08518, Florence, New Jersey Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 08518, Florence, New Jersey is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.44 percent of residents in 08518 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.26 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Virtua Willingboro Hospital with a distance of 5.19 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 08518**

The journey to healthcare, especially for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is a critical factor when considering a move. This report analyzes the accessibility of breast cancer treatment options for residents of Florence, New Jersey (ZIP code 08518), focusing on transportation modalities. Understanding the commute to healthcare is paramount when evaluating the quality of life in a new community. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" based on the available transportation options, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities for residents of Florence.

Florence, New Jersey, nestled in Burlington County, offers a blend of suburban and rural living. Its location, while providing a sense of tranquility, presents potential challenges when it comes to healthcare access. The availability of efficient transportation is crucial, particularly for individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment, which often involves frequent appointments for chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and follow-up care.

**Driving to Care: Navigating the Roads**

For many residents of Florence, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation. The commute to healthcare facilities, especially those specializing in breast cancer treatment, involves navigating a network of highways and local roads. The most direct route to major medical centers often utilizes the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95).

Traveling south on the Turnpike offers access to hospitals in the Philadelphia area, including the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) and Jefferson Health, both renowned for their comprehensive cancer centers. The drive can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.

Heading north on the Turnpike leads to hospitals in the Trenton area, such as Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell. This trip might take 30-45 minutes. While the Turnpike provides a relatively direct route, traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly extend travel times, adding stress for patients already facing the emotional and physical demands of treatment.

Alternatively, residents might utilize Route 130, a major thoroughfare that runs through Florence and connects to various healthcare facilities. Route 130 can provide access to hospitals in the surrounding towns of Mount Holly and Willingboro. However, this route can also experience heavy traffic, particularly during rush hour. The travel time on Route 130 is typically 20-40 minutes.

Local roads, such as Hornberger Avenue and Broad Street, provide access to local medical offices and urgent care facilities. However, these facilities may not offer specialized breast cancer treatment. The reliance on private vehicles underscores the importance of personal mobility and the potential burden for those without access to a car or who are unable to drive due to their illness.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Florence and the surrounding areas are limited. The primary provider is New Jersey Transit (NJT), offering bus services. However, the routes and frequency of service may not be ideal for individuals requiring frequent medical appointments.

NJT bus Route 409 provides service through Florence, connecting to Trenton and Burlington. While this route could potentially provide access to some healthcare facilities, the travel time can be lengthy, and the frequency of service might not align with the scheduling needs of cancer patients.

Furthermore, the availability of accessible features, such as wheelchair lifts and designated seating, is essential for individuals with mobility limitations. NJT strives to provide ADA-compliant services, but the reliance on public transit can still pose challenges, especially for patients undergoing treatment that may cause fatigue or physical discomfort.

The lack of a direct rail line in Florence further limits public transportation options. Residents needing to travel to Philadelphia or other major cities would need to utilize a combination of bus and rail, adding to the complexity and travel time.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option for residents of Florence. These services provide on-demand transportation, potentially offering greater flexibility than public transit. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for patients with limited financial resources.

Furthermore, the availability of ride-sharing services can vary depending on the time of day and the demand in the area. Patients may experience delays in securing a ride, which could be problematic for scheduled appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies, cater specifically to individuals with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. While medical transportation can offer a more comfortable and convenient experience, the cost can be substantial, and insurance coverage may vary.

Companies like MedRide and American Medical Response (AMR) offer non-emergency medical transportation in the area. These services can provide a valuable lifeline for patients who are unable to drive or who require assistance with transportation.

**The Breast Cancer Score: Evaluating Healthcare Access**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP code 08518 is influenced by the following factors: the reliance on private vehicles, the limited public transit options, the cost and availability of ride-sharing services, and the potential financial burden of medical transportation.

The score reflects the challenges faced by residents in accessing timely and convenient breast cancer treatment. While Florence is within a reasonable driving distance of major medical centers, the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for traffic congestion can create stress and inconvenience. The limited public transit options and the cost of ride-sharing services further exacerbate the challenges.

The Breast Cancer Score for Florence, NJ (08518) is moderate. While access to care exists, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of public transit and affordable ride-sharing options create challenges for residents, especially those undergoing treatment.

**Moving to Florence: Considerations for Healthcare Access**

When considering a move to Florence, individuals with a history of breast cancer or those at high risk should carefully evaluate the transportation options available. The proximity to major medical centers is a positive factor, but the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for traffic congestion should be considered.

Prospective residents should also investigate the availability of medical transportation services and the potential costs. Understanding the limitations of public transit and the potential costs of ride-sharing services is also crucial.

Ultimately, the ability to access timely and convenient healthcare is a critical factor in the quality of life. Residents of Florence should be aware of the transportation challenges and plan accordingly to ensure they can receive the care they need. This analysis serves as a guide to understanding the complexities of healthcare access in Florence, enabling informed decisions about where to live and how to navigate the healthcare system.