11946, Hampton Bays, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 11946, Hampton Bays, New York is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.34 percent of residents in 11946 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.95 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Peconic Bay Medical Center with a distance of 8.01 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 11946 (Hampton Bays, NY)**

Navigating the complexities of healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension, requires a nuanced understanding of transportation options. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 11946, the heart of Hampton Bays, New York, evaluating the accessibility of medical facilities, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. This is crucial information for anyone considering moving to Hampton Bays, particularly those with existing health concerns.

The "Hypertension Score" is a composite metric, not a single number, reflecting the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach essential healthcare services. It considers the practicalities of getting to appointments, picking up medications, and accessing emergency care, all vital for managing hypertension effectively. A high score indicates superior access, while a lower score suggests potential challenges.

**Roadways and Drive Times: The Arteries of Healthcare Access**

The primary roadways in Hampton Bays, including the Sunrise Highway (NY-27), provide the main arteries for transportation. The Sunrise Highway, a major east-west thoroughfare, offers relatively direct access to medical facilities in both directions. Driving east towards Southampton Hospital, a journey of approximately 15-20 minutes, is a common route.

Westbound on the Sunrise Highway leads to facilities in Riverhead, but this trip extends to 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Local roads like Montauk Highway (NY-27A) offer alternative routes, often slower due to traffic lights and local congestion, but provide access to smaller clinics and pharmacies. The Hampton Bays’ roads are often congested during peak season, particularly during summer weekends, increasing drive times significantly.

The drive times are a critical component of the Hypertension Score. Long travel times can discourage regular check-ups and medication adherence, negatively impacting health outcomes. The ease of driving, influenced by traffic, road conditions, and parking availability at medical facilities, is a key factor in this assessment.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Route to Health**

The Suffolk County Transit (SCT) system provides public transportation options within Hampton Bays. The S92 bus route is the primary service, running along Montauk Highway, offering access to local businesses, including some pharmacies and clinics. However, the frequency of the S92 is limited, especially during off-peak hours and weekends, which can pose challenges for individuals requiring regular medical appointments.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration. SCT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the availability of accessible stops and the overall convenience of public transit are crucial. The limited service frequency and potential for delays, particularly in adverse weather conditions, can impact the reliability of public transit for healthcare access.

The Hypertension Score factors in the limitations of public transit. While it offers a cost-effective alternative to driving, its reduced frequency and potential for delays can create barriers for individuals with hypertension, especially those with mobility limitations or requiring frequent medical visits.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Expanding the Reach**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Hampton Bays, offering an alternative to driving or public transit. The availability and cost of these services can fluctuate depending on demand and time of day. Ride-sharing can be a convenient option for those who do not drive or prefer not to drive, but the cost can add up, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies or specialized medical transportation providers, provide a crucial service for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with getting in and out of vehicles. However, these services often require pre-booking and may have associated costs.

The Hypertension Score considers the availability, cost, and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. These options can significantly improve healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive or have difficulty using public transit.

**Healthcare Access: Evaluating the Landscape**

The availability of healthcare facilities within Hampton Bays is a key factor. The presence of primary care physicians, specialists, pharmacies, and urgent care centers directly impacts the ease with which residents can access medical care. The proximity of these facilities to residential areas is a crucial element of the Hypertension Score.

The quality of healthcare services is also a consideration. The reputation of local hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals, as well as the availability of specialized services, influences the overall healthcare experience. The ability to access timely and appropriate medical care is essential for managing hypertension effectively.

**Moving to Hampton Bays: A Healthcare Perspective**

For individuals considering moving to Hampton Bays, the Hypertension Score provides valuable insights into healthcare access. The score highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the local transportation infrastructure, the availability of public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, and the proximity and quality of healthcare facilities.

Individuals with hypertension should carefully consider these factors when making a relocation decision. They should assess their transportation needs, evaluate the availability of medical services, and determine whether the healthcare access in Hampton Bays aligns with their individual needs and preferences.

**Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Healthcare Access**

The Hypertension Score for ZIP code 11946 reflects a complex interplay of transportation options and healthcare resources. While Hampton Bays offers a range of transportation choices, the limited frequency of public transit, the potential for traffic congestion, and the cost of ride-sharing services present challenges.

The proximity of medical facilities, the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, and the quality of healthcare providers contribute to the overall healthcare access. For residents with hypertension, careful planning and consideration of these factors are essential for ensuring effective management of their condition. The Hypertension Score serves as a valuable tool for evaluating and improving healthcare access in Hampton Bays, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for all residents.