11717, Brentwood, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 11717, Brentwood, New York is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.18 percent of residents in 11717 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.99 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pilgrim Psychiatric Center with a distance of 2.31 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Brentwood, NY (ZIP Code 11717)**

The specter of a breast cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding not only expert medical care but also accessible and reliable transportation to and from appointments. For residents of Brentwood, New York (ZIP code 11717), the journey to healthcare, especially specialized oncology services, is a crucial factor in their overall well-being. This write-up explores the landscape of healthcare access in Brentwood, focusing on transportation options and their impact on a hypothetical "Breast Cancer Score" for the community.

Brentwood's location on Long Island, while offering suburban charm, presents challenges in healthcare access. The availability of transportation, both public and private, directly influences a patient's ability to receive timely diagnoses, treatments, and follow-up care. A high "Breast Cancer Score" reflects a community where transportation barriers are minimized, allowing patients to focus on their health journey rather than the logistical hurdles of getting to their appointments.

**The Road to Care: Drive Times and Highways**

For many Brentwood residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The Long Island Expressway (LIE, I-495) serves as the arterial highway, connecting Brentwood to major medical centers. Driving east on the LIE, patients can reach Stony Brook University Hospital, a comprehensive cancer center, in approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. The Southern State Parkway offers an alternative route, though it often experiences congestion, particularly during peak hours.

Traveling south on Sills Road or Brentwood Road provides access to smaller clinics and medical offices, but these may not offer the specialized oncology services required for comprehensive breast cancer care. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services provides a list of medical services available, but it doesn't include transportation options. The drive times to these facilities are generally shorter, ranging from 10 to 20 minutes, but the quality of care may vary.

The success of this transportation hinges on the patient’s ability to drive and maintain a vehicle. Factors such as physical limitations due to treatment, financial constraints on car ownership, and the burden of finding reliable drivers can significantly impact a patient's ability to access care.

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

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) offers a public transportation alternative. The Brentwood station provides access to trains traveling west towards New York City, where major medical centers like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and NYU Langone Health are located. The commute, including the train ride and connecting subway or taxi, can take upwards of 1.5 to 2 hours.

Suffolk County Transit operates bus routes throughout Brentwood and the surrounding areas. The S58, S92, and S93 routes provide connections to the LIRR and local medical facilities. However, bus schedules may not always align with appointment times, and the frequency of service can be limited, especially during evenings and weekends.

ADA accessibility is a critical factor for patients with mobility limitations. The LIRR strives to provide accessible stations and trains, but challenges remain. Suffolk County Transit buses are equipped with ramps and other accessibility features, but the availability of accessible routes and the overall convenience of public transit can vary.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient, albeit potentially costly, option for transportation. Patients can schedule rides to and from appointments, providing flexibility and reducing the reliance on personal vehicles or public transit. However, the availability of drivers, particularly during off-peak hours, can be a concern.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies, cater specifically to patients with medical needs. These services provide door-to-door transportation, often with trained staff and specialized vehicles. While offering convenience and peace of mind, medical transport can be expensive, and insurance coverage may be limited.

**The "Breast Cancer Score" and its Components**

A "Breast Cancer Score" for Brentwood would consider several factors related to transportation. Drive times to major cancer centers, the frequency and reliability of public transit, the availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport, and the ADA accessibility of all transportation options would be carefully evaluated.

The score would also consider the socioeconomic factors of the community. Brentwood has a diverse population, and income levels can vary. The affordability of transportation options, including the cost of car ownership, public transit fares, and ride-sharing fees, would be factored into the score.

Furthermore, the score would assess the availability of support services, such as patient navigators who can assist with transportation arrangements and financial assistance programs that can help offset the costs of transportation.

**Moving to Brentwood: A Healthcare Perspective**

For individuals considering moving to Brentwood, the "Breast Cancer Score" can provide valuable insights into healthcare access. Prospective residents should research the proximity of healthcare facilities, the availability of transportation options, and the cost of transportation.

Understanding the transportation landscape is essential for making informed decisions about healthcare. A high "Breast Cancer Score" indicates a community where transportation barriers are minimized, making it easier for patients to access the care they need.

Brentwood’s healthcare access, while not without its challenges, offers a mix of options. The LIE and Southern State Parkway provide access to major cancer centers, while the LIRR and Suffolk County Transit offer public transportation alternatives. Ride-sharing and medical transport services fill the gaps. The "Breast Cancer Score" would reflect the strengths and weaknesses of these options, providing a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access in the community.