11364, Oakland Gardens, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 11364, Oakland Gardens, New York is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

30.39 percent of residents in 11364 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Creedmoor Psychiatric Center with a distance of 1.56 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Oakland Gardens (ZIP Code 11364)

The quest for optimal healthcare, especially for those managing chronic conditions like hypertension, necessitates a deep understanding of transportation options. This write-up, tailored for residents and prospective movers to Oakland Gardens (ZIP Code 11364), provides a detailed analysis of transportation infrastructure, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in accessing healthcare services, ultimately contributing to a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of obtaining timely medical care.

The foundation of healthcare access lies in the ability to reach medical facilities. For Oakland Gardens residents, this translates to a complex interplay of personal vehicles, public transit, and ride-sharing services. The primary arteries of transportation are the Long Island Expressway (LIE, I-495), the Clearview Expressway (I-295), and the Grand Central Parkway. These highways, while facilitating rapid transit, can also become bottlenecks during peak hours, significantly impacting drive times to hospitals, clinics, and specialist offices.

Driving to healthcare appointments in Oakland Gardens presents a mixed bag. Elmhurst Hospital Center, a major healthcare provider, is approximately a 20-minute drive via the LIE during off-peak hours. However, during rush hour, this commute can easily stretch to 45 minutes or even an hour, a significant consideration for individuals with hypertension who may require frequent check-ups or face medical emergencies. Similarly, accessing New York-Presbyterian Queens, located in Flushing, involves navigating the bustling streets and potential traffic snarls of the LIE or the Grand Central Parkway, typically taking between 15 and 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Public transportation offers an alternative, albeit with its own set of challenges. The New York City Transit Authority (NYCT) provides bus service within Oakland Gardens. The Q46 bus, for example, serves the area, offering connections to the subway system. While the bus is a more affordable option than driving or ride-sharing, the travel time is considerably longer. A trip to Elmhurst Hospital Center via public transit, including bus and subway transfers, could easily take over an hour, increasing the potential for stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact blood pressure.

The accessibility of public transit is also a critical factor. The NYCT is committed to providing ADA-accessible buses and subway stations, but the reality is that many stations, particularly in older neighborhoods, lack full accessibility. This presents a significant barrier for individuals with mobility limitations, making healthcare access even more challenging. The Q46 bus, while generally accessible, still requires navigating sidewalks and crosswalks, which can be difficult for those with physical impairments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. These services provide door-to-door transportation, eliminating the need to navigate traffic or wait for buses. However, ride-sharing can be expensive, particularly during peak hours or for longer distances. For individuals with fixed incomes or limited financial resources, the cost of ride-sharing can become a significant barrier to healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, offer a more specialized approach. Brands like MedTrans and CareRide provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. These services can be a valuable resource for individuals with disabilities or those who are unable to drive themselves. However, these services often require advance booking and may have limited availability, particularly during peak hours or for last-minute appointments.

The "Hypertension Score" for Oakland Gardens must consider the interplay of these factors. The score would be negatively impacted by long drive times during peak hours, limited public transit accessibility, and the high cost of ride-sharing. Conversely, the score would be positively influenced by the availability of accessible public transit, the presence of medical transportation services, and the proximity of healthcare facilities.

Moving to Oakland Gardens requires careful consideration of these transportation challenges. Prospective residents, particularly those managing hypertension or other chronic conditions, should research the proximity of healthcare facilities, the availability of accessible public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing services. They should also explore the availability of medical transportation services and factor these considerations into their decision-making process.

Furthermore, community initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access are crucial. This could include advocating for improved public transit service, promoting the use of medical transportation services, and supporting programs that provide financial assistance for transportation costs. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies is essential to ensure that all residents of Oakland Gardens have equal access to the healthcare they need.

The "Hypertension Score" is not just a number; it is a reflection of the community's commitment to the health and well-being of its residents. By understanding the transportation landscape, addressing the challenges, and embracing the opportunities, Oakland Gardens can strive to create a healthcare environment that is accessible, affordable, and supportive for all, particularly those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. The future of healthcare access in Oakland Gardens hinges on a proactive approach, ensuring that the journey to health is as smooth and stress-free as possible.