11789, Sound Beach, New York COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 11789, Sound Beach, New York is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.18 percent of residents in 11789 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.16 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is John T Mather Memorial Hospital Of Port Jefferson with a distance of 3.21 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Sound Beach, NY (ZIP Code 11789)

Sound Beach, a charming hamlet nestled on the North Shore of Long Island, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the serenity of this coastal community must be balanced with the realities of healthcare access. This "COPD Score" write-up explores the transportation landscape within and surrounding ZIP code 11789, evaluating the ease of reaching essential medical services. This information is particularly crucial for those considering moving to Sound Beach, ensuring their healthcare needs can be met.

The primary consideration for COPD patients is the ability to reach medical appointments quickly and reliably. Drive times become paramount. From Sound Beach, accessing major hospitals and specialized pulmonary care centers involves navigating several key roadways. The primary artery is **Route 25A**, a scenic but often congested thoroughfare. Heading west, it connects to **Nicolls Road (County Road 97)**, a major north-south artery that leads to **Stony Brook University Hospital**, a regional powerhouse. Drive times to Stony Brook can fluctuate wildly, averaging between 20-40 minutes depending on traffic.

Further west, **Route 25A** also intersects with the **Long Island Expressway (LIE, I-495)**. While the LIE offers faster travel, it is notorious for heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours. Reaching hospitals in Nassau County, such as **North Shore University Hospital** in Manhasset, can take upwards of an hour, potentially longer during rush hour. Eastward, **Route 25A** leads to **Route 25 (Middle Country Road)**, which can take you to local medical offices and urgent care facilities.

Public transportation presents another option, although its accessibility for COPD patients requires careful consideration. The **Suffolk County Transit (SCT)** system provides bus service in the area. The **S60** route serves the Sound Beach area, offering connections to other routes and key destinations. However, the frequency of service, especially during evenings and weekends, is limited. Furthermore, the terrain in Sound Beach, with its hilly areas and potential for inclement weather, can pose challenges for individuals with breathing difficulties.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical factor. All Suffolk County Transit buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and priority seating for individuals with disabilities. However, the availability of accessible bus stops and the distance from these stops to residences and medical facilities must be assessed. The **SCT** website provides detailed information on route maps, schedules, and accessibility features.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, offer a more flexible transportation option. However, their availability in Sound Beach, especially during off-peak hours, can be variable. The cost of these services can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments. For COPD patients, the convenience of a ride-share can be offset by the potential for delays and the need to schedule rides in advance.

Medical transportation services cater specifically to patients needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments. Several companies operate in the Long Island area, including **American Medical Response (AMR)** and **Care Ride**. These services often provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, these services typically require pre-booking and can be more expensive than public transportation or ride-sharing.

Healthcare access in Sound Beach also extends beyond hospital visits. Local medical offices, including primary care physicians and specialists, are essential for ongoing COPD management. The proximity of these offices to residential areas and the ease of access, whether by car, public transportation, or ride-sharing, are crucial. The availability of telehealth appointments, which allow patients to consult with their doctors remotely, can also improve healthcare access, particularly for those with mobility limitations.

The "COPD Score" for Sound Beach, therefore, is a nuanced one. While the community offers a desirable lifestyle, the transportation landscape presents challenges for individuals with COPD. Drive times to major hospitals can be significant, especially during peak hours. Public transportation, while available, has limitations in terms of frequency and accessibility. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services offer alternative options, but they come with considerations of cost and availability.

For individuals considering moving to Sound Beach, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation options is essential. This should include evaluating the proximity of medical facilities, the reliability of transportation options, and the ability to manage the financial burden of healthcare-related travel. Careful planning and proactive management are key to ensuring that individuals with COPD can thrive in this beautiful coastal community. The ideal scenario involves a combination of readily accessible healthcare providers, a reliable transportation plan, and a supportive community that understands the unique needs of individuals managing chronic respiratory conditions.