11795, West Islip, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 11795, West Islip, New York is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.70 percent of residents in 11795 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.48 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center with a distance of 1.05 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in West Islip (ZIP Code 11795)

West Islip, a charming Long Island community, offers a desirable suburban lifestyle. However, when considering a move, prospective residents must carefully evaluate **healthcare access**, a critical component of overall well-being. This write-up provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment for accessing medical care within and from ZIP Code 11795, focusing on **transportation** options, drive times, and available services. This information is vital for anyone prioritizing their health and the health of their family.

The "Overall Health Score" is a holistic assessment. It considers the efficiency, convenience, and availability of various **transportation** methods for reaching medical facilities. Factors include travel time, cost, accessibility, and the presence of specialized services. A high score indicates readily available and easily accessible healthcare, while a low score suggests potential challenges. We will examine the landscape of **healthcare access** in West Islip, offering a comprehensive view.

**Driving to Healthcare: A Detailed Perspective**

West Islip's location, situated on the South Shore of Long Island, necessitates reliance on roadways for most healthcare appointments. Driving is often the most direct route, but traffic congestion can significantly impact travel times, especially during peak hours. The primary thoroughfare is the **Sunrise Highway (NY-27)**, which runs east-west, providing access to numerous medical facilities. The **Southern State Parkway** offers an alternative route, generally quicker for destinations further west, but it can experience heavy traffic.

For residents in the northern parts of West Islip, the **Montauk Highway (NY-27A)** offers a scenic route to some medical offices, though it can be slower due to traffic lights and local businesses. The **Deer Park Avenue (NY-231)** provides a north-south connection, useful for accessing facilities in neighboring towns.

Drive times to major healthcare providers vary. Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip is conveniently located, with an average drive time of 5-10 minutes, depending on the specific location within the ZIP code. For specialized care, residents often travel to larger hospitals. University Hospital at Stony Brook, approximately 30 miles east, takes 45-60 minutes, while North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, about 30 miles west, takes a similar amount of time. These times are estimates and can fluctuate dramatically based on traffic conditions.

**Public Transportation: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

Suffolk County Transit (SCT) provides public **transportation** options in West Islip. The primary bus route serving the area is the **S60**, which runs along Montauk Highway. This route connects West Islip to neighboring towns and offers access to some medical facilities. The **S40** provides a connection to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station in Babylon, offering access to New York City and potentially specialized medical services.

The **SCT** buses are equipped with **ADA** (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and priority seating, making them accessible to individuals with mobility challenges. However, bus schedules and frequency can be a limiting factor, especially for appointments outside of peak hours. Travel times on public transit are significantly longer than driving, often adding 30-60 minutes to the commute, and requiring careful planning to avoid delays.

The LIRR, while not directly serving West Islip with a station, offers a connection via the Babylon station. This provides access to healthcare facilities in New York City, but the commute involves a bus ride to the station, the train journey, and potentially another form of **transportation** at the destination. This multi-leg journey can be time-consuming and stressful for those with medical needs.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Expanding Options**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in West Islip, offering a convenient alternative to driving or public **transportation**. These services provide door-to-door service, eliminating the need to navigate parking or bus routes. However, the cost can be a factor, especially for frequent appointments. Availability can also be limited during peak hours or in areas with lower demand.

Medical **transportation** services cater specifically to individuals with mobility limitations or those needing assistance with medical appointments. Companies like MedRide and CareRide offer non-emergency medical **transportation**, providing door-to-door service with trained drivers. These services are often more expensive than ride-sharing but provide specialized assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and assistance with getting in and out of the vehicle. They are a crucial element in ensuring **healthcare access** for those who cannot drive or use public transit.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

The "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in West Islip (ZIP Code 11795) is moderately positive. The availability of Good Samaritan Hospital within the community offers a significant advantage. However, the reliance on roadways and the potential for traffic congestion, particularly on the **Sunrise Highway** and **Southern State Parkway**, can impact travel times. Public **transportation** options exist but are limited in frequency and can significantly increase commute times.

The presence of ride-sharing services and medical **transportation** companies provides valuable alternatives, especially for those with mobility limitations. The accessibility of specialized care in neighboring towns and cities, though requiring longer travel times, ensures a wide range of medical services are available.

**Moving to West Islip** presents a favorable scenario for **healthcare access**, especially with the consideration of proximity to Good Samaritan Hospital. Careful planning is essential, particularly for those relying on public **transportation**. The **transportation** options available offer a balance of convenience and accessibility, making West Islip a desirable location for those prioritizing their health and well-being. The "Overall Health Score" reflects a community that strives to provide accessible healthcare, but potential residents must carefully evaluate their individual needs and preferences when considering a move.