11416, Ozone Park, New York Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 11416, Ozone Park, New York is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

21.01 percent of residents in 11416 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.08 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Jamaica Hospital Medical Center with a distance of 2.13 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 11416 Ozone Park

Relocating to a new neighborhood, particularly one with a vulnerable population like those managing asthma, demands a thorough understanding of healthcare access. This analysis, the “Asthma Score,” focuses on transportation options to medical facilities within and surrounding ZIP code 11416, Ozone Park, Queens, New York. We will delve into the practicalities of reaching doctors' offices, hospitals, and pharmacies, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. This assessment aims to provide a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities for individuals with asthma, facilitating informed decisions about moving to Ozone Park.

The primary concern for asthma sufferers is the swift and reliable access to medical care during an attack. Delays in reaching a doctor or hospital can have serious consequences. Therefore, the Asthma Score prioritizes speed and dependability in transportation. We will evaluate the available options, weighing their strengths and weaknesses, to determine the overall accessibility of healthcare within the community.

**Driving to Healthcare:**

For those who prefer driving, the major arteries serving Ozone Park are the Belt Parkway, the Van Wyck Expressway (I-678), and the Jackie Robinson Parkway. These roadways offer varying degrees of congestion, especially during peak hours. Heading east on the Belt Parkway provides access to hospitals in Brooklyn, such as Maimonides Medical Center, a drive that can take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The Van Wyck Expressway offers a direct route to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, a crucial healthcare provider in the area, with a drive time of roughly 10-15 minutes under normal conditions.

The Jackie Robinson Parkway, while scenic, can be prone to bottlenecks, particularly near the Kew Gardens Interchange. This route provides access to Long Island Jewish Forest Hills, which may take 20-35 minutes. Local roads like Atlantic Avenue, Liberty Avenue, and Rockaway Boulevard offer alternative routes, but they are often congested with local traffic, increasing travel times and potentially exacerbating asthma symptoms due to idling vehicles.

Navigating the complexities of driving in New York City requires careful planning. Traffic conditions, parking availability, and the potential for delays must be considered when assessing healthcare access. The Asthma Score accounts for these factors, providing a realistic evaluation of drive-time reliability.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation is a vital component of healthcare access for many residents. The New York City Transit system offers several bus routes and the A train subway line serving Ozone Park. The Q41, Q42, Q11, and Q21 buses connect Ozone Park to various healthcare facilities, including Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and local doctor's offices. The A train provides a faster route to Manhattan hospitals, like Mount Sinai Hospital, a journey of approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on the specific station.

Accessibility is a critical consideration for individuals with asthma, especially those experiencing breathing difficulties. The New York City Transit system is mandated to provide ADA-accessible features, including elevators and ramps at select stations and on all buses. However, accessibility can vary, and it is crucial to verify the availability of these features at the specific stations and bus routes needed for healthcare appointments.

The A train, while convenient, can be subject to delays, particularly during rush hour or due to track maintenance. These delays can significantly impact travel times and potentially exacerbate asthma symptoms due to stress and exposure to environmental irritants. The Asthma Score considers the reliability and accessibility of public transit, providing a realistic assessment of its suitability for individuals with asthma.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. These services provide on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities, potentially offering a faster and more convenient alternative to public transit or driving, especially during off-peak hours. However, ride-sharing costs can be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, like Ambulnz and CareRide, specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel, making them a suitable option for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. However, medical transport services typically require pre-booking and may have limited availability, especially during peak demand.

The Asthma Score evaluates the availability, cost, and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, providing a comprehensive assessment of their role in healthcare access for individuals with asthma in Ozone Park.

**Pharmacy Access:**

Access to pharmacies is crucial for asthma management, as it ensures timely access to medications and essential supplies. Ozone Park has numerous pharmacies, including chain pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS, as well as independent pharmacies. These pharmacies are generally accessible by car, public transit, and ride-sharing services.

The Asthma Score considers the proximity of pharmacies to residential areas and healthcare facilities, ensuring that individuals with asthma can easily obtain their medications. The availability of 24-hour pharmacies and the option for home delivery are also factored into the assessment, recognizing the importance of convenient access to medications.

**Overall Asthma Score and Recommendations:**

The Asthma Score for transportation to healthcare in 11416 reflects a mixed picture. While Ozone Park benefits from a variety of transportation options, including driving, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, each option presents its own challenges. Driving can be impacted by traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Public transit, while accessible in many ways, can be subject to delays and may not be suitable for all individuals with asthma. Ride-sharing and medical transport offer convenient alternatives, but their cost and availability may be limiting factors.

For individuals with asthma considering moving to Ozone Park, it is crucial to carefully evaluate their transportation needs and preferences. Those who rely on public transit should familiarize themselves with the accessibility features of the A train and bus routes. Those who drive should plan their routes carefully, considering traffic conditions and parking availability.

The Asthma Score recommends that individuals with asthma:

* **Prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities and pharmacies:** Choosing a residence within a reasonable distance of medical providers and pharmacies can significantly reduce travel times and improve healthcare access.
* **Assess the reliability of public transit:** Research the accessibility and reliability of the A train and bus routes, considering potential delays and disruptions.
* **Explore ride-sharing and medical transport options:** Investigate the availability, cost, and suitability of these services for their specific needs.
* **Develop a contingency plan:** Prepare for potential transportation delays or disruptions by having alternative transportation options readily available.

By carefully considering these factors, individuals with asthma can make informed decisions about moving to Ozone Park and ensure that they have reliable and convenient access to healthcare. The Asthma Score serves as a valuable tool for navigating the complexities of transportation and healthcare access, empowering individuals to make informed choices that promote their health and well-being.