11719, Brookhaven, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 11719, Brookhaven, New York is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.71 percent of residents in 11719 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.29 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Long Island Community Hospital with a distance of 3.10 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Brookhaven, NY (ZIP Code 11719)

Navigating the healthcare landscape in Brookhaven, New York (ZIP code 11719) requires a nuanced understanding of its transportation infrastructure. This write-up provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, all crucial elements determining healthcare access for residents. The score reflects the ease and efficiency with which individuals can reach medical facilities, impacting their overall well-being. This analysis is particularly relevant for those considering moving to Brookhaven, highlighting the practicalities of accessing essential healthcare services.

The geographic layout of Brookhaven, spanning a significant area of Long Island, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding transportation. The primary arteries for vehicular travel are the Long Island Expressway (LIE) – Interstate 495 – and William Floyd Parkway (County Road 46). Access to these roads is critical for reaching hospitals and specialty clinics, particularly those located outside of the immediate Brookhaven area. The overall score hinges on the efficiency and reliability of these routes, especially during peak commuting hours.

Drive times to healthcare facilities within and outside the ZIP code fluctuate considerably. For residents in the northern parts of 11719, reaching Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson might take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic on Route 25A and the surrounding roads. Conversely, accessing Stony Brook University Hospital, a major regional medical center, could take 30-45 minutes, factoring in potential delays on the LIE. Driving south, towards the more coastal areas of Brookhaven, could involve longer travel times, potentially exceeding an hour to reach facilities located further west or south.

Public transportation offers an alternative, though its accessibility and frequency are limited compared to more urban areas. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides service through the Patchogue and Mastic-Shirley stations, offering a connection to Penn Station in Manhattan and other areas of Long Island. However, the LIRR's utility for healthcare access within Brookhaven is limited. A resident might take the LIRR to a station and then rely on local bus routes or ride-sharing services to reach their final destination.

Suffolk County Transit (SCT) operates several bus routes within Brookhaven, including the S60, S61, and S69. These routes provide some degree of healthcare access, connecting residential areas to medical offices and hospitals. The S60, for example, serves the Patchogue area, offering connections to local medical facilities. However, the frequency of these buses can be limited, and the routes may not directly serve all areas of the ZIP code. ADA accessibility is a key feature of the SCT buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize public transit.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Brookhaven, offering a convenient, though potentially more expensive, alternative to driving or public transit. These services can be particularly useful for individuals without access to a personal vehicle or for those who prefer not to drive, especially when dealing with medical appointments. The availability and pricing of ride-sharing services can vary depending on demand and time of day, impacting the overall cost of healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, such as non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers, cater to individuals who require assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. While specific NEMT brands operating within 11719 might vary, the availability of such services is a crucial factor in ensuring healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

The "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in 11719 is moderately favorable, but with significant caveats. While the road network provides reasonable access to healthcare facilities, traffic congestion, particularly on the LIE, can significantly increase travel times. Public transit options are available but limited in frequency and coverage, potentially hindering healthcare access for some residents. Ride-sharing services offer a convenient alternative, but their cost and availability can be a barrier. The presence of medical transportation services adds a layer of support, especially for those with mobility limitations.

For individuals considering moving to Brookhaven, careful consideration of transportation needs is essential. Assessing the proximity of healthcare providers, the availability of reliable transportation options, and the potential costs associated with commuting to medical appointments is crucial. Those who rely on public transportation or have mobility limitations should carefully evaluate the accessibility of local bus routes and the availability of medical transportation services.

The overall score could be improved by enhancing public transit infrastructure, including increasing the frequency and coverage of bus routes. Furthermore, promoting ride-sharing programs and subsidizing medical transportation services for low-income residents could significantly improve healthcare access. Investing in traffic management strategies to mitigate congestion on the LIE and other major roadways would also contribute to a higher "Overall Health Score."

In conclusion, while Brookhaven offers a range of healthcare options, the efficiency and convenience of accessing these services are significantly influenced by transportation infrastructure. Residents should carefully assess their individual needs and preferences when navigating the healthcare landscape, considering the interplay of drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transportation services. A proactive approach to understanding these factors is crucial for ensuring timely and affordable healthcare access, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of Brookhaven residents.