11023, Great Neck, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 11023, Great Neck, New York is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.95 percent of residents in 11023 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is North Shore University Hospital with a distance of 2.23 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Great Neck (ZIP Code 11023)

The pursuit of optimal health, especially for those managing hypertension, requires reliable access to healthcare. For residents of Great Neck, New York (ZIP Code 11023), this means navigating a complex web of transportation options to reach vital medical appointments and services. This analysis explores the transportation landscape, assessing its impact on healthcare access and contributing to a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease and efficiency with which residents can connect with their medical providers. This information is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Great Neck, offering a crucial perspective on their future healthcare journey.

The geographical layout of Great Neck, nestled on the North Shore of Long Island, influences transportation dynamics. The primary thoroughfare is the Long Island Expressway (LIE) – Interstate 495 – a major artery connecting Great Neck to New York City and beyond. Other critical roads include the Northern State Parkway, the Cross Island Parkway, and the local arteries of Middle Neck Road and Great Neck Road. These roads, while providing access, can also be subject to significant traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, potentially impacting timely arrival at medical appointments and exacerbating stress for individuals managing hypertension.

Driving remains a prevalent mode of transportation for many Great Neck residents. The drive time to healthcare facilities varies depending on location and traffic conditions. For example, reaching North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, a major healthcare provider, typically takes 15-25 minutes via the LIE or Northern Boulevard (Route 25A), assuming moderate traffic. However, during rush hour, this commute can easily double, significantly impacting the ability to maintain scheduled appointments and adhere to medication schedules. The distance to New York City hospitals, such as New York-Presbyterian Hospital or Mount Sinai Hospital, can be considerably longer, potentially exceeding an hour, especially when considering parking complexities.

Public transportation offers an alternative, with the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) serving as a crucial link. The Great Neck LIRR station provides direct access to Penn Station in Manhattan, from which connections to various hospitals and medical centers can be made. The commute to Penn Station is typically swift, around 30-40 minutes, providing a relatively efficient option for accessing city-based healthcare. However, the walk from Penn Station to some hospitals can be lengthy, and navigating the subway system might present challenges for individuals with mobility limitations.

Bus service, operated by the Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE), provides local transportation within Great Neck and connects to surrounding areas. The N15, N20, and N23 bus routes are particularly relevant, offering connections to hospitals, medical offices, and shopping centers. While the NICE bus network provides a valuable service, frequency can be a concern, and travel times are generally longer than driving or the LIRR. ADA accessibility features are present on NICE buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient, albeit potentially more expensive, option for transportation. These services provide door-to-door transportation, eliminating the need to navigate parking or rely on fixed bus schedules. However, surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can significantly increase costs, potentially posing a financial burden for individuals with chronic conditions requiring frequent medical visits.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to cater to the needs of patients with mobility limitations or other medical needs, are available in the area. These services, offered by providers such as MedTrans and Access-A-Ride, provide specialized transportation, often including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. While these services offer a crucial lifeline for some, they often require advance booking and may have limited availability, potentially impacting the flexibility of scheduling appointments.

The "Hypertension Score" for Great Neck (ZIP Code 11023) reflects a mixed picture of healthcare access. While the LIRR offers efficient access to Manhattan-based healthcare, reliance on driving can be hampered by traffic congestion. The NICE bus network provides local connections, but frequency and travel times pose challenges. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services offer convenient options, but their cost and availability can be limiting factors.

Considering the factors outlined, the "Hypertension Score" for Great Neck, reflecting the ease of accessing healthcare for individuals managing hypertension, would be a moderate score. The presence of multiple transportation options, including the LIRR, NICE buses, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation providers, provides a degree of flexibility. However, the potential for traffic congestion, the limitations of bus schedules, and the cost of ride-sharing services introduce complexities.

For individuals moving to Great Neck, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation preferences is crucial. Those who prioritize access to Manhattan-based hospitals may find the LIRR to be an ideal solution. Individuals who prefer local healthcare providers should consider the proximity of medical offices and the reliability of driving or the NICE bus network. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation options provides additional flexibility, but their cost and availability should be carefully considered.

Ultimately, the "Hypertension Score" serves as a starting point for understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. Individuals considering moving to Great Neck should conduct their own research, considering their specific medical needs and transportation preferences, to ensure they can effectively manage their health and maintain a high quality of life. The ability to navigate the transportation network efficiently is a critical component of successful healthcare management, particularly for those living with hypertension.