical Center in Cortland or the Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, dictates the transportation landscape. The drive to Cortland, generally a 30-45 minute journey via State Route 38, is often the most accessible. Ithaca, a further distance, demands a 45-60 minute drive, primarily on State Route 79. These drive times, while manageable, can be significantly impacted by weather conditions, especially during the harsh winters characteristic of the region.

Public transportation options in this area are limited. The Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) provides service in Ithaca, but its reach into Willseyville and surrounding areas is sparse. There is no direct public transit route from Willseyville to Ithaca or Cortland. This severely restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses, while present within the TCAT system, is irrelevant if the route itself doesn't serve the area. This presents a significant barrier for individuals with mobility limitations who may require specialized transportation to access healthcare.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Ithaca area, but their presence in Willseyville is less consistent. The availability of a ride-share depends on driver availability and the time of day. Relying on ride-sharing for regular appointments, especially those requiring early morning or late evening transportation, can be unreliable and expensive. The cost of these services, coupled with the distance, can quickly become a financial burden, further impacting healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like CareRide and First Transit Medical Transportation provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services, while offering a more reliable option than ride-sharing, often require advanced booking and can be costly. The availability of these services within the Willseyville area is another factor that must be considered.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Willseyville is therefore influenced by several factors. The primary challenge is the reliance on personal vehicles. The limited public transportation options and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services create significant barriers to healthcare access. The distance to comprehensive healthcare facilities, coupled with potential weather-related delays, further complicates the situation.

For someone facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, the need for frequent appointments, including diagnostic tests, consultations, and potentially treatment, places a considerable strain on transportation resources. The availability of a reliable and affordable means of transportation becomes paramount. This is particularly true for individuals undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy, requiring regular visits to a treatment center.

Individuals considering a move to Willseyville, especially those with pre-existing health conditions or a family history of prostate cancer, must carefully evaluate their transportation options. Assessing the availability of personal transportation, the potential costs of ride-sharing or medical transport, and the feasibility of relying on family or friends for assistance is critical.

The availability of support services within the community also plays a vital role. Local organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, may offer transportation assistance programs or connect patients with resources to help them navigate the healthcare system. Exploring these resources and understanding the support network available within the community is essential.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Willseyville is not a simple calculation; it's a multifaceted assessment of the challenges and opportunities. It's a reflection of the distance to healthcare facilities, the limitations of public transportation, the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation, and the potential financial burden associated with accessing healthcare. The score highlights the need for careful planning and proactive measures to ensure adequate healthcare access.

For those considering a move to Willseyville, the "Prostate Cancer Score" underscores the importance of prioritizing healthcare access. It emphasizes the need to research healthcare facilities, assess transportation options, and explore available support services. It’s a call to action, urging potential residents to proactively address the transportation challenges and ensure they can effectively navigate the healthcare landscape, especially when facing a serious health concern like prostate cancer. The beauty of Willseyville, with its peaceful surroundings, must be balanced with a realistic assessment of healthcare access.