10986, Tomkins Cove, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 10986, Tomkins Cove, New York is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.46 percent of residents in 10986 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hudson Valley Hospital Center with a distance of 5.26 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Tompkins Cove (ZIP Code 10986)

The picturesque Hudson River town of Tompkins Cove, nestled in Rockland County, New York, offers a tranquil escape for its residents. However, the idyllic setting presents a unique challenge: accessing quality healthcare. This comprehensive assessment delves into the complexities of commuting to healthcare facilities from ZIP code 10986, evaluating transportation options, drive times, public transit accessibility, and the availability of ride-share and medical transport services. This analysis aims to provide a clear “Overall Health Score” for residents, considering the vital link between transportation and healthcare access, especially for those considering moving to Tompkins Cove.

The fundamental determinant of healthcare access is, of course, the ability to physically reach medical facilities. For residents of Tompkins Cove, this often translates into navigating the local road network. The primary arteries for vehicular travel are Route 9W, a major north-south thoroughfare hugging the Hudson River, and the Palisades Interstate Parkway, a scenic parkway offering relatively direct access to points south. Smaller roads like Filors Lane, Rosetown Road, and Willow Grove Road provide access to local neighborhoods and connect to the larger roadways. Traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times, adding stress and potentially delaying critical medical appointments.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the destination and time of day. The closest urgent care facilities, such as those in Stony Point, are generally accessible within a 10 to 20-minute drive via Route 9W. For primary care physicians and specialists, residents may need to travel further, often to the towns of Haverstraw or Garnerville. These trips can extend to 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. More specialized care, including hospitals like Montefiore Nyack Hospital, located in Nyack, necessitates a longer commute, potentially exceeding 45 minutes, especially during rush hour. This is a crucial factor in the overall health score, as longer commute times can be a barrier to timely medical attention.

Public transportation presents an alternative for those without personal vehicles. The Transport of Rockland (TOR) bus system serves the area, providing routes that connect Tompkins Cove to surrounding towns and healthcare facilities. Route 91, for example, offers service along Route 9W, providing a direct link to Stony Point and Haverstraw, potentially connecting to other routes that reach more extensive medical services. However, the frequency of service can be a significant limitation, especially during evenings and weekends. Further, the lack of direct routes to some specialized medical centers necessitates transfers, increasing travel time and complexity.

The accessibility of public transit for individuals with disabilities is a crucial consideration. TOR buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating. However, the terrain in some areas of Tompkins Cove and along the bus routes can present challenges for those with mobility limitations. Sidewalks and accessible pathways may be limited in certain areas, making it difficult to reach bus stops. The overall health score must account for these accessibility limitations.

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, provide another transportation option, particularly for those who do not drive or prefer not to. However, the availability of these services in Tompkins Cove can be variable. While they are generally available, the response times and pricing can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability can pose a challenge for those needing immediate medical attention or scheduled appointments.

Medical transport services offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. Companies like CareRide and MedTrans provide non-emergency medical transportation, often utilizing wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services are particularly valuable for individuals who are unable to drive or use public transit. However, the cost of these services can be a significant factor, and pre-booking is often required, potentially limiting spontaneous access to medical care.

The availability of healthcare facilities within Tompkins Cove itself is limited. Residents typically rely on healthcare providers located in neighboring towns. This necessitates reliance on transportation, making the commute a critical factor in healthcare access. The absence of local clinics or hospitals underscores the importance of efficient and reliable transportation options. This absence directly impacts the overall health score, emphasizing the need for readily available transportation to external medical facilities.

The overall health score for commuting to healthcare in Tompkins Cove, ZIP code 10986, reflects a complex interplay of factors. While the scenic beauty of the area is undeniable, the transportation challenges significantly impact healthcare access. Drive times, while manageable for some, can be extended by traffic. Public transit, while offering an alternative, is limited in frequency and route coverage. Ride-share services offer a degree of flexibility but are subject to availability and cost. Medical transport services provide specialized assistance but come with associated costs and require advance planning.

Considering all these elements, the overall health score for commuting to healthcare in Tompkins Cove, ZIP code 10986, is moderate. While residents have options, they are not without limitations. The reliance on external facilities, coupled with the constraints of transportation, necessitates careful planning and consideration. Individuals considering moving to Tompkins Cove should factor in the potential travel time and associated costs when assessing their healthcare needs. The availability of personal vehicles and the ability to navigate the local road network are crucial. The need for improved public transit options, particularly those that connect directly to major medical centers, is evident. Further, the expansion of ride-share and medical transport services, coupled with increased awareness of these resources, would significantly improve the overall health score for residents of this charming, yet transportation-challenged, community.