11717, Brentwood, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 11717, Brentwood, New York is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.18 percent of residents in 11717 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.99 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pilgrim Psychiatric Center with a distance of 2.31 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Brentwood, NY (ZIP Code 11717)**

The shadow of a lung cancer diagnosis casts a long one, not only on the individual but also on their family and community. When considering the complexities of such a diagnosis, access to timely and quality healthcare becomes paramount. This report, a 'Lung Cancer Score' for residents of Brentwood, New York (ZIP Code 11717), assesses the ease with which individuals can reach vital medical resources, focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access. Understanding these factors is crucial, especially for those considering moving to Brentwood or seeking to improve their existing healthcare journey.

Brentwood, a vibrant Suffolk County community, presents a unique set of transportation challenges and opportunities. The sprawling nature of the area, coupled with its reliance on both private and public transportation, significantly impacts healthcare access. This score aims to provide a comprehensive overview, helping residents navigate the system and make informed decisions regarding their health.

**The Transportation Landscape: A Deep Dive**

The primary mode of transportation in Brentwood is the personal vehicle. The Long Island Expressway (LIE, I-495) serves as the major east-west artery, while the Southern State Parkway offers an alternative route, particularly for those heading west. The Sunrise Highway (NY-27) provides another critical east-west connection, though it can be heavily congested during peak hours. Local roads like Suffolk Avenue, Brentwood Road, and Washington Avenue are essential for navigating within the community, but can also contribute to delays.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary significantly depending on the time of day and the specific destination. During rush hour, a trip to a hospital located in say, Smithtown or Huntington, can easily take an hour or more via the LIE. Even a shorter distance, such as a clinic in Bay Shore, can be impacted by traffic on Sunrise Highway. Understanding these time constraints is vital for planning appointments, especially for those undergoing treatment that requires frequent visits.

Public transportation, while available, presents its own set of challenges. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) offers service from the Brentwood station, providing a relatively quick route to Manhattan and other destinations. However, the LIRR is not always a practical option for local healthcare appointments, as many hospitals and clinics are not directly accessible by train. Furthermore, the walk from the Brentwood station to some medical facilities can be considerable, particularly for those with mobility limitations.

Suffolk County Transit operates several bus routes that serve Brentwood. The S58, S59, and S92 routes are particularly relevant, connecting Brentwood to neighboring towns and healthcare facilities. However, bus service can be infrequent, and travel times can be significantly longer than driving. The availability of accessible buses, equipped with features for individuals with disabilities, is a crucial factor in healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation alternative. These services provide door-to-door transportation, potentially saving time and hassle compared to public transit. However, ride-sharing costs can be substantial, particularly for frequent trips. The availability of ride-sharing services, especially during off-peak hours, can also be limited.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, represent a specialized option. These services often provide transportation to and from medical appointments, including those for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other treatments. Companies like Ambulnz and First Transit offer these services in the area. However, these services can be costly and require advance booking.

**Healthcare Access: A Critical Analysis**

The proximity of healthcare facilities is a significant factor in the 'Lung Cancer Score'. Several hospitals and cancer centers are within a reasonable driving distance of Brentwood. These include Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, and Stony Brook University Hospital. The availability of specialized cancer centers, such as the Northwell Health Cancer Institute, is also crucial.

The availability of specialists, including oncologists, pulmonologists, and radiation oncologists, is another critical consideration. The density of specialists in the area can significantly impact the speed with which a patient can receive a diagnosis and begin treatment. The ability to access these specialists in a timely manner is directly linked to the patient's prognosis and overall quality of life.

The quality of care provided by these facilities is also a major factor. Accreditation by organizations like the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the Commission on Cancer (CoC) can be indicators of quality. Patient reviews and satisfaction scores can also provide valuable insights.

**The 'Lung Cancer Score' Methodology**

The 'Lung Cancer Score' for Brentwood is based on a weighted average of several factors:

* **Drive Time:** The average drive time to the nearest hospitals and cancer centers, considering both peak and off-peak traffic.
* **Public Transportation Accessibility:** The availability and frequency of bus and train routes, and the accessibility features of the vehicles.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The availability and cost of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transportation Services:** The availability and cost of specialized medical transportation.
* **Proximity of Healthcare Facilities:** The distance to hospitals, cancer centers, and specialist offices.
* **Specialist Availability:** The density of oncologists, pulmonologists, and other relevant specialists.
* **Quality of Care:** Accreditation, patient reviews, and satisfaction scores of local healthcare facilities.

Each factor is assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The overall score is then calculated, providing a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access in Brentwood.

**Recommendations and Conclusion**

For residents of Brentwood, planning for healthcare access is essential. Consider the following recommendations:

* **Plan Ahead:** Factor in travel time when scheduling appointments, especially during rush hour.
* **Explore Transportation Options:** Familiarize yourself with the LIRR, Suffolk County Transit bus routes, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options.
* **Assess Accessibility Needs:** If you have mobility limitations, confirm the accessibility features of public transportation and healthcare facilities.
* **Research Healthcare Providers:** Investigate the quality of care provided by local hospitals and cancer centers.
* **Consider Moving:** If healthcare access is a primary concern, consider the transportation challenges and healthcare facilities when moving to Brentwood.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' for Brentwood serves as a valuable tool for residents, providing a comprehensive understanding of healthcare access. By considering the transportation challenges and opportunities, individuals can make informed decisions about their health and well-being. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape effectively is crucial in ensuring that individuals can receive the timely and quality care they need.