14415, Bellona, New York Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 14415, Bellona, New York is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.90 percent of residents in 14415 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Finger Lake Health-Geneva General Hospital with a distance of 8.52 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Bellona, NY (ZIP Code 14415)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a condition as significant as prostate cancer, is a crucial factor when considering where to live. For those contemplating a move to Bellona, New York (ZIP Code 14415), understanding the accessibility of medical services, specifically those related to prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, is paramount. This write-up, a "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, delves into the transportation landscape surrounding healthcare access within and from this rural Finger Lakes community.

Bellona, a small hamlet nestled in Yates County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The very essence of its charm – its rural setting – can also create barriers to timely and convenient medical care. This assessment focuses on the transportation options available for residents seeking prostate cancer-related healthcare, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Bellona is undoubtedly the reliance on personal vehicles. The roads winding through Yates County, while scenic, dictate the flow of movement. Heading east on **New York State Route 14A**, a major artery, offers a direct route to Penn Yan, the county seat. This drive, approximately 10 miles, typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Penn Yan hosts the Finger Lakes Health Penn Yan Hospital, which provides primary care and some specialized services.

Further afield, the pursuit of comprehensive prostate cancer care often necessitates travel to larger medical centers. **New York State Route 14** provides a north-south corridor, connecting Bellona to the city of Geneva, approximately 20 miles away. A drive to Geneva, home to Geneva General Hospital, which offers oncology services, typically takes 30-40 minutes. This hospital is a crucial destination for residents needing specialized care.

To reach the larger metropolitan centers of Rochester or Syracuse, the journey becomes more extended. Traveling west on **New York State Route 14A** to **New York State Route 96** and then onto **Interstate 90 (I-90)**, the New York State Thruway, is the most direct route to Rochester, roughly 50 miles away. This drive could take approximately an hour and fifteen minutes, assuming no significant traffic delays. Syracuse, located approximately 80 miles east, via **I-90**, would necessitate a drive of around one hour and forty-five minutes.

Public transportation options in Bellona are limited. Yates County operates a demand-response transit system, Yates Transit. This service, however, is designed to meet the needs of the general population, including those with disabilities. While Yates Transit offers door-to-door service, it is essential to schedule rides in advance, which may pose a challenge for urgent medical appointments. The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is a critical consideration for individuals with mobility limitations. The frequency of service and the overall travel time using public transit should be factored into the healthcare access assessment.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have a presence in the Finger Lakes region, but their availability in rural areas like Bellona is variable. The reliability of these services, especially during off-peak hours or inclement weather, needs to be carefully considered. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer another potential solution. Companies such as CareRide or local ambulance services might provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive themselves. However, the availability of these services and the associated costs should be investigated.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Bellona (14415) must incorporate the realities of this transportation landscape. The score should consider the drive times to various medical facilities, the availability and reliability of public transit and ride-sharing services, and the cost and accessibility of medical transportation options. The score should also acknowledge the potential impact of seasonal weather conditions, which can significantly affect travel times and safety.

For a resident of Bellona diagnosed with prostate cancer, the ability to access specialized care, including urology consultations, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions, is paramount. The proximity of Geneva General Hospital, with its oncology services, provides a critical advantage. However, the need to travel to Rochester or Syracuse for more specialized treatment, such as advanced radiation therapy or robotic surgery, underscores the importance of reliable transportation.

Moving to Bellona requires a careful assessment of the transportation infrastructure. The individual's ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation, and the affordability of alternative transportation options will all influence the overall healthcare access. The "Prostate Cancer Score" will reflect the reality that living in a rural area requires a proactive approach to healthcare access.

In conclusion, while Bellona offers a tranquil lifestyle, the constraints of its rural setting must be acknowledged when evaluating healthcare access. The “Prostate Cancer Score” should reflect the necessity of personal vehicles, the limited availability of public transit and ride-sharing, and the potential reliance on medical transportation services. Prospective residents, especially those with existing or potential prostate cancer concerns, must carefully weigh these factors when considering a move to Bellona. A comprehensive understanding of the transportation landscape is essential for ensuring timely and convenient access to the medical care necessary for managing this significant health condition.