07732, Highlands, New Jersey COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 07732, Highlands, New Jersey is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.86 percent of residents in 07732 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.72 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverview Medical Center with a distance of 5.21 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Highlands, NJ (ZIP Code 07732)

For individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), access to timely and reliable healthcare is paramount. This write-up assesses the ease of "commute to healthcare" within Highlands, New Jersey (ZIP code 07732), considering various transportation options and their potential impact on a COPD patient's well-being. We'll explore drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, providing a comprehensive COPD Score perspective for those considering moving to Highlands or seeking healthcare within the area.

Highlands, a charming borough nestled along the Atlantic coastline, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and community spirit. However, its location presents specific challenges regarding transportation and healthcare access, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions. The ability to reach medical appointments, pharmacies, and support services efficiently is crucial for maintaining quality of life and managing COPD effectively.

**Driving the Distance: A Road Trip Assessment**

Driving remains a primary mode of transportation for many residents. In Highlands, navigating the local roads and highways is a critical factor in healthcare access. The primary route connecting Highlands to the broader region is Route 36, a vital artery that can experience heavy traffic, especially during peak hours and the summer months.

Driving to nearby healthcare facilities, such as those in Red Bank or Long Branch, requires navigating Route 36. The drive to Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, a major healthcare provider, can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This journey involves traversing the Navesink River via the Highlands Bridge and then merging onto Route 35 before reaching Red Bank.

Similarly, accessing Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch involves a drive along Route 36, potentially adding another 15-20 minutes to the journey. This route can be particularly challenging during the summer months when beach traffic clogs the roads. These drive times, particularly during periods of high traffic, can be taxing for individuals with COPD, potentially exacerbating their symptoms.

**Public Transit: A Breath of Fresh Air or a Gasp for Relief?**

Public transportation offers an alternative to driving, but its accessibility and reliability are crucial considerations for COPD patients. New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) provides bus service to and from Highlands, offering a potential connection to healthcare facilities in neighboring towns.

The primary bus route serving Highlands is the 834, which travels along Route 36. This route provides access to destinations like Red Bank and Long Branch, where significant medical facilities are located. However, the frequency of the 834 can be limited, particularly during off-peak hours and weekends. This necessitates careful planning and potentially long wait times, which can be challenging for individuals with breathing difficulties.

Furthermore, the accessibility of NJ Transit buses is a critical factor. All NJ Transit buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts and priority seating. This is a significant advantage for individuals with COPD who may require assistance with mobility. However, navigating the bus system, including waiting at bus stops and transferring between routes, can still present challenges.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Navigating the Digital Age**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become increasingly popular as an alternative to driving and public transit. These services offer on-demand transportation, providing a potentially convenient option for accessing healthcare facilities. However, the availability of ride-sharing services in Highlands can vary, and surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand may increase costs.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to cater to the needs of patients with medical conditions, offer another option. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. While medical transport services offer specialized support, they can be more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit.

**The Highlands COPD Score: A Holistic Perspective**

Evaluating the transportation landscape in Highlands requires a holistic approach, considering the interplay of various factors. The COPD Score for Highlands, based on the available transportation options, would reflect the following:

* **Drive Times:** Moderate to high, especially during peak hours and summer months, posing a potential challenge for COPD patients.
* **Public Transit:** Moderate, with the 834 bus route offering access to healthcare facilities, but with limited frequency and potential for long wait times. ADA accessibility is a positive factor.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Moderate, with availability varying and potential for surge pricing.
* **Medical Transport:** High, providing specialized services but at a higher cost.

**Moving to Highlands: A Thoughtful Decision**

For individuals with COPD considering moving to Highlands, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare access is crucial. While the borough offers a desirable lifestyle, the transportation challenges must be carefully considered.

Prior to making a move, prospective residents should research the availability and reliability of transportation options, including NJ Transit schedules, ride-sharing services, and medical transport providers. They should also assess the proximity of healthcare facilities and pharmacies and their accessibility via various transportation modes.

Living in Highlands with COPD requires proactive planning and a commitment to managing transportation challenges. By carefully evaluating the available options and establishing a reliable transportation strategy, individuals with COPD can successfully navigate the healthcare landscape and maintain their quality of life. The ideal scenario would involve a combination of readily available transportation, accessible healthcare facilities, and a supportive community.