11939, East Marion, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 11939, East Marion, New York is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.67 percent of residents in 11939 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 24.21 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Peconic Bay Medical Center with a distance of 22.12 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in East Marion, NY (ZIP Code 11939)**

The allure of East Marion, NY (ZIP Code 11939) – with its serene landscapes and proximity to the Long Island Sound – often draws individuals seeking a tranquil escape. However, before making the move, prospective residents, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions or those concerned about future healthcare needs, must carefully assess the realities of healthcare access. This assessment, which we'll term the "Lung Cancer Score," considers the complexities of transportation to medical facilities, a critical factor in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care of lung cancer.

The Lung Cancer Score is a multifaceted tool, analyzing the ease of **transportation** options available for residents in 11939 seeking specialized oncology services. It considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-share services, and medical transport options. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the practical challenges and opportunities in accessing potentially life-saving **healthcare access**, an essential consideration for anyone contemplating **moving to East Marion**.

**Driving the Distance: The Arteries of Care**

For residents of East Marion, the primary mode of **transportation** to major medical centers involves driving. The most direct route to significant healthcare facilities, such as Stony Brook University Hospital, often begins on Main Road (Route 25), a scenic but sometimes congested thoroughfare. This road then connects to the Long Island Expressway (LIE, I-495), a major artery that can be subject to heavy traffic, especially during peak commuting hours.

From East Marion, the drive to Stony Brook can take anywhere from one to two hours, depending on traffic conditions. The LIE, notorious for its bottlenecks, can significantly extend travel times, particularly during rush hour. Alternatives to the LIE include taking the Sunrise Highway (Route 27), which offers a slightly less direct route but can sometimes be less congested, especially on weekends. However, it’s a longer route, potentially adding significant time to the journey.

Beyond Stony Brook, other hospitals such as Northwell Health’s Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead, and Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport, are closer. Peconic Bay Medical Center is approximately a 30-45 minute drive, while Eastern Long Island Hospital is about a 15-20 minute drive. These facilities offer a range of services, but may not have the same level of specialized oncology care as Stony Brook.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public **transportation** options in East Marion are limited, posing a significant challenge for those without access to a personal vehicle. The Suffolk County Transit (SCT) provides bus service, but the routes serving East Marion are infrequent, especially on weekends and evenings. Route 80, for instance, runs along Main Road (Route 25), offering a connection to Riverhead, where transfers to other routes might be possible.

However, the schedules are often not conducive to appointments at major medical centers, and the travel times can be considerably longer than driving. Furthermore, the accessibility of public transit for individuals with mobility issues is a crucial consideration. While SCT buses are equipped with ADA-compliant features, the limited frequency of service and the potential for lengthy travel times can still create barriers to **healthcare access**.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the East Marion area, offering a potential alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, the availability of these services can be variable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-share services can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer a more specialized solution for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. These services often provide door-to-door **transportation** and can accommodate medical equipment. Several medical transport providers operate in the area, including private ambulance companies and NEMT services. However, these services can be expensive and may require prior arrangements.

**Healthcare Access and the Lung Cancer Score**

The Lung Cancer Score for East Marion, NY, highlights several key considerations for individuals seeking **healthcare access**. The primary challenge is the reliance on personal vehicles for accessing specialized oncology care. While driving offers the most direct route to major medical centers, the potential for lengthy travel times, particularly during peak traffic, can be a significant burden.

Public transit options are limited and may not be a viable solution for many residents. Ride-share services and medical transport provide alternative options, but their availability, cost, and reliability must be carefully considered.

The location of Eastern Long Island Hospital and Peconic Bay Medical Center are closer, but if advanced oncology services are required, it may be necessary to travel to Stony Brook. This will impact the Lung Cancer Score.

**Assessing the Risks and Benefits**

When evaluating the Lung Cancer Score, prospective residents must weigh the benefits of living in East Marion – the tranquility, the natural beauty, and the sense of community – against the potential challenges of accessing specialized healthcare. For individuals with a high risk of lung cancer or those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, the distance to major medical centers and the limitations of public transit may be a significant concern.

The availability of ride-share services and medical transport can mitigate some of these challenges, but the cost and reliability of these services must be factored into the decision-making process.

**Conclusion: A Personalized Assessment**

The Lung Cancer Score is not a definitive rating, but a framework for assessing the practical realities of **healthcare access** in East Marion. The score emphasizes the importance of personalized assessment, considering individual health needs, mobility limitations, and financial resources.

For those considering **moving to East Marion**, a thorough understanding of the **transportation** landscape and the availability of medical services is crucial. By carefully evaluating the Lung Cancer Score, prospective residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensure they have access to the specialized care they may require.