11749, Islandia, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 11749, Islandia, New York is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.21 percent of residents in 11749 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.68 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Catherine Of Siena Hospital with a distance of 4.64 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Islandia (ZIP Code 11749)

The quest for optimal healthcare, especially when managing conditions like hypertension, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of accessibility. This write-up provides a "Hypertension Score" for Islandia, New York (ZIP code 11749), focusing on transportation options and their impact on accessing medical care. We’ll explore the intricate web of roadways, public transit, and alternative transport solutions available to residents, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities inherent in this suburban landscape. This analysis is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Islandia, as it directly influences their ability to manage their health effectively.

Islandia, a small village nestled within the Town of Islip, presents a unique transportation profile. Its suburban character, coupled with its proximity to major roadways, shapes the landscape of healthcare access. The "Hypertension Score" will consider drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options to provide a realistic assessment of the ease with which residents can reach essential medical appointments.

**Roadways and Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries**

The primary artery serving Islandia is the Long Island Expressway (LIE), also known as Interstate 495. This vital thoroughfare offers swift access to healthcare facilities both east and west. However, the LIE is notorious for its congestion, particularly during peak hours. A routine appointment at a cardiologist in Smithtown, just a few miles east, can easily transform into a 30-45 minute commute during rush hour.

The Veterans Memorial Highway (Route 454) provides an alternative route, offering a less congested, though slower, option for reaching healthcare providers. It's a crucial secondary road, especially when traffic on the LIE becomes gridlocked. The North Ocean Avenue (Route 83) provides another option, connecting Islandia to the north-south corridor.

For residents needing to travel further afield, the Southern State Parkway provides access to facilities in Nassau County, but this route adds significant travel time and potential for delays. The overall "Hypertension Score" is negatively impacted by the reliance on these roads, particularly the LIE, which can be unpredictable.

**Public Transportation: Navigating the Rails and Buses**

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) offers a viable public transportation alternative. The nearest LIRR station is the Ronkonkoma station, located approximately 5 miles from Islandia. This necessitates a connecting bus ride or ride-sharing service to reach the station. The LIRR provides efficient service to Manhattan, where numerous specialized medical facilities are located. However, the commute, including the initial travel to the station, can easily consume over an hour.

Suffolk County Transit (SCT) operates several bus routes that serve Islandia. The S58, S57, and S92 routes offer connections to nearby towns and villages, including the Ronkonkoma LIRR station. These buses are generally ADA accessible, with features like ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. However, bus schedules can be infrequent, especially during evenings and weekends, which can pose challenges for scheduling medical appointments.

The "Hypertension Score" acknowledges the public transportation options, but the reliance on multiple transfers and potential for delays diminishes their overall value for patients requiring timely access to care.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are readily available in Islandia. They offer a convenient, albeit potentially costly, solution for reaching medical appointments. These services can be particularly useful for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to drive. However, the availability of ride-sharing can fluctuate, and surge pricing during peak hours can significantly increase the cost.

Medical transport services, such as American Medical Response (AMR) and private ambulance companies, provide specialized transportation for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. These services are often covered by insurance, but require prior arrangements and may not be readily available for routine appointments.

The "Hypertension Score" recognizes the value of ride-sharing and medical transport, but acknowledges the potential for cost and availability limitations.

**Healthcare Access and the "Hypertension Score"**

The "Hypertension Score" for Islandia, New York (11749) reflects a mixed bag of accessibility. While the presence of major roadways like the LIE provides swift access to healthcare facilities, the unpredictable nature of traffic congestion can significantly impact drive times. Public transportation, while available, requires multiple transfers and can be time-consuming. Ride-sharing services offer a convenient alternative, but cost and availability can be a concern.

The overall "Hypertension Score" is moderately impacted by the transportation options available. Residents of Islandia have access to a range of services, but they must navigate a complex system that can be challenging, particularly for individuals managing hypertension.

**Conclusion: Weighing the Options for Moving to Islandia**

For individuals considering moving to Islandia, the "Hypertension Score" underscores the importance of carefully evaluating transportation needs. While the village offers a desirable suburban lifestyle, the accessibility of healthcare is inextricably linked to the availability and reliability of transportation options.

Prospective residents should factor in the potential for traffic delays, the limitations of public transportation, and the cost of ride-sharing services. Thorough planning and consideration of these factors will be crucial for ensuring seamless access to medical care and effectively managing conditions like hypertension. The ability to secure reliable transportation is a vital component of maintaining health and well-being in this suburban landscape. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a guide, illuminating the transportation landscape and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare access in Islandia.