11415, Kew Gardens, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 11415, Kew Gardens, New York is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

24.53 percent of residents in 11415 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 1.78 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Jamaica Hospital Medical Center with a distance of 0.87 miles from the area.

## Navigating the Landscape of Care: A Breast Cancer Score for 11415 (Kew Gardens)

Considering a move to Kew Gardens, ZIP code 11415? Beyond the charming Victorian architecture and verdant parks, a crucial factor in your decision should be healthcare access, particularly if you're concerned about breast cancer. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score," a comprehensive assessment of transportation options to vital medical facilities, considering drive times, public transit accessibility, and ride-sharing possibilities. This score will help you understand the practicalities of navigating the healthcare landscape in your new neighborhood.

The Breast Cancer Score is not a formal medical assessment but a practical guide. It considers the ease with which a resident can reach essential healthcare services, including mammography centers, oncology practices, and surgical facilities, all crucial for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The score reflects the reality of transportation in Kew Gardens, a key determinant of healthcare access.

**Drive Time Dynamics: The Road to Recovery**

For those preferring the independence of driving, the primary arteries of transportation in and around Kew Gardens are the Grand Central Parkway, the Van Wyck Expressway (I-678), and Queens Boulevard. These highways, while offering speed, can be subject to unpredictable traffic, particularly during peak hours.

Reaching major hospitals like Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJ) in New Hyde Park via the Grand Central Parkway is a common route. During off-peak hours, the drive might take approximately 20-30 minutes. However, during rush hour, this commute can easily stretch to an hour or more, impacting appointment times and potentially adding stress to an already challenging situation.

Similarly, driving to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's facilities in Manhattan, a vital resource for specialized breast cancer care, involves navigating the Van Wyck Expressway and often the Long Island Expressway (LIE) or the Queensboro Bridge. This journey, in optimal conditions, could take around 30-45 minutes, but traffic congestion can dramatically increase this time, making it crucial to factor in potential delays.

Queens Boulevard, a major thoroughfare, offers direct access to several medical practices and hospitals within Queens. Driving along this route, while potentially slower than highway travel, can provide access to local resources. However, parking availability at these facilities can be a challenge, requiring careful planning and potentially adding to the overall stress of a medical appointment.

**Public Transit Pathways: Navigating the Subway and Bus Network**

For those relying on public transportation, the New York City Subway and bus system offer alternative routes to healthcare. The E and F subway trains, with stations in Kew Gardens, provide direct access to Manhattan, where numerous specialized cancer centers are located. The F train, in particular, offers a convenient connection to the 71st Avenue station in Forest Hills, a hub for bus routes serving various medical facilities.

The E train offers a direct route to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station at Jamaica, connecting to hospitals in Nassau County, including LIJ. However, navigating the subway system, especially during rush hour, can be crowded and potentially challenging for individuals with mobility issues or undergoing treatment.

The Q10 bus, running along Lefferts Boulevard, provides a direct connection to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, a local hospital with a comprehensive cancer center. The Q44 bus, traversing the length of Queens, provides access to various medical facilities along its route.

ADA accessibility is a critical consideration. While the MTA has made significant strides in improving accessibility, not all subway stations or bus routes are fully accessible. Individuals with disabilities should carefully check the MTA website for detailed information on station accessibility and plan their journeys accordingly.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Bridging the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer convenient alternatives, particularly for those who prefer not to drive or navigate public transportation. These services can be readily accessed in Kew Gardens, providing door-to-door transportation to medical appointments. However, ride-sharing costs can add up, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as MedTrans and CareRide, specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers, offering a more comfortable and supportive experience for individuals undergoing treatment. These services, while convenient, can also be more expensive than public transportation or ride-sharing.

**The Breast Cancer Score: An Integrated Assessment**

The Breast Cancer Score for 11415 will be determined by integrating the factors above. It considers the availability of multiple transportation options, the accessibility of those options, and the estimated travel times to key medical facilities. The score will also factor in the potential for traffic delays, the availability of ADA-accessible transportation, and the cost of each transportation mode.

A high score indicates excellent access to healthcare, with multiple transportation options and short travel times. A lower score suggests challenges in accessing healthcare, potentially due to limited transportation options, long travel times, or accessibility issues.

**Moving to Kew Gardens: A Considered Decision**

Moving to a new neighborhood is a significant life event. For those concerned about breast cancer, evaluating healthcare access is paramount. The Breast Cancer Score provides a practical framework for assessing the transportation landscape in Kew Gardens, allowing potential residents to make informed decisions.

This assessment underscores the importance of considering transportation when evaluating healthcare access. It is a critical aspect of healthcare access, impacting the ease with which residents can receive timely screenings, diagnoses, and treatments. Understanding these factors will empower you to make an informed decision about your move to Kew Gardens.

The journey to healthcare, especially during a breast cancer diagnosis, can be challenging. The Breast Cancer Score aims to provide clarity, allowing you to navigate the healthcare landscape with greater confidence.