08067, Pedricktown, New Jersey Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 08067, Pedricktown, New Jersey is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.70 percent of residents in 08067 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.43 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Salem Medical Center with a distance of 11.18 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 08067

The decision to relocate, especially when considering healthcare access, demands a thorough understanding of the local landscape. This analysis focuses on the crucial aspect of transportation and its impact on accessing breast cancer care for residents of ZIP Code 08067, Pedricktown, New Jersey. We aim to provide a "Breast Cancer Score," a qualitative assessment of the ease and efficiency with which individuals can reach essential medical services. This is particularly pertinent for those contemplating moving to Pedricktown, offering insights into the realities of healthcare access in this community.

Pedricktown, a small, predominantly rural community in Salem County, presents unique challenges and opportunities concerning healthcare access. The absence of a major hospital within the immediate vicinity necessitates travel for specialized medical care, including breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Our score will evaluate the available transportation options, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, offering a comprehensive view of the healthcare access landscape.

**The Drive to Care: Highways and Byways**

The primary arteries connecting Pedricktown to healthcare facilities are the major highways and local roads. The New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) is the most direct route to hospitals in Wilmington, Delaware, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offering relatively fast travel times, though tolls are a factor. Access to the Turnpike is via Exit 10, making it a convenient option for those living closer to the highway.

Alternatively, Route 130 provides a north-south corridor, connecting Pedricktown to hospitals in South Jersey, like Inspira Medical Center in Woodbury, and the Virtua Voorhees Hospital. These routes, though often less congested than the Turnpike, can experience delays during peak hours. Route 45, a more local thoroughfare, offers access to smaller medical practices and local services, but may not directly connect to comprehensive cancer centers.

Drive times are a critical component of our score. A typical drive to Inspira Medical Center in Woodbury, a regional healthcare provider, averages around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Travel to major cancer centers in Philadelphia, such as the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) or Fox Chase Cancer Center, can range from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, factoring in Turnpike tolls and potential traffic congestion. Wilmington, Delaware, presents another option, with ChristianaCare Hospital, a comprehensive cancer center, being accessible within approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

**Public Transit: A Limited Reality**

Public transportation options in 08067 are severely limited. The primary provider, NJ Transit, does not offer bus routes directly serving Pedricktown. The closest NJ Transit bus routes are located in nearby towns like Woodstown or Swedesboro, requiring a significant drive to connect with public transit. This lack of direct public transit severely restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive.

ADA accessibility is a crucial consideration for those with mobility limitations. While NJ Transit strives to provide accessible services, the necessity of transferring between multiple modes of transportation significantly diminishes the convenience and ease of travel for individuals with disabilities. The absence of local bus routes and the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services create significant barriers to healthcare access for many residents.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, provide an alternative transportation option, though their availability and cost can vary. Ride-sharing can be a reliable option for reaching healthcare appointments, but the cost can be a significant financial burden, particularly for frequent appointments like chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can further exacerbate the cost issue.

Medical transport services offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. Several medical transport providers operate in the region, but availability and insurance coverage can vary. These services can be a vital lifeline for those unable to drive or use public transit, but their cost and scheduling requirements must be considered.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Several medical transport brands serve the 08067 area. These include, but are not limited to, Med-Trans Corporation, First Transit, and local, independent providers. Researching the specific services offered by each provider, including their coverage area, insurance acceptance, and ADA accessibility, is essential for individuals requiring medical transportation.

**Breast Cancer Score: A Qualitative Assessment**

Based on the factors discussed, we can assign a qualitative "Breast Cancer Score" for 08067. This score is not a numerical value, but a descriptive assessment of the healthcare access landscape.

**Overall Score:** Fair to Poor

**Justification:**

* **Drive Times:** Drive times to regional healthcare providers are generally manageable, but travel to major cancer centers in Philadelphia or Wilmington can be lengthy, especially during peak hours.
* **Public Transit:** The lack of public transit severely limits healthcare access for many residents, particularly those without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Ride-sharing services provide an alternative, but cost and availability can be significant barriers.
* **Medical Transport:** Medical transport services offer a crucial lifeline for those with medical needs, but cost and insurance coverage must be considered.

**Implications for Moving to Pedricktown:**

Individuals considering moving to Pedricktown, particularly those with a history of breast cancer or other health concerns, should carefully consider the challenges associated with healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services necessitates planning and budgeting for transportation costs. The absence of convenient public transit options may be a significant factor for those who cannot drive or prefer not to.

**Recommendations:**

* **Assess Transportation Needs:** Evaluate your ability to drive and the availability of a reliable vehicle.
* **Research Ride-Sharing Costs:** Determine the potential cost of using ride-sharing services for healthcare appointments.
* **Investigate Medical Transport Options:** Identify local medical transport providers and understand their services, insurance coverage, and cost.
* **Consider Proximity to Healthcare Facilities:** Evaluate the distance to hospitals, cancer centers, and medical practices.
* **Plan for Potential Delays:** Factor in potential traffic congestion and travel time when scheduling appointments.

This "Breast Cancer Score" provides a framework for understanding the complexities of healthcare access in 08067. By carefully considering the available transportation options and their associated challenges, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and the suitability of Pedricktown as a place to live. The journey to healthcare, especially for those battling breast cancer, demands thoughtful planning and a realistic understanding of the local landscape. This analysis serves as a starting point for that crucial preparation.