06390, Fishers Island, New York Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 06390, Fishers Island, New York is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

91.43 percent of residents in 06390 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Peconic Bay Medical Center with a distance of 42.04 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 06390

The remote beauty of Fishers Island, nestled in the Long Island Sound and encompassed by the 06390 ZIP code, offers a unique lifestyle. Yet, the allure of island living presents a significant challenge when it comes to healthcare access, particularly for a critical health concern like prostate cancer. This write-up will explore the transportation landscape for those needing prostate cancer care, focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, providing a "Prostate Cancer Score" for this unique locale. The score will reflect the ease of access to necessary medical services.

The primary hurdle for residents of Fishers Island is its geographical isolation. Reaching the mainland for specialized medical care necessitates a ferry ride, adding considerable time and complexity to any healthcare journey. The "Prostate Cancer Score" will consider this initial travel time, the subsequent commute to treatment centers, and the availability of support services.

**The Ferry Factor: The Gateway to Healthcare**

The Cross Sound Ferry, the primary link to the mainland, operates from Orient Point, New York. The ferry crossing itself takes approximately 45 minutes. This is the essential first step, a non-negotiable component of any healthcare trip. The ferry’s schedule, with its seasonal variations, becomes a crucial factor in healthcare planning. Delays due to weather or mechanical issues can dramatically impact appointments, making flexibility and advanced planning paramount.

**Driving the Mainland: Roads to Recovery**

Once on the mainland, the journey to various healthcare facilities begins. The primary route from Orient Point involves navigating the Long Island Expressway (LIE) or, as it's more commonly known, I-495. The LIE is notorious for its traffic, particularly during peak hours. Depending on the destination, this could add significant time to the commute.

For those seeking care in New London, Connecticut, the most direct route involves taking the ferry to New London. Once off the ferry, the drive to the Lawrence + Memorial Hospital is about 10 minutes. This hospital offers comprehensive cancer care, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

If the required treatment is in Hartford, Connecticut, the drive from the Orient Point ferry terminal involves taking the LIE (I-495) to the Cross Island Parkway, then onto the Whitestone Bridge and finally, I-95 North to I-91 North. This trip can take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions. The commute necessitates consideration of potential delays.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options are limited. The primary mode of public transportation is the Southeastern Connecticut Transportation Authority (SECTRA), which operates bus routes throughout New London County. However, the routes are not designed for easy access to the ferry terminal or for long-distance travel to major medical centers. The ADA accessibility features of the buses are important to consider for patients with mobility issues.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available on the mainland, but their reliability and availability on Fishers Island are questionable. Booking a ride-share to the ferry terminal requires careful planning and scheduling. Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and specialized medical transportation companies, become crucial. These services often offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

Several medical transport brands operate in the region, including:

* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Provides ambulance services and medical transport.
* **CareLine Medical Transportation:** Offers non-emergency medical transportation.
* **First Transit:** Provides paratransit services.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Assessing Healthcare Access**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Fishers Island (06390) reflects the challenges in healthcare access.

* **Initial Ferry Travel:** The mandatory 45-minute ferry ride introduces a significant time commitment.
* **Mainland Drive Times:** Commutes to treatment centers in New London or Hartford can range from 10 minutes to 3 hours, depending on traffic.
* **Public Transit Limitations:** Limited public transit options necessitate reliance on private transportation.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** While available, ride-sharing reliability is uncertain, while medical transport adds significant cost.

**Score Calculation:**

The score will be based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing the most difficult access and 10 representing the easiest.

* **Ferry Time:** 45 minutes – score deduction.
* **Drive Time:** 10 minutes to 3 hours – score deduction based on the average commute time.
* **Public Transit:** Limited options – score deduction.
* **Ride-Sharing/Medical Transport:** Availability and cost – score deduction.

**Overall, the Prostate Cancer Score for 06390 would likely fall in the range of 3-5.** This indicates a moderate level of difficulty in accessing prostate cancer care.

**Moving to Fishers Island: A Healthcare Consideration**

For those considering moving to Fishers Island, the healthcare access challenges should be a major consideration. While the island offers a unique lifestyle, the need for specialized medical care, especially for conditions like prostate cancer, necessitates careful planning and a proactive approach to transportation.

**Recommendations:**

* **Establish a Relationship with a Primary Care Physician:** A local physician can provide initial screening and referrals, streamlining the healthcare process.
* **Plan for Travel Time:** Factor in ferry schedules, traffic, and potential delays when scheduling appointments.
* **Explore Medical Transport Options:** Investigate the availability and cost of medical transportation services.
* **Consider Telehealth:** Utilize telehealth services for consultations and follow-up appointments whenever possible.
* **Advocate for Improved Healthcare Access:** Support initiatives that aim to improve healthcare access for island residents.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" highlights the need for proactive planning and a willingness to navigate the complexities of healthcare access in this unique environment. While the challenges are undeniable, a thoughtful approach can help residents of 06390 receive the care they need. The importance of healthcare access cannot be overstated, and careful consideration of transportation options is paramount for residents of Fishers Island.