11451, Jamaica, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 11451, Jamaica, New York is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 11451 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 1.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Jamaica Hospital Medical Center with a distance of 0.93 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Jamaica, NY (ZIP Code 11451)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly when facing a breast cancer diagnosis, is fraught with emotional and logistical challenges. Understanding the accessibility of diagnostic and treatment facilities is paramount, especially for residents of Jamaica, NY (ZIP Code 11451). This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score," a composite measure reflecting the ease of transportation to relevant medical resources, offering insights for residents and those contemplating moving to Jamaica.

The score considers various transportation modes, including driving, public transit, and ride-sharing services, evaluating their efficiency and convenience in reaching key healthcare providers. It’s a practical guide to navigating the complexities of healthcare access within this vibrant Queens community.

**Driving: The Asphalt Arteries**

For those who prefer the autonomy of driving, the primary arteries facilitating healthcare access in 11451 are the Grand Central Parkway, the Van Wyck Expressway (I-678), and the Long Island Expressway (I-495). These major roadways offer relatively quick routes to hospitals and specialized cancer centers.

From the heart of Jamaica, a drive to Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park typically takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The route usually involves taking the Grand Central Parkway or the Long Island Expressway.

Similarly, accessing Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's facilities in Manhattan can be achieved via the Van Wyck Expressway and the Midtown Tunnel, with a travel time of around 45-60 minutes, contingent on peak-hour congestion.

The drive to New York-Presbyterian Hospital, another prominent cancer treatment center, often involves the Van Wyck Expressway, the Long Island Expressway, and the Queensboro Bridge, resulting in a similar travel time.

While driving provides a degree of control, it's crucial to factor in potential delays due to traffic, particularly during rush hours. Parking availability and associated costs at medical facilities are additional considerations.

**Public Transit: The Subway and Bus Network**

New York City's extensive public transit system offers a viable alternative for accessing healthcare facilities. The New York City Transit Authority (NYCT) provides subway and bus services within and around 11451.

The E, J, and Z subway lines serve Jamaica, offering direct routes to Manhattan and connections to other lines. The E train provides access to major medical centers in Manhattan, such as Memorial Sloan Kettering and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, with travel times ranging from 45-60 minutes.

The Q10, Q4, Q5, Q6, Q110, and several other bus routes traverse Jamaica, connecting residents to various hospitals and clinics. These buses can be particularly useful for reaching local healthcare providers and accessing connecting subway lines.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial factor for individuals with mobility challenges. While the subway system is undergoing ongoing upgrades to improve accessibility, not all stations are fully compliant. Bus routes, however, are generally equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities.

Public transit offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option, but it can be subject to delays and overcrowding, especially during peak hours.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Convenience and Specialized Services**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, provide a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. They offer door-to-door service and can be particularly useful for individuals who may have difficulty navigating public transportation or require assistance with mobility.

Travel times with ride-sharing services are generally comparable to driving, although surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can increase costs.

Medical transportation services, such as MedRide and Access-A-Ride, cater specifically to individuals with medical needs. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist passengers.

Access-A-Ride, operated by the MTA, offers subsidized transportation for eligible individuals with disabilities. This service requires advance booking and may have limited availability, so planning ahead is essential.

Medical transportation services provide a valuable option for individuals who require specialized assistance or cannot utilize public transit.

**Breast Cancer Score: A Composite Assessment**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for 11451 is a dynamic measure, reflecting the accessibility of healthcare resources based on the transportation options available. It considers the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** The average travel time to major cancer centers and hospitals via car, factoring in peak-hour traffic.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** The availability and frequency of subway and bus routes serving healthcare facilities, including ADA accessibility.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The ease of accessing ride-sharing services and associated costs.
* **Medical Transportation Options:** The availability of specialized medical transportation services, such as Access-A-Ride.
* **Proximity to Local Healthcare Providers:** The presence of local clinics and medical offices offering breast cancer screening and treatment services.

Based on these factors, the Breast Cancer Score for 11451 is rated as "Good." The area benefits from a well-developed public transit system, readily available ride-sharing services, and access to major roadways. While traffic congestion can be a challenge, the overall accessibility to healthcare facilities is relatively favorable.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

For residents of 11451, it is crucial to plan transportation to medical appointments in advance, considering traffic conditions and potential delays. Utilizing online tools, such as Google Maps and the MTA Trip Planner, can help optimize travel routes and estimate travel times.

Exploring the availability of local healthcare providers, including those offering breast cancer screening and early detection services, can minimize travel distances and improve convenience.

For those considering moving to Jamaica, 11451, understanding the healthcare access landscape is a critical factor. The Breast Cancer Score provides a valuable framework for assessing the ease of reaching medical facilities and making informed decisions about healthcare access.

The Breast Cancer Score is a fluid measure, subject to change based on infrastructure improvements, service enhancements, and evolving healthcare needs. Continuous monitoring and updates are essential to ensure its relevance and accuracy.