11754, Kings Park, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 11754, Kings Park, New York is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.73 percent of residents in 11754 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.06 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Catherine Of Siena Hospital with a distance of 2.01 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Kings Park (ZIP Code 11754)

Kings Park, nestled on the North Shore of Long Island, offers a tranquil suburban lifestyle. However, when considering a move to this community, particularly for those prioritizing healthcare access, it's crucial to understand the complexities of transportation and its impact on accessing vital medical services, specifically breast cancer care. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 11754, evaluating the ease of reaching comprehensive breast cancer treatment centers, considering various transportation options.

The score isn't a numerical value, but a narrative assessment of accessibility, highlighting the potential challenges and opportunities for residents. Factors considered include drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport services. This information is vital for anyone considering moving to Kings Park, especially those with a personal or family history of breast cancer, or those seeking preventative care.

**Driving to Care: The Arteries of Access**

For many, driving remains the primary mode of transportation. Kings Park's strategic location offers access to major roadways, but traffic patterns significantly influence drive times. The primary artery is the **Sunken Meadow State Parkway**, which provides a direct route south towards the Long Island Expressway (LIE) and further west. However, during peak hours, this parkway can become congested, adding significant time to your commute.

Heading east, the **Sunken Meadow Parkway** connects to the **Northern State Parkway**, offering another route to western Long Island. While generally less congested than the LIE, the Northern State Parkway also experiences rush-hour slowdowns. The **Jericho Turnpike (Route 25)**, a major east-west thoroughfare, provides an alternative, but it's often plagued by stop-and-go traffic, especially near commercial areas.

Reaching major breast cancer centers requires navigating these roadways. The **Stony Brook University Cancer Center**, a leading facility, is approximately a 20-30 minute drive, depending on traffic conditions, primarily utilizing the Sunken Meadow Parkway and the LIE. **Northwell Health's Huntington Hospital**, another option, is closer, typically a 15-20 minute drive via the Jericho Turnpike and the **Route 110 corridor**.

Therefore, residents of Kings Park should factor in potential delays when planning appointments, especially during weekday commutes. While driving offers flexibility, it's essential to consider traffic patterns when assessing the overall "Breast Cancer Score."

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

For those without personal vehicles, or who prefer to avoid driving, public transportation presents another avenue for accessing healthcare. The **Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)** offers a convenient option, with the Kings Park station providing service on the Port Jefferson branch. However, the station is not within walking distance for many residents, and a connecting bus or ride-sharing service is often necessary.

The LIRR provides direct access to New York City, where numerous specialized cancer centers are located. However, this journey can be time-consuming, with travel times exceeding an hour, excluding the time required to reach the station and navigate the city. The LIRR is generally accessible, with elevators and ramps at most stations, making it ADA compliant.

Local bus service, provided by **Suffolk County Transit**, offers a more limited network. The S58 bus route provides service along the Jericho Turnpike, connecting Kings Park to nearby towns and shopping centers. However, bus routes are infrequent, and travel times can be significantly longer than driving. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant buses varies, so it is important to inquire about specific routes and schedules.

While public transportation offers an alternative to driving, its limitations, including travel times and frequency, impact the overall "Breast Cancer Score."

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

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, offer on-demand transportation, providing a flexible option for accessing healthcare. However, availability and pricing can fluctuate, especially during peak hours or in areas with limited service. Ride-sharing is generally accessible, with options for wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Medical transport services, such as **CareRide** and **AmbuBus**, specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair accessibility and trained personnel. While these services can be valuable, they typically require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services enhances the "Breast Cancer Score" by providing alternative transportation options, particularly for those unable to drive or utilize public transit. However, their cost and availability must be considered.

**The "Breast Cancer Score" for Kings Park (ZIP Code 11754): A Holistic View**

Kings Park offers a blend of suburban tranquility and access to healthcare. The "Breast Cancer Score" reflects a nuanced picture. While driving offers the most flexibility, traffic congestion can impact commute times. Public transit provides an alternative, but travel times and limited frequency are constraints. Ride-sharing and medical transport services fill gaps, but cost and availability are factors.

For individuals considering moving to Kings Park, especially those with breast cancer concerns, a comprehensive assessment of transportation needs is essential. Evaluate your ability to drive, the accessibility of public transit, and the availability of ride-sharing or medical transport services.

The proximity to leading cancer centers like Stony Brook and Huntington Hospital is a significant advantage. However, understanding the transportation challenges is crucial for ensuring timely access to appointments, treatments, and support services. By carefully considering these factors, potential residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare access and overall quality of life in Kings Park. The "Breast Cancer Score" encourages a proactive approach to healthcare access, empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of transportation and make informed choices.