11959, Quogue, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 11959, Quogue, New York is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.73 percent of residents in 11959 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.84 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Peconic Bay Medical Center with a distance of 7.08 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Quogue, NY (ZIP Code 11959)

The picturesque village of Quogue, nestled on the south shore of Long Island, offers a serene lifestyle, yet assessing its "Overall Health Score" necessitates a thorough examination of healthcare access. This includes a deep dive into the complexities of **transportation** options available to residents, a critical factor impacting their ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care. This write-up analyzes the challenges and opportunities for residents seeking **healthcare access**, especially those considering **moving to Quogue**.

The primary consideration is the relative isolation of Quogue. While the village boasts a charming ambiance, its location presents a significant hurdle: distance. The nearest comprehensive medical facilities are located outside the immediate vicinity, demanding residents to navigate the Long Island landscape. This geographical reality directly impacts the "Overall Health Score," as ease of access to healthcare is a cornerstone of well-being.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The most common mode of **transportation** for Quogue residents is the personal vehicle. The primary artery connecting Quogue to the rest of Long Island is the Sunrise Highway (Route 27). Depending on traffic conditions, a drive to the Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, particularly during peak commuting hours. The Long Island Expressway (LIE, I-495) offers an alternative route, but the distance and potential for heavy traffic, especially around exits and on the approach to the city, can make this a less attractive option.

Local roads such as Montauk Highway (Route 27A) provide access to smaller medical offices and urgent care facilities in neighboring towns like Westhampton Beach and Hampton Bays. However, these facilities might not offer the same breadth of services as larger hospitals. The secondary roads can become congested during the summer months, exacerbating travel times. Navigating these roads demands patience and awareness of seasonal traffic patterns.

**Public Transit Challenges:**

Public **transportation** options in Quogue are limited. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides service to the Hampton Bays station, a short drive from Quogue. However, the LIRR primarily caters to commuters traveling to and from New York City, and its frequency and schedule may not always align with medical appointments. From Hampton Bays, residents would need to rely on taxis, ride-sharing services, or local buses to reach healthcare facilities.

Suffolk County Transit operates bus routes, but these are infrequent and have limited coverage in Quogue. The S92 route, for example, provides some service along Montauk Highway, but its schedule may not be suitable for medical appointments, and its coverage is not comprehensive. The lack of reliable public **transportation** significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score," especially for those without access to a personal vehicle or those with mobility limitations. ADA accessibility features on these buses vary, and it is crucial to confirm availability before relying on this **transportation** option.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Quogue, offering a convenient **transportation** alternative. However, surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can significantly increase the cost. Availability can also be an issue, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Residents should factor in these potential costs and availability limitations when planning their healthcare appointments.

Specialized medical **transportation** services cater to individuals with specific needs, such as wheelchair users or those requiring stretcher transport. Companies like MedTrans and AMR (American Medical Response) provide these services, but they can be expensive and require advance booking. These services are crucial for individuals with mobility limitations, but their cost and the need for pre-planning can add to the burden of accessing healthcare. These services are vital for enhancing **healthcare access** for the most vulnerable populations, directly impacting the "Overall Health Score."

**Healthcare Access and Considerations for Moving to Quogue:**

The "Overall Health Score" for Quogue is impacted by the **transportation** challenges. While the village offers a tranquil lifestyle, its geographical isolation necessitates careful planning for healthcare needs. Prospective residents **moving to Quogue** should thoroughly assess their healthcare requirements and consider the implications of limited **transportation** options.

The availability of urgent care facilities and smaller medical offices in neighboring towns provides some level of immediate care. However, for specialized treatments, hospitalizations, or complex medical procedures, residents must travel further afield. This distance, coupled with potential traffic congestion and limited public **transportation**, can create barriers to timely **healthcare access**.

Individuals with chronic health conditions, those requiring frequent medical appointments, or those with mobility limitations should carefully evaluate the practicality of living in Quogue. They should factor in the costs of ride-sharing, medical **transportation**, and the potential stress associated with long commutes to medical facilities.

**Enhancing the Health Score:**

Improving the "Overall Health Score" for Quogue requires a multi-faceted approach. Increased investment in public **transportation**, including more frequent bus routes and improved LIRR service, would significantly enhance **healthcare access**. Subsidized ride-sharing programs for medical appointments could also alleviate some of the financial burden.

Promoting telehealth services and expanding the availability of home healthcare options could reduce the need for frequent travel to medical facilities. Encouraging the establishment of more medical offices and urgent care facilities within the immediate vicinity of Quogue would also improve **healthcare access**.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for Quogue, as it relates to **healthcare access**, is a complex equation. While the village offers a desirable lifestyle, the limitations in **transportation** pose a significant challenge. Residents must carefully plan their medical appointments, considering drive times, traffic conditions, and the availability of alternative **transportation** options. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical **transportation** provides some relief, but the costs and logistical considerations must be factored in. For those **moving to Quogue**, a thorough assessment of healthcare needs and a proactive approach to planning for medical appointments are essential for maintaining a high quality of life. Addressing the shortcomings in public **transportation** and promoting telehealth services are crucial steps towards improving the "Overall Health Score" and ensuring that all residents have equitable **healthcare access**.