11770, Ocean Beach, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 11770, Ocean Beach, New York is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.31 percent of residents in 11770 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.29 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ns/Lij Hs Southside Hospital with a distance of 7.12 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Ocean Beach (ZIP Code 11770)

Ocean Beach, a picturesque barrier island community in Suffolk County, New York, offers a unique lifestyle. But when considering a move, particularly for individuals at risk for or diagnosed with lung cancer, understanding healthcare access is crucial. This write-up assesses the available transportation options and healthcare facilities surrounding ZIP code 11770, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" to gauge the ease of accessing vital medical care. This score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services.

The primary concern for lung cancer patients is timely access to specialized care, including oncologists, pulmonologists, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact outcomes. Therefore, the efficiency and reliability of transportation become paramount.

**Driving the Distance:**

Driving remains a significant mode of **transportation** in this region. From Ocean Beach, the most direct route to mainland healthcare facilities involves a ferry to Bay Shore, followed by driving. The primary arteries for this commute are the **Robert Moses Causeway** and the **Southern State Parkway**.

The drive from the Bay Shore ferry terminal to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, a facility with oncology services, typically takes around 15-20 minutes, assuming moderate traffic. This journey is relatively straightforward, offering a reasonable commute for appointments and treatments.

For more specialized care, patients might need to travel further. Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, also providing comprehensive cancer care, could be a 30-40 minute drive, depending on traffic conditions. This journey involves navigating the Southern State Parkway and local roads.

Accessing major medical centers in Nassau County, such as North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, would necessitate a longer commute, potentially exceeding an hour, especially during peak hours. This would involve traveling on the Southern State Parkway, the **Wantagh State Parkway**, and the **Northern State Parkway**.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transit provides an alternative, although its availability and convenience are limited. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) offers service from the Bay Shore station, easily accessible from the ferry, to various destinations. The LIRR provides access to hospitals in the city.

The LIRR is an essential component of the healthcare **transportation** network. The Bay Shore station is accessible via the ferry, and provides access to hospitals in the city.

However, the LIRR requires transfers, and the overall travel time can be significantly longer than driving. Moreover, the frequency of trains, especially during off-peak hours, might pose challenges.

ADA accessibility is a critical factor. The LIRR stations are equipped with elevators and ramps. However, the availability of accessible features at all connecting bus stops and the ferry terminal should be verified.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, providing a convenient option for those unable to drive or lacking access to a personal vehicle. However, the availability of these services, especially during off-peak hours or for trips to more remote locations, cannot be guaranteed.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are essential for patients with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. These services can transport patients to and from appointments.

Several medical transport providers operate in the area, offering specialized services for patients with various needs. However, these services often require advance booking and can be costly.

**The Lung Cancer Score:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Ocean Beach (ZIP Code 11770) is a composite assessment based on the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** The proximity to healthcare facilities, considering traffic conditions.
* **Public Transit Reliability:** The frequency, accessibility, and travel time of public transit options.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The reliability and cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport Options:** The availability and accessibility of medical transport services.

Based on these factors, the Lung Cancer Score for Ocean Beach is moderate. While the proximity to healthcare facilities in Bay Shore is relatively good, the reliance on the ferry, followed by driving or public transit, introduces complexities. The longer travel times to more specialized facilities and the limitations of public transit further influence the score.

**Considerations for Moving to Ocean Beach:**

For individuals considering **moving to Ocean Beach** with a history of or risk factors for lung cancer, careful planning is essential. It's crucial to:

* Assess the location of healthcare providers, including oncologists, pulmonologists, and radiation therapy centers.
* Evaluate the availability of transportation options, considering personal preferences, mobility limitations, and financial constraints.
* Factor in the time required for travel to appointments, considering traffic conditions and public transit schedules.
* Investigate the availability and cost of medical transport services.
* Consider the potential impact of weather conditions, such as ferry cancellations during severe storms.

**Conclusion:**

Ocean Beach offers a unique lifestyle, but its location presents challenges concerning **healthcare access**. While the proximity to facilities in Bay Shore is a positive factor, the reliance on the ferry and the limitations of public transit require careful consideration. The Lung Cancer Score highlights the need for thorough planning and awareness of **transportation** options for individuals with lung cancer or at risk. The ability to navigate the healthcare system effectively is crucial for ensuring timely access to care and improving outcomes. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services can help mitigate some of the challenges, but advance planning and careful consideration of individual needs are essential.