11793, Wantagh, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 11793, Wantagh, New York is 82 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.63 percent of residents in 11793 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.42 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Chsli St Joseph Hospital with a distance of 3.25 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Wantagh (ZIP Code 11793)

Considering a move to the charming suburban haven of Wantagh, New York (ZIP code 11793)? Perhaps you're already a resident and navigating the complexities of healthcare access, particularly if managing hypertension is a concern. This write-up provides a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" assessment, evaluating the ease with which residents can access necessary medical care, focusing on transportation options and their impact on timely and consistent treatment. We'll explore the landscape, from personal vehicles to public transit, offering a nuanced understanding of what it means to **transportation** yourself to optimal **healthcare access** in Wantagh.

The core of managing hypertension lies in consistent access to medical professionals and prescribed medications. This requires reliable **transportation** options. The "Hypertension Score" considers the proximity to healthcare facilities, the efficiency of available **transportation** methods, and the potential challenges faced by individuals with mobility limitations. We'll analyze drive times, public transit routes, ride-sharing services, and medical **transportation** options, providing a detailed picture for anyone **moving to Wantagh**.

**Driving the Distance: Navigating the Roads to Wellness**

For many Wantagh residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of **transportation**. The proximity to major roadways significantly impacts **healthcare access**.

* **South Nassau Communities Hospital (Oceanside):** A crucial healthcare provider for Wantagh residents, South Nassau is generally a manageable drive. Taking the Wantagh State Parkway South, you’ll merge onto the Meadowbrook State Parkway South. Expect a drive time of approximately 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic. This route is typically straightforward, but rush hour congestion on the parkways can significantly extend travel times.

* **Mount Sinai South Nassau (Oceanside):** This is a local hospital and the drive time is similar to South Nassau Communities Hospital, with a drive time of approximately 15-25 minutes.

* **St. Joseph Hospital (Bethpage):** This hospital is accessible via the Wantagh State Parkway North, connecting to the Southern State Parkway East. The drive is usually around 15-20 minutes, assuming moderate traffic.

* **Northwell Health Huntington Hospital (Huntington):** This is a longer drive, approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. The route involves taking the Wantagh State Parkway North, then merging onto the Northern State Parkway East. This is a longer journey, so consider traffic patterns when planning appointments.

* **Other Medical Offices:** Numerous private practices and specialist offices are located in surrounding towns like Massapequa, Bellmore, and Merrick. Drive times to these locations vary, often ranging from 10-20 minutes.

Traffic, particularly during peak commuting hours, poses a significant challenge. This can impact appointment punctuality and increase stress levels, potentially exacerbating hypertension. Residents should factor in extra travel time, especially for early morning or late afternoon appointments.

**Public Transit: A Reliable Alternative?**

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) offers a viable **transportation** alternative for some Wantagh residents. The Wantagh station is centrally located, providing access to Manhattan and other areas. However, its direct relevance to **healthcare access** is limited.

* **LIRR to Hospitals:** While the LIRR can be used to reach hospitals, it often requires transfers to local buses or taxis to reach the final destination. This adds time and complexity, potentially making it less appealing for frequent medical appointments.

* **Bus Routes:** The Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) operates several bus routes serving Wantagh. The N15 route, for example, provides service along Wantagh Avenue, offering access to local businesses and medical offices. The N54 and N55 routes connect to surrounding towns and hospitals.

* **ADA Accessibility:** NICE buses are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including wheelchair lifts and priority seating, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations.

Public transit offers a cost-effective alternative to driving, but it's crucial to consider travel times and potential delays. The need for transfers and the frequency of service can impact the convenience and reliability of this option.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Wantagh, providing on-demand **transportation**. These services offer convenience, especially for those without personal vehicles or unable to drive. However, surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can impact affordability.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by private companies, provide specialized **transportation** for individuals with medical needs. These services often include door-to-door assistance, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and trained personnel. They can be particularly valuable for patients requiring regular dialysis, physical therapy, or other specialized treatments.

**Assessing the "Hypertension Score" for Wantagh**

The "Hypertension Score" for Wantagh reflects a mixed bag of **transportation** options, each with its strengths and weaknesses.

* **Proximity to Healthcare:** Wantagh benefits from its proximity to several hospitals and medical facilities.

* **Driving Challenges:** Traffic congestion on parkways can impact drive times, especially during rush hour.

* **Public Transit Limitations:** While the LIRR and NICE bus routes offer alternatives, they may not be ideal for all medical appointments.

* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:** These services provide convenient and accessible options, but affordability and availability can vary.

* **Accessibility:** NICE buses offer ADA-compliant features, improving **healthcare access** for individuals with mobility limitations.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Landscape**

For individuals **moving to Wantagh** with hypertension, a proactive approach to **transportation** is essential. Planning appointments strategically, considering traffic patterns, and exploring all available options will ensure timely access to medical care. While driving remains the primary mode of **transportation** for many, the LIRR, NICE bus routes, ride-sharing services, and medical **transportation** providers offer valuable alternatives. By carefully evaluating these factors, residents can effectively navigate the **transportation** landscape and prioritize their **healthcare access**, contributing to better management of their condition. The "Hypertension Score" in Wantagh, while not perfect, is generally favorable, provided residents actively plan and utilize the available resources to ensure consistent and reliable access to medical care.