11729, Deer Park, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 11729, Deer Park, New York is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.79 percent of residents in 11729 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.49 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pilgrim Psychiatric Center with a distance of 3.64 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Deer Park (ZIP Code 11729)

The health and well-being of a community are inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This report provides an overall health score for residents of Deer Park, New York (ZIP Code 11729), focusing on the critical factor of **transportation** to and from medical facilities. We will examine various modes of transport, including personal vehicles, public transit, and ride-sharing services, evaluating their efficiency, accessibility, and overall impact on residents' ability to obtain timely and appropriate medical care. This assessment is especially relevant for individuals and families considering **moving to Deer Park**, as it offers a crucial insight into the practicalities of maintaining good health within the community.

Deer Park, situated in Suffolk County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. While the area offers a range of medical providers, the availability of efficient and accessible **transportation** options is crucial to ensuring that residents can reach these facilities. The overall health score for Deer Park, concerning healthcare access, is therefore a composite of several factors, including drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of alternative transportation solutions.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary mode of transportation for many Deer Park residents is the personal vehicle. The area is served by a network of major roadways, including the Long Island Expressway (LIE) or I-495, the Southern State Parkway, and the Sunrise Highway (Route 27). These highways are the arteries of Long Island's transportation system, connecting Deer Park to hospitals, specialist offices, and urgent care facilities across the region.

Drive times, however, can vary significantly depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. During peak hours, congestion on the LIE can be particularly severe, potentially adding considerable time to a commute to a medical appointment. For example, a trip to Huntington Hospital, a major regional facility, might take 20 minutes during off-peak hours, but could easily stretch to 45 minutes or more during rush hour. Similarly, travel to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, another prominent healthcare provider, could be affected by traffic on the Sunrise Highway.

Local roads, such as Deer Park Avenue (Route 231) and Commack Road, also play a crucial role in accessing healthcare. These roads provide access to local medical offices and urgent care centers within Deer Park and surrounding communities. While these roads are generally less congested than the major highways, they can still experience traffic during peak hours, particularly near commercial areas.

**Public Transit: A Mixed Bag:**

The availability of public transit in Deer Park is a mixed bag, offering some potential solutions for those without personal vehicles, but also presenting certain limitations. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides a direct connection to New York City, but its primary focus is on commuter travel and may not always be the most convenient option for accessing healthcare facilities located outside of the city. The Deer Park station is a key hub, but the frequency of trains, especially during off-peak hours, could be a factor.

Suffolk County Transit operates several bus routes that serve Deer Park and surrounding areas. These routes, including the S58, S54, and S27, provide connections to hospitals, medical centers, and other healthcare providers. However, the bus system's coverage is not as extensive as the road network, and the frequency of service may be limited, particularly in the evenings and on weekends.

Accessibility is another crucial consideration for public transit. While Suffolk County Transit strives to provide accessible services, including buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and designated seating, the overall accessibility of the system can be impacted by factors such as sidewalk availability and the distance between bus stops and medical facilities. ADA features are in place, but their effectiveness can be location-dependent.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient alternative to personal vehicles and public transit, particularly for those who may not be able to drive or who prefer not to navigate traffic. These services are readily available in Deer Park, providing on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some residents, and the availability of drivers may be limited during peak hours or in areas with lower demand.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private ambulance companies and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, cater specifically to individuals who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility devices and other specialized needs. While these services can be invaluable for individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions, they can also be expensive, and the availability of services may vary depending on the individual's insurance coverage. Some examples include Ambulnz, LogistiCare, and Veyo.

**Overall Health Score: A Holistic Perspective:**

Considering all these factors, the overall health score for Deer Park residents, concerning healthcare access, is moderately positive. The area benefits from a well-developed road network, providing relatively easy access to a range of medical facilities. However, the reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with traffic congestion during peak hours, can create challenges for some residents.

Public transit offers an alternative, but its limitations in terms of coverage, frequency, and accessibility can restrict its usefulness for many. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services provide valuable options, but their cost and availability may be prohibitive for some.

The overall health score is therefore a reflection of a community that offers reasonable access to healthcare, but where the efficiency and affordability of **transportation** remain critical factors. Individuals and families considering **moving to Deer Park** should carefully evaluate their **transportation** needs and assess the potential impact on their ability to access timely and appropriate medical care. The ability to navigate the LIE, Sunrise Highway, and local roads is crucial. The presence of the LIRR and Suffolk County Transit bus routes provides options, but the limitations of these systems must also be considered. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offers a safety net, but the cost and availability of these services should be factored into the overall assessment.