06390, Fishers Island, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 06390, Fishers Island, New York is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

91.43 percent of residents in 06390 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Peconic Bay Medical Center with a distance of 42.04 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 06390 (Fishers Island, NY)

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 06390, encompassing Fishers Island, New York, presents a unique challenge. This isolated island community, a haven of natural beauty and tranquility, faces significant limitations when it comes to accessing healthcare. The primary obstacle is its geographical location, necessitating transportation across Long Island Sound. This write-up delves into the specifics of transportation options, travel times, and the overall impact on healthcare access, ultimately assessing the health score.

The very essence of healthcare access in 06390 is intertwined with transportation. Unlike mainland communities, residents here are not afforded the luxury of simply driving down the street to a doctor's office. The journey to healthcare is an expedition, a carefully planned endeavor that demands consideration of weather, schedules, and the inherent challenges of island life. This dependence on transportation significantly influences the health score, affecting everything from routine check-ups to emergency medical situations.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The most direct route to mainland healthcare involves a ferry ride to New London, Connecticut. The Cross Sound Ferry, the primary mode of transportation, offers passenger and vehicle service. The ferry crossing itself takes approximately 45 minutes. Upon disembarking in New London, the drive to various healthcare facilities begins.

For those seeking care at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London, the drive is relatively short, typically taking around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The route utilizes local roads, including Pequot Avenue and Montauk Avenue. Access to Interstate 95 (I-95), a major highway connecting New London to other cities, is readily available, allowing for further travel to healthcare providers in Groton, Norwich, and beyond.

Traveling to healthcare providers in Westerly, Rhode Island, requires a longer drive. This involves navigating local roads and then utilizing Route 1, a scenic but often congested coastal highway. The drive time to Westerly Hospital can range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

While the ferry provides vehicle transport, residents must consider the potential for delays due to weather conditions, which can significantly impact travel times. Furthermore, the ferry schedule dictates the availability of healthcare access, limiting the flexibility of appointments and potentially delaying urgent care.

**Public Transit:**

Public transit options are extremely limited on Fishers Island and within the immediate vicinity of New London. The island itself has no public bus service. In New London, the Southeast Area Transit District (SEAT) operates a bus system, but its routes are primarily focused on the city and surrounding areas. Access to SEAT from the ferry terminal is possible, but it would require a short walk and may not be the most convenient option for reaching healthcare facilities.

The lack of robust public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for individuals who do not own a vehicle, are unable to drive, or have limited mobility. This limitation directly impacts the overall health score, highlighting the need for alternative transportation solutions.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the New London area, offering a potential solution for transportation to healthcare appointments. However, their availability on Fishers Island itself is highly uncertain, and the cost of a ride-share from the ferry terminal to healthcare facilities can be substantial.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are available in the region. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, the cost of medical transport can be considerable, and prior arrangements are typically required. This adds another layer of complexity to accessing healthcare, particularly for urgent or unexpected medical needs.

**Specific Healthcare Facilities and Access:**

The primary healthcare provider on Fishers Island is the Fishers Island Medical Center, offering basic medical services, including primary care, urgent care, and some specialized services. However, the center is limited in scope, and residents often need to travel to the mainland for more specialized care, including specialists, diagnostic testing, and hospitalizations.

Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London serves as a major healthcare hub for residents of 06390. It provides a wide range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and outpatient clinics. Westerly Hospital in Westerly, Rhode Island, is another option, offering similar services. The proximity of these hospitals is crucial, but the reliance on transportation remains a significant factor in healthcare access.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The Cross Sound Ferry offers ADA-accessible facilities, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can travel to and from the island. However, the accessibility of healthcare facilities on the mainland varies. While Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and Westerly Hospital are generally ADA-compliant, individuals should confirm specific accessibility features when scheduling appointments. The availability of accessible transportation options, such as medical transport services, is also essential for individuals with disabilities.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Considering the factors discussed, the overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 06390 is moderate, with significant limitations. While the availability of healthcare facilities on the mainland is relatively good, the reliance on transportation, particularly the ferry, creates significant barriers.

The primary challenges are:

* **Geographical Isolation:** The island's location necessitates ferry travel, which is subject to weather delays and schedule constraints.
* **Limited Public Transit:** The absence of public transit options limits access for individuals without vehicles.
* **Cost of Transportation:** The cost of ferry travel, ride-sharing, and medical transport can be substantial, particularly for frequent appointments.
* **Dependence on Ferry Schedules:** Healthcare appointments must be planned around the ferry schedule, limiting flexibility.

The health score is positively influenced by:

* **Proximity to Healthcare Facilities:** Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and Westerly Hospital are relatively close to the ferry terminal.
* **Availability of Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** These services offer alternative transportation options, although they come with added costs.
* **ADA Accessibility:** The ferry and healthcare facilities generally offer ADA-compliant services.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the health score, several strategies can be implemented:

* **Explore Telehealth Options:** Expanding telehealth services could reduce the need for travel for routine appointments and consultations.
* **Advocate for Improved Public Transit:** Lobbying for improved public transit options in New London, including routes that connect directly to the ferry terminal, could benefit residents.
* **Negotiate Discounted Transportation Rates:** Exploring partnerships with ferry services and ride-sharing companies to provide discounted rates for healthcare-related travel could help reduce costs.
* **Promote Community Health Initiatives:** Supporting community health programs on Fishers Island can help address preventative care and health education needs.

**Conclusion:**

For those considering moving to Fishers Island, a thorough understanding of the transportation challenges and their impact on healthcare access is crucial. While the island offers a unique and desirable lifestyle, the limitations in healthcare access must be carefully considered. Improving the overall health score requires a multi-faceted approach, focusing on enhancing transportation options, leveraging technology, and fostering community health initiatives.