11436, Jamaica, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 11436, Jamaica, New York is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

25.13 percent of residents in 11436 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.32 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Jamaica Hospital Medical Center with a distance of 2.01 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Jamaica, NY (ZIP Code 11436)

Jamaica, New York (ZIP code 11436), a vibrant and diverse neighborhood in Queens, presents a complex landscape when considering healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up analyzes the transportation options available for residents seeking medical care, focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, ultimately contributing to a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching essential healthcare services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding for both current residents and those contemplating moving to Jamaica, considering the critical importance of timely and reliable transportation for managing a chronic condition like hypertension.

The challenge of hypertension management necessitates consistent access to medical professionals, medication, and monitoring. Transportation challenges can significantly impact adherence to treatment plans, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes. Therefore, understanding the available transportation options becomes paramount for assessing healthcare access in this specific ZIP code.

**Driving to Healthcare:**

For those who prefer the autonomy of personal vehicles, the commute to healthcare facilities in and around Jamaica, NY, is heavily influenced by traffic patterns and the specific destination. Major thoroughfares like the **Van Wyck Expressway (I-678)** and the **Grand Central Parkway** are critical arteries, but they are also notorious for congestion, especially during peak hours. Driving from the heart of Jamaica to nearby hospitals like Jamaica Hospital Medical Center on Van Wyck Expressway can take anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

Navigating the local roads, including **Hillside Avenue**, **Jamaica Avenue**, and **Liberty Avenue**, also presents challenges. These streets are often crowded with local traffic, delivery vehicles, and pedestrians, further extending travel times. Accessing urgent care facilities or specialist offices located further afield could involve longer commutes, potentially requiring travel on the **Long Island Expressway (I-495)**, which is another high-traffic route. The availability of parking at healthcare facilities is another factor to consider, as parking garages can be expensive and often fill up quickly.

**Public Transit: A Network of Options:**

New York City's extensive public transportation system offers a crucial alternative to driving, particularly for residents who do not own vehicles or prefer to avoid traffic. The **New York City Transit (NYCT)** subway system, with its various lines, provides a backbone for healthcare access. The **E, J, and Z trains** all serve Jamaica, with stations like Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer and Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport offering convenient access to the neighborhood and connections to other parts of the city.

The **E train** provides a direct route to Manhattan, where numerous hospitals and specialist offices are located. The **J and Z trains** offer access to hospitals and clinics in Brooklyn and Queens. The **Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)**, with its Jamaica Station, provides another option for those traveling to healthcare facilities on Long Island or to Manhattan, offering a faster but potentially more expensive alternative to the subway.

The **MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority)** bus network further supplements the subway system, with numerous bus routes serving Jamaica and connecting residents to various healthcare providers. Bus routes like the **Q4, Q5, Q6, Q8, Q9, Q17, Q20A/B, Q24, Q25, Q30, Q31, Q36, Q40, Q41, Q43, Q44, Q54, Q56, Q60, Q65, Q83, Q85, Q110, and the B46** provide extensive coverage within the neighborhood and to surrounding areas.

For individuals with disabilities, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of public transit is a crucial consideration. While the MTA has made significant strides in improving accessibility, not all subway stations are fully accessible. The E train, for instance, has elevators at several stations, but some older stations on other lines may lack this feature. Bus routes are generally equipped with ramps and lifts to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: The On-Demand Solution:**

Ride-sharing services like **Uber** and **Lyft** offer a convenient alternative to both driving and public transit, particularly for those who prefer door-to-door service. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments. During peak hours, surge pricing can further increase the cost, making it a less affordable option for some residents.

Specialized medical transportation services cater specifically to individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs. Companies like **CareRide**, **LogistiCare**, and **Medical Transportation Services** offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), providing door-to-door service for medical appointments. These services often work with insurance companies, potentially reducing the out-of-pocket costs for eligible individuals. The availability and efficiency of these services can vary, and advance booking is often required.

**The Hypertension Score and the Impact on Moving to Jamaica:**

The "Hypertension Score" for 11436 would be a composite measure, taking into account the drive times to various healthcare facilities, the accessibility and reliability of public transit, the cost and availability of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transportation options. It would also consider the density of healthcare providers within the area, including primary care physicians, cardiologists, and pharmacies.

A higher score would indicate greater ease of access to healthcare, reflecting shorter commute times, readily available public transit, affordable ride-sharing options, and efficient medical transportation services. Conversely, a lower score would highlight challenges in accessing healthcare, potentially due to long commute times, limited public transit accessibility, high ride-sharing costs, and the lack of readily available medical transportation.

For individuals considering moving to Jamaica, NY, the Hypertension Score provides a crucial piece of information. It allows prospective residents, particularly those managing hypertension or other chronic conditions, to assess the practicality of living in the area, considering their healthcare needs. It underscores the importance of researching the proximity of healthcare providers, the availability of transportation options, and the potential costs associated with accessing medical care. The score should be a critical component of the decision-making process, ensuring that individuals can maintain their health and well-being while living in this dynamic and vibrant neighborhood. The availability of convenient and reliable transportation is essential for successful hypertension management and overall healthcare access, making it a crucial factor for anyone considering moving to Jamaica.