11704, West Babylon, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 11704, West Babylon, New York is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.90 percent of residents in 11704 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.35 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center with a distance of 3.54 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 11704

Considering a move to West Babylon, New York (ZIP Code 11704)? This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score," evaluating the accessibility of healthcare resources crucial for lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. The score considers transportation options, recognizing that efficient and reliable access is paramount for individuals facing this challenging disease. A low score indicates readily available resources, while a higher score signals potential challenges in reaching necessary care.

The foundation of our assessment lies in understanding the time and effort required to reach key healthcare facilities. These include hospitals with oncology departments, radiation therapy centers, pulmonologists' offices, and support services. We will examine various transportation modalities, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport.

**Driving the Distance:**

For those relying on personal vehicles, the Long Island Expressway (LIE/I-495) is a primary artery. From West Babylon, a drive to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, a major healthcare provider, typically takes 10-15 minutes in moderate traffic. However, during rush hour, the LIE can become a parking lot, potentially extending the commute to 30 minutes or more. The Southern State Parkway offers an alternative, though it can also experience congestion.

Traveling to Stony Brook University Hospital, a regional referral center, involves a longer drive, approximately 45-60 minutes via the LIE or Sunrise Highway (NY-27), depending on traffic conditions. The Robert Moses Causeway provides a scenic route to the Fire Island Ferries.

The Babylon-Northport ferry connects West Babylon to the North Shore.

**Public Transit Pathways:**

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides a crucial public transportation option. The Babylon branch offers service to Penn Station in Manhattan, where numerous hospitals and cancer centers are located. The Babylon station is easily accessible from West Babylon. However, the journey to Manhattan can take upwards of an hour, excluding travel time to and from the station.

Suffolk County Transit (SCT) operates bus routes within the county. The S58 and S59 routes provide service to nearby towns and hospitals, including Good Samaritan Hospital. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a critical factor. SCT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other ADA-compliant features. However, frequency and route coverage can be limited, potentially increasing travel times.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in West Babylon. They offer a convenient alternative to driving or public transit, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to. However, costs can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Specialized medical transportation services cater to individuals with specific needs. These services provide door-to-door transport, often with trained personnel to assist with mobility and medical equipment. Several companies operate in the area, including CareRide, and Long Island Medical Transportation. These services are typically more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit but offer a higher level of personalized care.

**Healthcare Access and the Lung Cancer Score:**

The Lung Cancer Score for 11704 incorporates these transportation factors, alongside the availability of specific healthcare services. A low score indicates excellent healthcare access, while a higher score highlights potential challenges.

**Factors considered in the score:**

* **Proximity to Hospitals:** Distance to hospitals with oncology departments and radiation therapy centers.
* **Transportation Options:** Availability and reliability of driving, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport.
* **Travel Times:** Average travel times to healthcare facilities during peak and off-peak hours.
* **Accessibility:** ADA compliance of public transit and accessibility features of healthcare facilities.
* **Cost:** Expense of transportation options, including gas, tolls, public transit fares, and ride-sharing fees.
* **Specialized Services:** Availability of pulmonologists, oncologists, and support services (e.g., support groups, rehabilitation).

**Scoring Methodology:**

Each factor is assigned a weight based on its importance. For example, proximity to hospitals receives a higher weight than the availability of ride-sharing services. Travel times are factored into the score, with longer travel times contributing to a higher score. Accessibility considerations are also weighted, recognizing the importance of accommodating individuals with disabilities.

**Interpreting the Score:**

* **Score 1-3:** Excellent healthcare access. Hospitals and specialists are readily accessible via multiple transportation options.
* **Score 4-6:** Good healthcare access. Transportation options are available, but travel times may be longer, or costs may be a factor.
* **Score 7-9:** Moderate healthcare access. Transportation challenges may exist, such as limited public transit or high ride-sharing costs. Individuals may need to plan their travel carefully.
* **Score 10-12:** Limited healthcare access. Significant transportation challenges exist, such as long travel times, limited public transit, and high transportation costs. Individuals may face difficulties accessing necessary care.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to West Babylon presents a mixed bag for healthcare access, specifically concerning lung cancer care. The proximity to Good Samaritan Hospital is a significant advantage, offering a convenient option for many residents. The LIRR provides access to Manhattan, but the commute can be time-consuming. Ride-sharing services and medical transport offer alternatives, but costs should be considered.

The Lung Cancer Score for 11704, therefore, is likely to fall in the "Good Healthcare Access" range (4-6). While access to local hospitals is relatively easy, accessing specialized care in Manhattan or other regional centers may require longer travel times and careful planning. Individuals considering a move to West Babylon should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and the availability of healthcare services to ensure they can receive the care they require.

The decision to relocate involves many considerations. Evaluating the transportation infrastructure and healthcare access is a critical step, especially for those with existing health concerns. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities of accessing lung cancer care in West Babylon.