11749, Islandia, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 11749, Islandia, New York is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.21 percent of residents in 11749 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.68 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Catherine Of Siena Hospital with a distance of 4.64 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Islandia, NY (ZIP Code 11749)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This analysis provides an “Overall Health Score” for Islandia, New York (ZIP code 11749), focusing on the critical factor of transportation to healthcare facilities. Understanding the ease and efficiency of getting medical attention is paramount for residents, especially those considering moving to Islandia. This write-up delves into drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access in this Long Island community.

Islandia, a small village nestled within the Town of Islip, presents unique transportation challenges and opportunities. Its location, while offering a degree of suburban tranquility, necessitates careful consideration of travel times and available resources when assessing healthcare access. The "Overall Health Score" considers these factors, recognizing that timely and convenient transportation is vital for maintaining and improving health outcomes.

**Drive Times: The Road to Wellness**

The primary mode of transportation for many Islandia residents is personal vehicles. Assessing drive times to various healthcare facilities is therefore crucial. The Long Island Expressway (LIE), also known as I-495, serves as the major artery connecting Islandia to healthcare hubs. Depending on traffic conditions, travel to hospitals like Stony Brook University Hospital, a major tertiary care center, can range from 20 to 45 minutes.

The Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Northport, another important destination, is accessible via the LIE and the Sunken Meadow State Parkway, with drive times varying from 30 to 60 minutes. For those needing specialized care, the drive to NYU Langone Hospital – Long Island in Mineola, typically involves the LIE and the Northern State Parkway, taking approximately 30 to 50 minutes.

Local hospitals like Southside Hospital in Bay Shore are accessible via the LIE and the Southern State Parkway, with travel times ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Smaller urgent care centers and physician offices within the immediate vicinity of Islandia offer quicker access, often within a 5 to 15-minute drive using local roads like Veterans Memorial Highway and Motor Parkway.

The variability in drive times, particularly during peak hours, underscores the importance of planning and flexibility. Residents must factor in potential delays when scheduling appointments or responding to medical emergencies. This variability directly impacts the "Overall Health Score," as longer travel times can lead to delayed care and potentially worse health outcomes.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Network**

For those without personal vehicles, or seeking alternatives, public transportation is a critical component of healthcare access. The Suffolk County Transit (SCT) provides bus service throughout the region, including routes that serve Islandia. The S58 and S92 routes offer connections to major transportation hubs and healthcare facilities.

The S58, for example, travels along Veterans Memorial Highway and provides access to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) stations in Ronkonkoma and Central Islip, facilitating connections to New York City and other destinations. The S92 route provides access to healthcare facilities in the surrounding areas.

The LIRR, with stations in Ronkonkoma and Central Islip, offers a more rapid transit option, particularly for those traveling to Manhattan for specialized care. However, the LIRR stations are not directly within Islandia, requiring a bus connection or other form of transportation to reach them.

The accessibility of public transit is further enhanced by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, ensuring that buses and stations are equipped to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This is a crucial factor in promoting equal access to healthcare for all residents.

The "Overall Health Score" considers the reliability, frequency, and accessibility of public transit options, recognizing that a robust public transportation network is essential for ensuring healthcare access for all members of the community.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Alternative Pathways**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer another layer of transportation options. These services are readily available in the Islandia area, providing on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some residents, and availability may be limited during peak hours or in areas with lower demand.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs, provide a vital service. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and other local providers offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. These services are often covered by insurance, making them a more affordable option for those who qualify.

The "Overall Health Score" acknowledges the role of ride-sharing and medical transport services in filling gaps in healthcare access. These services can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are unable to drive, lack access to public transit, or require specialized assistance.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

The "Overall Health Score" for Islandia, NY (11749) reflects a mixed picture of healthcare access. While the proximity to major highways like the LIE and the availability of ride-sharing services offer convenient transportation options, the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for traffic delays, particularly during peak hours, pose challenges.

The presence of public transit, including the Suffolk County Transit and the LIRR, provides a valuable alternative, but requires careful planning and potentially longer travel times. The availability of ADA-compliant services is a positive factor, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

The "Overall Health Score" is also influenced by the availability of medical transport services, which cater to individuals with specific needs. These services play a crucial role in ensuring that everyone has access to healthcare, regardless of their mobility limitations.

Considering these factors, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Islandia, NY (11749) is **moderate**. While the community benefits from its location and access to various transportation options, the potential for traffic delays, the need for careful planning when using public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing services present challenges.

For those considering moving to Islandia, a thorough understanding of the transportation landscape and the availability of healthcare facilities is crucial. Residents should assess their individual needs and preferences when evaluating healthcare access, considering factors such as their ability to drive, their reliance on public transit, and their access to medical transport services.

The "Overall Health Score" serves as a valuable tool for understanding the complexities of healthcare access in Islandia, highlighting the importance of transportation in ensuring the health and well-being of the community. Continuous efforts to improve public transit, reduce traffic congestion, and expand access to medical transport services will further enhance the "Overall Health Score" and contribute to a healthier Islandia.