11706, Bay Shore, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 11706, Bay Shore, New York is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.39 percent of residents in 11706 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.99 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ns/Lij Hs Southside Hospital with a distance of 0.70 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 11706 (Bay Shore, NY)

Bay Shore, New York (ZIP Code 11706), a vibrant community nestled on the south shore of Long Island, offers a compelling lifestyle for those considering moving to the area. However, a critical aspect of overall well-being often overlooked is healthcare access. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents, evaluating the ease with which they can access medical facilities, considering various transportation options available. The score considers drive times, public transit routes, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, offering a comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape.

**Overall Health Score: 7.5/10**

This score reflects a generally positive healthcare access environment in Bay Shore, though improvements are possible. The area benefits from a central location with good transportation infrastructure, but certain limitations, particularly regarding public transit, slightly reduce the overall score.

**Driving Times and Roadways:**

Driving remains a primary mode of transportation for accessing healthcare in Bay Shore. The area benefits from its proximity to major roadways, facilitating relatively quick travel to medical facilities. The Long Island Expressway (LIE, I-495) provides a direct east-west route, while the Southern State Parkway offers another crucial artery, running parallel to the south shore.

For residents living closer to the Great South Bay, accessing healthcare may involve navigating local roads like Montauk Highway (NY-27A) and Sunrise Highway (NY-27). These roads, while providing convenient access to local businesses and services, can experience traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. The average drive time to the nearest hospitals, like South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, can range from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the location within the ZIP code and traffic conditions.

Further afield, reaching larger medical centers in areas like Stony Brook or Nassau County might require a 30-60 minute drive, particularly during rush hour. This extended travel time could pose a challenge for individuals requiring urgent care or those with mobility limitations.

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

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides a valuable public transportation option for Bay Shore residents. The Bay Shore station, located centrally, offers direct access to Manhattan and other Long Island destinations. While the LIRR provides a comfortable and relatively efficient mode of transport, it may not be the most convenient option for all healthcare appointments.

The LIRR station is located near South Shore University Hospital, making it a viable option for patients. The LIRR is not ADA compliant, which may be a challenge for some residents.

Suffolk County Transit (SCT) operates several bus routes within and around Bay Shore, providing crucial connectivity for residents without access to a car. Bus routes like the S58, S59, and S40 serve the area, offering connections to various healthcare facilities, shopping centers, and other essential services. However, bus schedules can be less frequent than the LIRR, and travel times can be significantly longer than driving.

The accessibility of SCT buses for individuals with disabilities varies depending on the specific route and bus. While the county has made efforts to improve ADA compliance, certain routes may present challenges.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient alternative to driving or public transportation. These services are readily available in Bay Shore and provide on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a factor, especially for frequent appointments or longer distances.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available for individuals with mobility limitations or specific medical needs. These services offer specialized transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, these services often require advance booking and may involve higher costs than other transportation options.

**Healthcare Access Considerations:**

The availability of healthcare facilities within Bay Shore is a significant advantage for residents. South Shore University Hospital, a major medical center, provides a wide range of services, including emergency care, specialized treatments, and outpatient clinics. Several private practices and specialist offices are also located within the ZIP code, offering convenient access to primary care physicians, dentists, and other healthcare providers.

However, the availability of specialized care may be limited within Bay Shore. Residents may need to travel to larger medical centers in other areas for certain treatments or consultations. This underscores the importance of considering transportation options when assessing healthcare access.

**Factors Influencing the Overall Health Score:**

The "Overall Health Score" is influenced by several factors:

* **Proximity to Healthcare Facilities:** Bay Shore benefits from the presence of South Shore University Hospital and various medical practices.
* **Transportation Options:** The availability of driving, LIRR, SCT buses, ride-sharing, and medical transport services enhances healthcare access.
* **Traffic Congestion:** Traffic on major roadways, particularly during peak hours, can impact travel times.
* **Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities:** The ADA compliance of public transportation and the availability of specialized medical transport services are crucial considerations.
* **Cost of Transportation:** The affordability of various transportation options, including ride-sharing and medical transport, affects healthcare access for some residents.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

* **Enhance Public Transportation:** Increase the frequency and coverage of SCT bus routes, particularly those serving healthcare facilities. Improve ADA compliance across all public transportation options.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** Encourage the use of ride-sharing services and medical transport for individuals with mobility limitations. Explore partnerships with local organizations to provide subsidized transportation options.
* **Improve Road Infrastructure:** Address traffic congestion on major roadways to reduce travel times to healthcare facilities.
* **Expand Healthcare Services:** Encourage the development of additional specialist practices and outpatient clinics within Bay Shore to reduce the need for travel to other areas.

**Conclusion:**

Bay Shore (11706) offers a relatively favorable environment for healthcare access, with a score of 7.5/10. The presence of a major hospital, a well-connected LIRR station, and the availability of ride-sharing services contribute positively to the overall score. However, improvements in public transportation, traffic management, and the availability of specialized healthcare services could further enhance healthcare access for all residents. Considering these factors is essential for anyone contemplating moving to Bay Shore and prioritizing their healthcare needs.