11717, Brentwood, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 11717, Brentwood, New York is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.18 percent of residents in 11717 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.99 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pilgrim Psychiatric Center with a distance of 2.31 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Brentwood, NY (ZIP Code 11717)

Brentwood, New York, a vibrant community in Suffolk County, faces unique challenges regarding healthcare access, particularly for residents managing hypertension. This write-up assesses the ease of reaching essential medical services, focusing on transportation options and their impact on the well-being of individuals diagnosed with this condition. Understanding these factors is crucial for both current residents and those considering moving to Brentwood, ensuring they can effectively manage their health.

The "Hypertension Score" is not a formal metric but rather a qualitative assessment of the accessibility of healthcare resources, emphasizing the role of transportation. It considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport, all crucial elements in determining the ease with which residents can attend appointments, access medications, and receive necessary care. This evaluation aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access in Brentwood, particularly for individuals with hypertension.

The primary artery for vehicular travel in Brentwood is the Long Island Expressway (LIE), also known as Interstate 495. While offering relatively quick access to regional hospitals and specialist offices, the LIE is notorious for its heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. Morning and evening commutes can significantly extend drive times, potentially exacerbating stress levels, a known contributor to elevated blood pressure. A typical drive to a major hospital like Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, approximately 7 miles, could take anywhere from 15 minutes in off-peak hours to over 45 minutes during rush hour.

The Southern State Parkway, another crucial thoroughfare, provides an alternative route to hospitals and medical facilities. However, like the LIE, it is susceptible to congestion, especially during the summer months when beach traffic is at its peak. Local roads such as Suffolk Avenue, Brentwood Road, and Washington Avenue serve as vital connectors, but their stop-and-go traffic and numerous traffic lights further complicate travel, adding to the overall time and potential stress associated with healthcare appointments.

Public transportation offers an alternative for those without personal vehicles. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides service to Brentwood Station, offering a direct route to Manhattan for specialized care and access to hospitals like NYU Langone. However, the LIRR primarily caters to commuters, and its schedule might not always align with medical appointment times. Furthermore, the walk from Brentwood Station to many local medical offices can be considerable, especially for individuals with mobility issues.

Suffolk County Transit operates several bus routes within Brentwood, including the S58, S92, and 3A. These routes connect Brentwood to neighboring towns and provide access to local medical facilities. However, bus schedules can be infrequent, and travel times can be lengthy due to multiple stops. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial consideration, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize public transit. Assessing the frequency and accessibility of these routes is essential for those reliant on public transportation.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient alternative, particularly for those who cannot drive or prefer not to. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary depending on the time of day and demand. During peak hours or in areas with limited driver availability, wait times and fares can increase, potentially creating financial barriers to healthcare access. The reliability of these services is a key factor in the overall Hypertension Score.

Medical transportation services, such as CareRide and Medical Transportation Management (MTM), cater specifically to individuals with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles, ensuring patients can reach their appointments safely and comfortably. While these services offer a valuable resource, their availability and cost should be considered when evaluating healthcare access.

The availability of pharmacies within Brentwood is another crucial factor. Access to medication refills is paramount for managing hypertension. The proximity of pharmacies, including national chains like CVS and Walgreens, and local pharmacies, directly impacts the ability of residents to adhere to their medication regimens. The ease of access to pharmacies, considering factors like drive time, public transportation, and walkability, contributes significantly to the overall Hypertension Score.

Considering moving to Brentwood? Understanding the transportation landscape is paramount. While Brentwood offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other areas of Long Island, the transportation challenges can impact healthcare access. Prospective residents, especially those managing hypertension, should carefully assess the proximity of their chosen residence to medical facilities, pharmacies, and public transportation options.

The overall Hypertension Score for Brentwood, NY, is moderate. While the area offers a variety of transportation options, each has its limitations. The reliance on car travel and the potential for traffic congestion on major highways like the LIE and Southern State Parkway can create delays and stress. Public transportation, while available, may not always align with medical appointment schedules. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services provide valuable alternatives, but their availability and cost should be carefully considered. The proximity of pharmacies is generally good, but the overall ease of access to healthcare services requires careful planning and consideration of the specific needs of individuals managing hypertension.