11756, Levittown, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 11756, Levittown, New York is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.48 percent of residents in 11756 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.64 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Nassau University Medical Center with a distance of 1.97 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Levittown, NY (ZIP Code 11756)**

The shadow of a lung cancer diagnosis looms large, a reality that demands swift and efficient access to specialized care. For residents of Levittown, New York (ZIP code 11756), the journey to quality healthcare, particularly for lung cancer treatment, is a complex equation influenced by transportation options. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, evaluating the accessibility of key medical facilities, considering drive times, public transit, and ride-sharing alternatives, all crucial factors when facing this challenging disease. The aim is to illuminate the landscape of **healthcare access** for those living in or **moving to Levittown**, offering a clearer picture of the **transportation** challenges and opportunities.

Levittown's location on Long Island, while offering suburban charm, presents a unique set of transportation considerations. The primary arteries for vehicular travel are the Wantagh State Parkway, the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway (Route 135), and Hempstead Turnpike (Route 24). These roadways are often congested, especially during peak hours, which can significantly impact drive times to medical centers. The "Lung Cancer Score" considers these factors, factoring in potential delays when assessing the feasibility of reaching vital medical appointments.

The nearest major hospital with comprehensive cancer care, including pulmonology and oncology departments, is North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. A drive from Levittown to North Shore University Hospital, typically a 30-to-45-minute journey under optimal conditions, can easily stretch to an hour or more during rush hour, particularly if traveling via the Northern State Parkway or the Long Island Expressway (LIE, I-495). This extended travel time can be a significant burden for patients undergoing treatment, requiring frequent visits for chemotherapy, radiation, or follow-up appointments.

Another critical healthcare destination is Stony Brook University Hospital, a renowned facility for cancer care. The drive to Stony Brook, primarily utilizing the LIE (I-495), is considerably longer, averaging around 45 minutes to an hour, and potentially longer depending on traffic conditions. This distance adds another layer of complexity to the transportation equation, especially for patients requiring frequent, time-sensitive treatments.

Public transit offers an alternative, though with its own set of challenges. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides service from the Levittown station. However, the LIRR does not directly serve many hospitals. A transfer to a bus or a ride-share is often necessary. The LIRR's accessibility features, including elevators and ramps, make it generally ADA compliant, a critical consideration for patients with mobility limitations.

The Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) bus system provides local service. Routes like the N71 and N72 traverse Hempstead Turnpike, offering a potential connection to some healthcare facilities. However, bus travel is often slower than driving and can involve multiple transfers. The NICE bus system also offers ADA-accessible buses, ensuring a level of accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are readily available in Levittown. These services offer a convenient, albeit potentially more expensive, alternative to driving or public transit. The cost of frequent ride-share trips can quickly accumulate, posing a financial strain on patients already burdened by medical expenses.

Medical transportation services, such as LogistiCare and Veyo, are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. These services often contract with insurance providers and can offer a more affordable option than ride-sharing. However, availability and scheduling can sometimes be a challenge, requiring advance planning.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Levittown reflects the interplay of these factors. While the area benefits from the proximity of major hospitals, the reliance on roadways prone to congestion and the limitations of public transit create challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offers some relief, but the overall picture reveals a need for careful planning and consideration when navigating the healthcare landscape.

The score considers the average drive times, the reliability of public transit, the cost and availability of ride-sharing, and the accessibility of medical transportation services. It weighs these factors to provide a comprehensive assessment of the ease with which residents of Levittown can access vital lung cancer care. The higher the score, the more accessible the healthcare options.

For individuals considering **moving to Levittown**, the "Lung Cancer Score" serves as an important factor in their decision-making process. It highlights the importance of factoring in transportation considerations when choosing a place to live, especially for those with existing health conditions or a family history of cancer.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a static number. It is a dynamic assessment that can change based on factors such as traffic patterns, public transit improvements, and the availability of ride-sharing services. Regular updates and evaluations are essential to ensure the score accurately reflects the current state of **healthcare access** in Levittown.

The score emphasizes the importance of proactive planning. Patients should familiarize themselves with all available **transportation** options, including drive times during peak and off-peak hours, LIRR schedules, NICE bus routes, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is designed to empower residents of Levittown with the knowledge they need to navigate the healthcare system effectively. It is a tool to help them make informed decisions, ensuring they can access the care they need when they need it. It highlights the importance of considering **transportation** as a key component of **healthcare access**, especially for those facing the challenges of lung cancer. It underscores the need for ongoing efforts to improve **healthcare access** and **transportation** options for the residents of Levittown and similar communities, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to receive timely and effective medical care.