07076, Scotch Plains, New Jersey Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 07076, Scotch Plains, New Jersey is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.62 percent of residents in 07076 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.80 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital At Rahway with a distance of 3.70 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Scotch Plains, NJ (ZIP Code 07076)**

Considering a move to Scotch Plains, New Jersey (ZIP code 07076)? Beyond the charming suburban appeal, families prioritize access to quality healthcare. For women, this includes timely and convenient breast cancer screening and treatment. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score," evaluating transportation options to healthcare facilities specializing in breast cancer care, focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport within and around Scotch Plains. This score offers a snapshot of healthcare access, a crucial factor when considering a move.

Scotch Plains itself is a relatively small community, and its residents often rely on neighboring towns for specialized medical services. The Breast Cancer Score considers the accessibility of facilities offering comprehensive breast cancer care, including screening mammograms, diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and medical oncology.

**Driving Directions and Drive Times:**

The primary mode of transportation for many Scotch Plains residents is personal vehicles. The proximity to major highways significantly impacts drive times to healthcare facilities.

* **Overlook Medical Center (Summit, NJ):** Located approximately 12 miles east, Overlook Medical Center is a highly regarded facility for breast cancer care. Driving time via **Interstate 78 East** is typically around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. **Route 22 East** provides an alternative route, but traffic congestion is often a factor, potentially extending the commute.

* **Saint Barnabas Medical Center (Livingston, NJ):** Situated about 15 miles northeast, Saint Barnabas offers comprehensive cancer services. The drive generally takes 25-40 minutes, utilizing **Interstate 287 South** to **Interstate 80 East**, or a combination of local roads such as **Mount Horeb Road** and **Northfield Avenue**. Traffic conditions, particularly during rush hour, can significantly impact travel time.

* **Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (New Brunswick, NJ):** Approximately 18 miles south, this hospital provides specialized cancer care. The most direct route is via **Route 22 West** to **Route 18 South**, with an estimated drive time of 30-45 minutes. This route, while direct, can experience heavy traffic, especially near New Brunswick.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transit offers an alternative to driving, especially for those without a vehicle or seeking to avoid traffic.

* **NJ Transit Bus:** Several NJ Transit bus routes serve Scotch Plains, connecting to nearby towns and cities. The **113 bus** provides service to New York City, but it doesn't directly connect to hospitals. The **114 bus** travels to Newark, where connections to hospitals are possible. Travel times vary depending on the route and time of day.

* **NJ Transit Train:** The closest train station is in Fanwood, offering access to the Raritan Valley Line. This line connects to Newark Penn Station, where connections to other hospitals are available. However, the train does not directly serve the hospitals mentioned above.

* **ADA Accessibility:** NJ Transit buses and trains are designed with ADA-compliant features, including ramps, lifts, and designated seating. However, the accessibility of specific routes and stations should be verified with NJ Transit.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Services:**

Ride-sharing services and medical transport offer convenient alternatives, especially for those unable to drive or use public transit.

* **Ride-Sharing Services:** Uber and Lyft operate in the Scotch Plains area. These services provide door-to-door transportation, offering flexibility in scheduling. However, availability and pricing can fluctuate based on demand.

* **Medical Transport Services:** Several medical transport companies specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained staff. Some examples include Care Ride and Medical Transportation Services.

**Breast Cancer Score Considerations:**

The Breast Cancer Score is not a single number but a holistic assessment of healthcare access. It considers the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** Shorter drive times to facilities offering comprehensive breast cancer care contribute to a higher score.
* **Public Transportation Accessibility:** The availability and convenience of public transit options, including ADA accessibility, improve the score.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Availability:** The presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services enhances the score, providing alternative transportation options.
* **Facility Quality and Services:** The reputation, services offered, and patient satisfaction ratings of the healthcare facilities are considered.

**Conclusion:**

Scotch Plains (07076) offers a moderate Breast Cancer Score. While the town benefits from its proximity to major highways, providing relatively quick access to high-quality healthcare facilities, traffic congestion can impact drive times, particularly during peak hours. Public transportation options exist but may require transfers. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides additional options for accessing care.

For those considering moving to Scotch Plains, a thorough understanding of transportation options and healthcare access is essential. Researching specific healthcare facilities, verifying insurance coverage, and exploring transportation alternatives will help ensure access to the care needed. The Breast Cancer Score serves as a starting point, encouraging prospective residents to delve deeper into the details of healthcare access within this suburban community. Understanding these aspects is crucial in making an informed decision about moving to Scotch Plains, ensuring access to essential healthcare services, especially in the face of a breast cancer diagnosis.