11572, Oceanside, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 11572, Oceanside, New York is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.42 percent of residents in 11572 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.83 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mount Sinai South Nassau with a distance of 1.27 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Oceanside, NY (ZIP Code 11572)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, demands careful consideration of accessibility. This assessment delves into the transportation landscape surrounding Oceanside, New York (ZIP Code 11572), offering a “Breast Cancer Score” that gauges the ease with which residents can access vital medical services. The score considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, providing a comprehensive picture for those seeking healthcare or contemplating a move to this Long Island community.

The “Breast Cancer Score” is not a numerical value but a qualitative analysis, designed to illuminate the challenges and opportunities related to transportation and healthcare access. It acknowledges the critical importance of timely and reliable transportation, especially for appointments, treatments, and follow-up care.

**Driving the Distance: Roadways and Drive Times**

For many Oceanside residents, the car remains the primary mode of transportation. The proximity of major roadways significantly impacts healthcare access. The Long Island Expressway (LIE, I-495), a crucial artery, provides access to numerous hospitals and medical centers. Depending on traffic, a drive to North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, a renowned cancer center, could take 30-60 minutes.

The Meadowbrook State Parkway, running north-south, offers another route, though it can be prone to congestion during peak hours. The drive to Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, a local hospital with cancer services, is generally shorter, typically under 15 minutes. The Southern State Parkway, further south, offers an alternative, potentially reducing travel time depending on the destination and traffic conditions.

Navigating the local roads, such as Long Beach Road, Lawson Boulevard, and Atlantic Avenue, is essential for accessing primary care physicians, specialists, and ancillary services. These roads, while convenient, can experience heavy traffic, especially during school drop-off and pick-up times, and the morning and evening commutes.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Rails and Buses**

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) offers a vital public transportation option for Oceanside residents. The Oceanside station provides access to Penn Station in Manhattan, opening up a vast network of medical facilities. However, the commute, including travel time to the station, the train ride, and potential transfers, can be lengthy.

The LIRR is generally ADA-accessible, with elevators and ramps at most stations. However, it's essential to confirm accessibility at specific stations, especially when traveling with mobility limitations or needing assistance.

Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) buses provide local service within Nassau County. Several bus routes serve Oceanside, connecting residents to hospitals, medical centers, and other essential services. The N15, N16, and N27 routes are particularly relevant, offering connections to various medical facilities.

NICE buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other ADA features, but riders should verify accessibility before traveling. The bus schedules and routes can be found on the NICE website or through the Moovit app, a transportation planning application.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Alternative Options**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient, though potentially more expensive, transportation alternative. These services are readily available in Oceanside and can be particularly useful for non-emergency medical appointments. However, surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can significantly increase costs.

Medical transportation services, such as SeniorCare and other specialized companies, cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel.

**Healthcare Access: Considerations for Breast Cancer Patients**

The “Breast Cancer Score” considers the specific needs of breast cancer patients. Frequent appointments for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care necessitate reliable transportation. The ability to easily access a comprehensive cancer center, such as North Shore University Hospital or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (accessible via LIRR), is crucial.

The availability of support services, such as transportation assistance programs offered by hospitals or cancer support organizations, is also a factor. These programs can help patients navigate the transportation challenges and reduce the burden of accessing healthcare.

**Moving to Oceanside: A Healthcare Perspective**

For individuals considering a move to Oceanside, the transportation infrastructure and healthcare access are critical factors. While Oceanside offers a relatively convenient location with access to major roadways and public transportation, potential residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements.

Proximity to a comprehensive cancer center, such as Mount Sinai South Nassau or the ability to reach North Shore University Hospital, is a significant advantage. Evaluating the accessibility of public transportation, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the potential need for medical transportation is essential.

**Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Healthcare Access**

The “Breast Cancer Score” for Oceanside, NY (ZIP Code 11572) highlights the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare access. While Oceanside offers a range of transportation options, including driving, public transit, and ride-sharing, the specific needs of breast cancer patients require careful consideration.

The ability to easily reach medical facilities, the availability of support services, and the overall convenience of transportation are crucial factors. By understanding the transportation landscape and evaluating the available resources, residents and prospective residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare journey. This assessment emphasizes the critical link between transportation and healthcare access, especially for those facing the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis.