11713, Bellport, New York Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 11713, Bellport, New York is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.51 percent of residents in 11713 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Long Island Community Hospital with a distance of 1.73 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Bellport (ZIP Code 11713)

Considering a move to the charming coastal village of Bellport, New York (ZIP Code 11713)? Beyond the picturesque harbor and historic homes, prospective residents must also consider practical matters, particularly healthcare access. For individuals managing asthma, understanding the ease of **transportation** to medical facilities is paramount. This "Asthma Score" write-up analyzes the **healthcare access** landscape within and surrounding Bellport, offering insights into drive times, public transit options, and alternative transport solutions.

Bellport, nestled on the south shore of Long Island, presents a unique **transportation** challenge. While the village itself is relatively compact, accessing specialized medical care often necessitates venturing beyond its borders. Asthma management frequently requires regular appointments with pulmonologists, allergists, and potentially emergency room visits. This analysis evaluates the accessibility of these essential services, focusing on the primary routes and modes of travel.

**Driving Times and Roadways:**

The most direct route for many residents is by car. Bellport's proximity to the Long Island Expressway (LIE) – also known as I-495 – is a significant advantage. The LIE provides a relatively quick east-west corridor, connecting Bellport to major medical centers in Nassau County and New York City. However, traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times.

Heading west on the LIE, reaching Stony Brook University Hospital, a major regional healthcare provider, typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. This journey involves navigating the LIE and then transitioning onto Nicolls Road (County Road 97). Further west, Northwell Health's Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park is approximately a 60-90 minute drive, factoring in potential traffic bottlenecks.

To the east, the Sunrise Highway (NY-27) offers an alternative route. While generally less congested than the LIE, the Sunrise Highway can still experience delays, especially during the summer months when beach traffic swells. Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead, a closer option, is roughly a 20-30 minute drive via the Sunrise Highway and County Road 58.

For those seeking specialized pediatric care, Cohen Children's Medical Center in New Hyde Park is accessible via the LIE, requiring a similar travel time as Long Island Jewish Medical Center. The drive time to these facilities underscores the importance of considering potential delays when planning medical appointments, particularly for individuals with asthma who require prompt attention.

**Public Transit Options:**

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides a vital public transit link for Bellport residents. The Bellport station, located on the Montauk Branch, offers service to New York City and other Long Island destinations. However, relying solely on the LIRR for healthcare access presents challenges.

While the LIRR can transport individuals to Penn Station in Manhattan, accessing hospitals from there requires navigating the city's complex subway system or utilizing taxis and ride-sharing services. This multi-step journey adds significant time and potential stress, especially for those experiencing asthma symptoms.

Furthermore, the LIRR's schedule, particularly on weekends and evenings, may not align with medical appointment times. The lack of direct connections to many hospitals, particularly those located outside of Manhattan, limits the LIRR's practicality for routine healthcare visits.

Suffolk County Transit (SCT) offers bus service within the county. Route 60, which runs along Montauk Highway, serves Bellport. However, SCT's routes are often infrequent, and travel times can be lengthy due to multiple stops. The buses may not always offer the most comfortable or efficient travel experience for individuals with respiratory conditions.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration for public transit. The LIRR and SCT are required to provide accessible services, including ramps, elevators, and designated seating. However, the availability and reliability of these features should be verified before relying on public transit for healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Bellport, offering a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. These services provide door-to-door transportation, eliminating the need to navigate parking or transfer between different modes of travel. However, ride-sharing fares can be expensive, especially for longer distances.

Medical transportation services cater specifically to individuals with medical needs. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and various private ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). These services offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, NEMT services typically require advance booking and can be costly.

The availability of medical transportation options in Bellport provides a valuable safety net for individuals with asthma who may be unable to drive or utilize public transit. These services can be crucial for accessing urgent care or scheduled appointments.

**Healthcare Facilities and Proximity:**

Bellport itself lacks a major hospital or large-scale medical center. The nearest urgent care facilities are located in neighboring towns, such as Brookhaven and Patchogue. These facilities can provide immediate care for asthma exacerbations.

For specialized care, residents typically travel to hospitals in Stony Brook, Riverhead, or Nassau County. The distance to these facilities underscores the importance of considering transportation options when choosing a healthcare provider.

**Asthma Score Summary:**

The "Asthma Score" for Bellport reflects a mixed bag of **transportation** challenges and opportunities. While the village offers a desirable quality of life, **healthcare access** requires careful planning. Driving provides the most direct route, but traffic congestion can be a significant factor. The LIRR offers a public transit option, but its limitations, particularly regarding direct hospital connections, must be acknowledged. Ride-sharing and medical transport services provide viable alternatives, but their cost and availability should be considered.

For individuals with asthma, the decision to move to Bellport should involve a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and **transportation** preferences. Understanding the drive times, public transit options, and alternative transport solutions is essential for ensuring timely and convenient access to medical care. The proximity to major highways and the availability of ride-sharing services offer some advantages. However, the lack of a local hospital and the reliance on travel for specialized care necessitate careful consideration.

Ultimately, the "Asthma Score" for Bellport highlights the importance of proactive planning and careful consideration of **healthcare access** when making a move to this charming Long Island village.