11568, Old Westbury, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 11568, Old Westbury, New York is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.45 percent of residents in 11568 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.60 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Francis Hospital - The Heart Center with a distance of 3.77 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 11568

The prospect of a lung cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding swift and efficient access to specialized care. For residents of Old Westbury, New York (ZIP code 11568), the reality of *healthcare access* is intricately woven with the complexities of *transportation*. This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score," a nuanced assessment of the ease and speed with which residents can reach crucial medical facilities, considering various *transportation* options. This information is vital for anyone contemplating *moving to Old Westbury*, particularly those with pre-existing health concerns or a heightened risk profile.

The core of the Lung Cancer Score hinges on drive times. The primary destinations for lung cancer treatment in the region are Northwell Health facilities, including North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset and Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park. These institutions offer comprehensive oncology services, from diagnosis and staging to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Reaching these centers is primarily achieved via the Long Island Expressway (LIE, I-495) and the Northern State Parkway.

From Old Westbury, the LIE provides a direct route, though traffic congestion is a constant variable. During peak hours, the drive to North Shore University Hospital can stretch to 30-45 minutes, even though the distance is only a few miles. The Northern State Parkway offers an alternative, generally less congested, but with its own set of challenges, including lower speed limits and potential for accidents. A drive to Long Island Jewish Medical Center usually takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic on the LIE and the Cross Island Parkway.

Beyond these major hospitals, smaller, specialized facilities like the Winthrop-University Hospital Cancer Center in Mineola offer additional options. These facilities may be more accessible for certain treatments or consultations, potentially reducing travel times. The availability of these alternatives can significantly impact the overall Lung Cancer Score.

Public transit offers a different dimension to *healthcare access*. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides a reliable, if not always direct, route. The Hicksville station is the closest to Old Westbury, and from there, commuters can connect to trains heading towards Manhattan, where numerous cancer centers, including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, are located. The LIRR is generally reliable, but travel times can be lengthy, adding significant time to the overall journey.

Accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations is a critical consideration. The LIRR offers ADA-compliant features on most trains and at many stations, including elevators and ramps. However, the frequency of accessible trains and the availability of these features at all stations should be confirmed before relying on this mode of *transportation*. The Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) bus system provides a network of local routes, but these are often slower and less direct than the LIRR or driving. NICE buses, however, are ADA-compliant, making them a viable option for some individuals.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have transformed *transportation* options. They provide on-demand service, offering door-to-door convenience. The cost, however, can be a significant factor, particularly for frequent appointments. During peak hours, surge pricing can dramatically increase the cost of a ride. For those with limited mobility, the ability to request a ride with accessible features (e.g., wheelchair accessibility) is crucial. The availability of these services, however, is not always guaranteed.

Medical *transportation* services, such as MedRide and CareRide, specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained staff, providing peace of mind for patients. The cost is typically higher than ride-sharing, but the specialized care and reliability can be invaluable, especially for individuals undergoing treatment that may affect their ability to drive or use public transit. These services require pre-booking and may not be available on short notice.

The Lung Cancer Score also considers the availability of support services. Access to support groups, counseling, and palliative care is crucial for patients and their families. Proximity to these resources, which may be located within hospitals or community centers, can reduce the burden of *transportation* and enhance the overall quality of care.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Old Westbury, 11568, is a complex calculation. The score considers the speed and reliability of each *transportation* option, the distance to key medical facilities, the availability of ADA-compliant *transportation*, the cost of each option, and the availability of support services. The score is not a static number, it is a dynamic reflection of the *healthcare access* landscape, influenced by traffic patterns, public transit schedules, and the evolving availability of ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services.

For individuals considering *moving to Old Westbury*, a thorough understanding of the Lung Cancer Score is essential. It allows for informed decisions, taking into account the potential challenges of accessing healthcare. It's not just about the distance; it’s about the time, the cost, and the ease of navigating the *transportation* network to reach vital medical care. The ability to quickly and reliably access specialized care is critical for anyone facing a lung cancer diagnosis.