11713, Bellport, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 11713, Bellport, New York is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.51 percent of residents in 11713 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Long Island Community Hospital with a distance of 1.73 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Bellport (ZIP Code 11713)

Bellport, a charming village nestled on Long Island's south shore, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, for individuals managing hypertension, the ease of accessing vital healthcare becomes paramount. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape within and around ZIP Code 11713, providing a "Hypertension Score" assessment to gauge the accessibility of essential medical services. The goal is to illuminate the practical realities of **healthcare access** for residents, particularly those considering **moving to Bellport**, and highlight the complexities of **transportation** options.

The "Hypertension Score" considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transportation services. It aims to provide a realistic picture of the challenges and opportunities for individuals requiring regular medical care, particularly those with mobility limitations or who prefer not to drive. This assessment is crucial because timely and consistent access to healthcare is a cornerstone of effective hypertension management.

**Driving the Distance: Roadways and Realities**

Bellport's primary arterial road is Montauk Highway (Route 27A), which runs east-west through the village. Accessing healthcare facilities by car is often the most direct method. However, traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times.

For routine appointments with primary care physicians and specialists, the drive time to facilities within the immediate vicinity of Bellport, such as those in East Patchogue or Brookhaven, can range from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions on Montauk Highway. The Long Island Expressway (LIE, I-495) offers a faster route to hospitals and specialized care centers further west, but the commute requires navigating several exits and entrances, potentially adding stress for individuals with hypertension.

The drive to major hospitals like Long Island Community Hospital in Patchogue or Stony Brook University Hospital can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. During inclement weather, such as snow or heavy rain, drive times can be significantly extended, potentially jeopardizing scheduled appointments and medication refills. The condition of the roads and the availability of parking at healthcare facilities also influence the overall experience.

**Public Transit: A Balancing Act**

Suffolk County Transit (SCT) provides bus service throughout the region. The S69 route is the primary public transit option for Bellport residents. This route travels along Montauk Highway, offering a connection to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) at the Patchogue station.

While public transit offers an alternative to driving, it presents several challenges for individuals managing hypertension. The S69 buses run on a limited schedule, especially on weekends and evenings, potentially making it difficult to schedule appointments at convenient times. The travel time on the bus can be significantly longer than driving, adding to the overall time commitment.

The Patchogue LIRR station provides access to Manhattan and other parts of Long Island. However, the commute to hospitals in New York City, such as those in Manhattan, can be lengthy, requiring a combination of train and subway travel.

ADA accessibility is a crucial factor. All Suffolk County Transit buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. The Patchogue LIRR station is also ADA-compliant. However, transferring between different modes of transportation can still be challenging for some individuals.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Specialized Solutions**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Bellport, offering a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. However, the availability of these services can vary, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Surge pricing, which increases fares during periods of high demand, can also add to the cost of transportation.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies, provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with getting in and out of vehicles. However, these services often come with a higher cost than ride-sharing or public transit.

**The Hypertension Score: A Composite View**

The "Hypertension Score" for Bellport (ZIP Code 11713) is complex. While the village offers a relatively short commute to some healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit create challenges for those managing hypertension. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides additional options, but at a potentially higher cost.

The score would be influenced by several factors: the individual's mobility, their access to a personal vehicle, their comfort level with public transit, and their financial resources.

For an individual with limited mobility and without access to a car, the "Hypertension Score" would be lower, reflecting the challenges of relying on public transit or ride-sharing. For an individual with a personal vehicle and no mobility limitations, the score would be higher, reflecting the relative ease of accessing healthcare facilities.

The overall "Hypertension Score" would be a reflection of the interplay between these factors, providing a nuanced assessment of the accessibility of healthcare services for individuals with hypertension in Bellport.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Path to Healthcare**

Bellport offers a desirable quality of life, but prospective residents, particularly those managing hypertension, must carefully consider the **transportation** landscape and its impact on **healthcare access**. While the village has a relatively short commute to some healthcare facilities, the limitations of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles create challenges.

Understanding the drive times on Montauk Highway and the Long Island Expressway, the schedules and ADA features of Suffolk County Transit, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services is crucial. Individuals considering **moving to Bellport** should thoroughly assess their individual needs and preferences to determine if the available **transportation** options adequately support their **healthcare** requirements.