11790, Stony Brook, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 11790, Stony Brook, New York is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.88 percent of residents in 11790 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.35 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Suny/Stony Brook University Hospital with a distance of 1.79 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Stony Brook, NY (ZIP Code 11790)

The air hangs thick with the promise of salt and sea in Stony Brook, New York (ZIP Code 11790). Yet, the tranquility belies a crucial concern: healthcare access, particularly for those facing the formidable challenge of lung cancer. This write-up dissects the complexities of transportation within and around this community, offering a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, a subjective measure of the ease with which residents can reach vital medical care. This score considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing services, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities for those seeking treatment.

The Lung Cancer Score is not a rigid metric but a holistic view, acknowledging the individual's physical condition, financial resources, and personal preferences. Factors like age, mobility, and the availability of a caregiver significantly influence the practicality of each transportation mode. The score aims to illuminate the landscape of healthcare access, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their care.

**Drive Time Dynamics: The Road to Recovery**

Stony Brook’s location on the North Shore of Long Island places it within a network of roads that can become congested, particularly during peak hours. The primary artery is **Route 25A**, a scenic but often slow-moving road that snakes its way east and west. Access to healthcare facilities, including Stony Brook University Hospital, is heavily reliant on this route. During rush hour, the drive from the western edge of 11790 to the hospital can easily stretch to 30-45 minutes, significantly impacting a patient’s ability to receive timely treatment.

**The Long Island Expressway (LIE) or I-495** provides a faster, though sometimes equally frustrating, alternative. Access points from Stony Brook are limited, necessitating a short drive to the nearest entrance ramps. The LIE, notorious for its traffic, can transform a 15-minute drive into an hour-long ordeal, especially during morning and evening commutes. This is a critical consideration for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, where punctuality is paramount.

**Route 347 (Nesconset Highway)** offers another option, providing a more direct route to the hospital from the south. However, this road is also prone to traffic bottlenecks, particularly near major intersections. The availability of parking at the hospital is another factor. While ample parking is available, navigating the hospital’s parking structures can be challenging for patients with mobility issues.

For those considering **moving to Stony Brook**, the proximity to these highways and the hospital is a major factor. The Lung Cancer Score acknowledges the potential for delays and stresses the importance of planning and flexibility when relying on personal vehicles.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Rails and Buses**

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides a vital public transportation link. The Stony Brook station offers direct access to Manhattan, but the primary benefit for healthcare access lies in its connection to the hospital. The LIRR is generally reliable, offering a relatively stress-free commute. However, the station is a few miles from the hospital, necessitating a secondary mode of transportation.

The Suffolk County Transit (SCT) bus system offers routes within the area. **Route S60** is the most relevant, connecting the Stony Brook train station and the hospital. This bus route is a critical component of healthcare access, especially for those without personal vehicles. However, bus schedules can be infrequent, particularly on weekends and evenings. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial feature, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the public transit system.

The Lung Cancer Score considers the limitations of public transit. While offering a cost-effective alternative, the reliance on schedules and the potential for delays can be a significant barrier. The integration of the LIRR and SCT is a crucial element of healthcare access, but the coordination could be improved.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: A Helping Hand**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer on-demand transportation options. These services are readily available in Stony Brook and can be a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. However, the cost of these services can be a significant burden, especially for patients with limited financial resources. The Lung Cancer Score acknowledges the financial implications of ride-sharing and the importance of exploring financial assistance programs.

Medical transportation services cater specifically to patients with medical needs. Companies like **CareRide** and **MedTran** provide door-to-door transportation, often with specialized vehicles equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids. These services offer a higher level of care and convenience but typically come with a higher price tag. The Lung Cancer Score recognizes the value of these services for patients with significant mobility challenges.

**Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The Lung Cancer Score for 11790 is a complex equation. The score acknowledges the importance of proximity to healthcare facilities, the availability of transportation options, and the financial and physical limitations of patients. The score is not a single number but a spectrum of possibilities.

The score for a patient with a personal vehicle and the financial means to utilize ride-sharing services would be higher than for a patient reliant on public transit and with limited financial resources. The score is also affected by the severity of the illness and the frequency of required treatments.

**Moving to Stony Brook** offers advantages, including access to a major medical center. However, the reliance on roadways and the potential for traffic congestion must be considered. The Lung Cancer Score encourages a comprehensive evaluation of healthcare access, urging individuals to plan for potential transportation challenges.

In conclusion, navigating the healthcare landscape in Stony Brook, NY (ZIP Code 11790) requires careful consideration of transportation options. While the community offers access to a major medical center, the complexities of drive times, public transit, and ride-sharing services demand proactive planning. The Lung Cancer Score emphasizes the need for individuals to assess their personal circumstances and explore all available resources to ensure timely and accessible healthcare. The journey through lung cancer treatment is arduous; the ease of transportation should not add to the burden.