11733, East Setauket, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 11733, East Setauket, New York is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.83 percent of residents in 11733 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.57 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Suny/Stony Brook University Hospital with a distance of 2.18 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in East Setauket (ZIP Code 11733)

East Setauket, New York, a charming hamlet nestled on the North Shore of Long Island, offers a desirable suburban lifestyle. However, for residents managing hypertension, the ease of access to healthcare becomes a critical consideration. This write-up assesses the transportation landscape in ZIP code 11733, evaluating its impact on healthcare access, specifically for individuals with hypertension, and providing insights for those contemplating moving to East Setauket. We'll explore the available transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit, and how they influence the ability to reach essential medical services.

The "Hypertension Score" considers factors like drive times to medical facilities, public transportation availability, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services. This score is a subjective assessment, designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the transportation challenges and opportunities faced by individuals managing hypertension in this specific area.

**The Road to Healthcare: Drive Times and Highway Navigation**

For many East Setauket residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. The proximity to major roadways significantly impacts healthcare access. The primary arteries serving the area are the **Long Island Expressway (LIE) or I-495**, the **William Floyd Parkway**, and **Route 25A (North Country Road)**.

Driving to healthcare appointments requires navigating these roads, and traffic conditions can vary drastically. For instance, a routine visit to a cardiologist in Stony Brook, approximately a 10-minute drive under ideal conditions, could easily extend to 20-30 minutes during rush hour on the LIE. The LIE, notorious for its congestion, particularly during peak commuting times, can significantly impact the timely arrival for medical appointments.

The William Floyd Parkway offers a more direct route to hospitals and medical centers in the south, but it can also experience heavy traffic, especially near the Smith Haven Mall area. Route 25A, while scenic, is a slower, more local road, often congested with local traffic and commercial vehicles.

Consider a scenario: a resident needs to see a specialist at Stony Brook University Hospital, a major healthcare provider. The drive, typically under 15 minutes, could be doubled during peak hours. For individuals with hypertension, who may experience stress-related blood pressure fluctuations, the stress of navigating congested roadways can be a significant concern. This underscores the need to factor in potential delays when planning healthcare-related travel.

**Public Transit: A Limited but Valuable Option**

While car ownership is prevalent in East Setauket, public transportation offers an alternative, particularly for those who cannot or prefer not to drive. The **Suffolk County Transit (SCT)** provides bus service in the area. Several bus routes serve East Setauket, including the **SCT S60**, **S61**, and **S62**. These routes connect to major hubs like the Stony Brook University campus, the Port Jefferson Ferry, and various shopping centers.

However, public transit in this area has limitations. The frequency of buses can be relatively low, especially during evenings and weekends. This can lead to longer wait times and potentially extended travel times to medical appointments. Furthermore, while the SCT offers ADA-accessible buses, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges, the overall coverage and frequency might not fully meet the needs of all residents, particularly those with complex medical needs.

For instance, a resident might need to take the S60 to reach a specialist in Port Jefferson. The bus ride, combined with potential waiting times and transfers, could easily exceed an hour, significantly impacting the overall healthcare experience.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in East Setauket, offering a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. These services can be particularly helpful for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to. However, the availability of ride-sharing services can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with lower demand.

Medical transportation services, such as **American Medical Response (AMR)** and **CareRide**, specialize in providing transportation for medical appointments. These services often cater to individuals with specific medical needs, including those requiring wheelchair-accessible vehicles or assistance with mobility. While these services offer specialized support, they can be more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit, adding to the overall cost of healthcare access.

The availability of these options provides valuable support, but it's crucial to consider their cost and reliability. For individuals with hypertension, the ability to schedule a reliable ride to a doctor's appointment is essential.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Consideration**

The "Hypertension Score" for East Setauket considers the interplay of these transportation factors. While the area boasts a generally good quality of life, healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension, requires careful planning. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the potential for traffic congestion on major roadways, presents a challenge. The limitations of public transit and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services further complicate the equation.

For individuals considering moving to East Setauket, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is crucial. Evaluating the proximity of healthcare providers, the availability of public transit options, and the accessibility of ride-sharing and medical transportation services is essential.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

In conclusion, East Setauket offers a mix of transportation options for accessing healthcare. While the area benefits from its proximity to major roadways, the potential for traffic congestion can impact drive times. Public transit provides an alternative, but its limitations in frequency and coverage must be considered. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services offer specialized support, but their cost and reliability should be carefully evaluated.

The "Hypertension Score" for East Setauket is a nuanced assessment, highlighting the importance of proactive planning for individuals managing hypertension. By carefully considering the transportation landscape and the available options, residents can ensure that they have reliable and accessible access to the healthcare services they need. For those contemplating moving to East Setauket, this information provides a valuable framework for understanding the transportation considerations associated with healthcare access and making an informed decision.