07505, Paterson, New Jersey Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 07505, Paterson, New Jersey is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

80.58 percent of residents in 07505 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.50 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Mary's General Hospital with a distance of 4.30 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Paterson, NJ (ZIP Code 07505)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, demands more than just medical expertise. It necessitates accessible and reliable transportation. This assessment unveils the realities of commuting to breast cancer treatment centers for residents of Paterson, NJ, ZIP code 07505, providing a “Breast Cancer Score” based on transportation availability. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access. Moving to Paterson, while offering a vibrant community, requires careful consideration of such crucial factors.

The core of this evaluation centers on the commute to the nearest comprehensive breast cancer treatment facilities. These facilities offer a full spectrum of services, from initial diagnosis and surgery to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care. For residents of 07505, the primary destinations are likely to be St. Joseph’s University Medical Center and the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center.

**Drive Time Dynamics**

Driving remains a prevalent transportation choice. The time spent behind the wheel significantly impacts the patient's well-being, adding stress and potentially delaying treatment. From 07505, the drive to St. Joseph’s, located within Paterson, is typically a short one, ranging from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic. The main routes involve local roads like Main Street and Broadway, which can experience congestion, especially during peak hours.

The journey to Hackensack University Medical Center, though further, often involves highways. The most direct route uses the Garden State Parkway or Interstate 80 East. Without traffic, the drive can take 20 to 30 minutes. However, rush hour can extend this to an hour or more, significantly impacting the patient's schedule and energy levels. This time factor directly affects the “Breast Cancer Score.”

**Public Transit Prowess**

Public transportation provides an alternative, especially for those without personal vehicles or who prefer to avoid driving. New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) offers several bus routes that serve 07505 and connect to both St. Joseph’s and Hackensack. The 161, 171, and 703 buses are key for accessing St. Joseph's. The 161 and 163 buses offer routes that can connect to Hackensack.

The availability of accessible public transit is crucial. NJ Transit provides ADA-accessible buses, but the frequency of these buses and the overall reliability of the system are critical. Waiting times, potential delays, and the need for transfers can add significant time to the commute, affecting the patient's comfort and treatment schedule. The “Breast Cancer Score” weighs the efficiency and accessibility of these public transit options.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Matters**

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation avenue. They provide on-demand service, potentially reducing wait times compared to public transit. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier, particularly for frequent appointments. The availability of drivers in the area also impacts reliability.

Medical transport services are specifically designed to cater to patients with mobility issues or other needs. These services offer door-to-door transport, often with trained personnel. While they provide a high level of care, they can be expensive and may require advance booking. The “Breast Cancer Score” factors in the availability, cost, and ease of access to these services.

**The “Breast Cancer Score” and Its Components**

The “Breast Cancer Score” is a composite measure reflecting the ease of access to breast cancer treatment. It considers the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** The average time to reach the nearest comprehensive treatment centers, factoring in traffic conditions. Shorter drive times contribute to a higher score.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** The availability, frequency, and ADA-accessibility of public transit routes. Frequent, accessible, and reliable service boosts the score.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability and Cost:** The presence of ride-sharing services and their affordability. Readily available and reasonably priced ride-sharing improves the score.
* **Medical Transport Options:** The availability and cost of medical transport services. Accessible and affordable medical transport enhances the score.
* **Overall Reliability:** The consistency and dependability of all transportation options, considering potential delays and disruptions. Reliable transportation elevates the score.

**Scoring Methodology**

Each factor is assigned a weight based on its importance. Drive time and public transit accessibility carry the most weight, as they are the primary modes of transportation for many residents. Ride-sharing and medical transport are considered supplementary options. The scores are then combined to generate an overall “Breast Cancer Score” for ZIP code 07505.

**Challenges and Considerations**

Several challenges impact healthcare access in 07505. Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly extend drive times. Public transit, while available, may experience delays or require transfers, adding to the commute time. The cost of ride-sharing and medical transport can be a financial burden for some patients.

Furthermore, the availability of transportation options can vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. This variability adds complexity to the assessment. Weather conditions can also affect transportation reliability, particularly for public transit and driving.

**Specific Brands and Routes**

* **NJ Transit Bus Routes:** 161, 171, 703 (for St. Joseph's); 161, 163 (for Hackensack).
* **Ride-Sharing:** Uber, Lyft.
* **Medical Transport:** (Examples: First Choice Medical Transportation, American Medical Transportation).

**The Verdict: Assessing Healthcare Access**

The “Breast Cancer Score” for 07505 reveals a mixed picture. The proximity of St. Joseph’s offers relatively easy access for many residents. However, the commute to Hackensack, a leading cancer center, presents greater challenges, particularly during peak hours. Public transit provides an alternative, but its reliability and the need for transfers can lengthen travel times. Ride-sharing and medical transport offer additional options, but their cost and availability are factors.

For individuals considering moving to Paterson, NJ, specifically 07505, a thorough understanding of transportation options is paramount. While the community offers numerous advantages, the ease of accessing healthcare, especially for a serious condition like breast cancer, is a critical consideration. The “Breast Cancer Score” provides a valuable framework for assessing this crucial aspect of healthcare access, empowering individuals to make informed decisions. It highlights the need for ongoing efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and services, ensuring that all residents have equitable access to the care they need.