11769, Oakdale, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 11769, Oakdale, New York is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.96 percent of residents in 11769 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.80 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ns/Lij Hs Southside Hospital with a distance of 6.00 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Oakdale (ZIP Code 11769)

Oakdale, a charming hamlet nestled on the south shore of Long Island, presents a unique tapestry of suburban living. For those considering **moving to Oakdale**, understanding the accessibility of healthcare is paramount. This report provides an “Overall Health Score” assessment, meticulously examining the **transportation** landscape and its impact on **healthcare access** for residents of ZIP Code 11769. We will delve into drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing services, painting a comprehensive picture of the journey to wellness.

The "Overall Health Score" is a composite metric, considering factors like travel time, mode availability, cost, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. A higher score indicates better access to healthcare facilities. This assessment considers the primary healthcare needs of the community, including primary care physicians, specialists, urgent care centers, and hospitals.

**Driving the Landscape:**

The primary arteries for vehicular **transportation** in Oakdale are Sunrise Highway (Route 27) and the Long Island Expressway (LIE or I-495). Sunrise Highway, a major east-west thoroughfare, provides relatively direct access to healthcare facilities in neighboring towns. The LIE, while offering faster travel times, can be notoriously congested, particularly during peak hours.

From Oakdale, a typical drive to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, a major regional hospital, averages 10-15 minutes via Sunrise Highway, assuming moderate traffic. Reaching Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, another significant healthcare provider, takes approximately 10-20 minutes, again relying on Sunrise Highway. For those needing specialist care or advanced treatments at Stony Brook University Hospital, the journey via the LIE can stretch to 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.

Smaller clinics and urgent care centers, such as those located in Sayville or Patchogue, are generally accessible within a 10-20 minute drive, primarily via Sunrise Highway and local roads like Montauk Highway (Route 27A). The availability of parking at these facilities is generally good, a critical factor in the overall convenience of accessing care.

**Public Transit Pathways:**

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides a vital link for **transportation** within and beyond Oakdale. The Oakdale station on the Montauk Branch offers service to Manhattan, as well as connections to other areas of Long Island. While the LIRR itself doesn't directly transport patients to hospitals, it significantly reduces the reliance on personal vehicles for those seeking to reach medical appointments in the city or other areas.

The Suffolk County Transit (SCT) bus system offers local routes that can be valuable for **healthcare access**. Routes S61 and S66 serve Oakdale, connecting residents to nearby towns and healthcare facilities. Route S61 travels along Sunrise Highway, providing access to several medical offices and urgent care centers. Route S66 offers connections to Bay Shore, where Southside Hospital is located.

The SCT system is required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring that buses are equipped with ramps or lifts and that priority seating is available for individuals with disabilities. However, bus travel can be time-consuming, especially when compared to driving, and the frequency of service may vary depending on the route and time of day.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Oakdale, offering an alternative to driving or public transit. These services provide convenient door-to-door **transportation** to healthcare facilities, particularly useful for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a factor, especially for frequent appointments or longer distances.

Specialized medical **transportation** services cater specifically to individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs. Companies like CareRide and MedTrans offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. These services are often more expensive than ride-sharing but provide a higher level of support and are essential for individuals who require it.

**Health Score Considerations:**

The "Overall Health Score" for Oakdale is moderately positive. The proximity to major highways and the availability of ride-sharing services contribute positively to **healthcare access**. However, the reliance on personal vehicles for many healthcare needs, coupled with potential traffic congestion on the LIE, presents a challenge. The limited frequency of some SCT bus routes and the travel time involved in public transit also factor into the assessment.

The ADA-compliant features of the SCT bus system are a significant advantage for individuals with disabilities. The availability of medical **transportation** services further enhances **healthcare access** for those with specific needs.

**Moving to Oakdale** requires careful consideration of **transportation** options when evaluating **healthcare access**. While the area offers a range of choices, residents should factor in travel times, costs, and personal needs when planning their healthcare journeys.

**Conclusion:**

Oakdale offers a reasonable level of **healthcare access** for its residents. While driving remains the most common mode of **transportation**, the LIRR, SCT bus system, ride-sharing, and medical **transportation** services provide viable alternatives. The "Overall Health Score" is influenced by the balance between the convenience of driving and the potential challenges of traffic and the limitations of public transit. Individuals considering **moving to Oakdale** should carefully assess their healthcare needs and **transportation** preferences to ensure they can readily access the care they require. The ongoing development of infrastructure and the expansion of **transportation** options will continue to shape the future of **healthcare access** in this charming Long Island community.