07012, Clifton, New Jersey Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 07012, Clifton, New Jersey is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.37 percent of residents in 07012 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Mary's General Hospital with a distance of 1.32 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Clifton, NJ (ZIP Code 07012)

Considering a move to Clifton, New Jersey (ZIP code 07012)? This assessment provides a "Hypertension Score," a personalized metric reflecting the ease of accessing essential healthcare services, specifically for individuals managing hypertension. This score considers transportation options and their impact on timely medical appointments, a critical factor in controlling blood pressure and maintaining overall well-being. Understanding the local transportation landscape is vital for anyone prioritizing **healthcare access**.

The "Hypertension Score" will be derived from several factors, including drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport. We'll delve into each aspect, painting a comprehensive picture of **transportation** possibilities and their implications for residents. This knowledge is crucial for anyone contemplating **moving to Clifton**, especially those with pre-existing health conditions.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

Clifton, strategically located in Passaic County, offers relatively convenient access to healthcare facilities via personal vehicles. However, rush hour traffic, a common feature of the New York metropolitan area, can significantly impact travel times. The primary arteries for accessing hospitals and clinics include the Garden State Parkway, Route 46, and Route 21.

Driving to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, a major healthcare provider, typically takes approximately 15-20 minutes during off-peak hours. However, during peak morning and evening commutes, this drive can easily extend to 30-45 minutes, particularly on Route 46 and the Garden State Parkway. These delays can be detrimental for individuals needing regular check-ups or experiencing acute hypertensive episodes.

Similarly, accessing Hackensack University Medical Center, another prominent regional hospital, requires navigating the Garden State Parkway and Route 80. This journey, approximately 10-15 miles, can take 20-30 minutes in moderate traffic. The presence of tolls on the Garden State Parkway adds another layer of consideration, impacting both travel time and financial burden.

Smaller clinics and specialized practices within Clifton are generally more accessible, with drive times typically ranging from 5-15 minutes. However, even these shorter trips can be affected by local traffic congestion, particularly on major thoroughfares like Allwood Road and Broad Street. The overall impact on the "Hypertension Score" is a moderate weighting, as the reliance on personal vehicles can be challenging during peak hours.

**Public Transit Options:**

New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) provides public transit options for residents of Clifton. Bus routes are the primary mode of public transportation within the area, connecting Clifton to surrounding towns and cities, including Paterson and New York City. The key routes for accessing healthcare facilities include the 190, 703, and 74.

The 190 bus, for example, offers service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan, providing access to a multitude of medical specialists and hospitals. However, this route can be lengthy, with travel times exceeding an hour, depending on traffic conditions. This extended travel time can be a significant disadvantage for individuals with hypertension, potentially increasing stress levels and impacting the ability to attend appointments promptly.

The 703 bus provides local service within Clifton and Paterson, offering connections to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center. The 74 bus offers service to the Clifton area. However, the frequency of these routes, particularly during off-peak hours and weekends, can be limited. This can lead to longer wait times and potentially missed appointments.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration for individuals with mobility limitations. While NJ Transit strives to provide accessible services, including ramps and lifts on buses, accessibility can vary. It is essential to verify the accessibility of specific routes and stops before relying on public transit. The "Hypertension Score" reflects a lower weighting for public transit due to the potential for long travel times and limited frequency.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are readily available in Clifton. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit, particularly for those without access to a personal vehicle. The ability to schedule rides in advance and track their arrival times can be beneficial for managing appointments.

However, ride-sharing costs can be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical visits. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can further increase expenses. Furthermore, the reliability of ride-sharing services can be unpredictable, with potential delays or cancellations.

Specialized medical transport services, such as those offered by CareRide and MedRide, provide non-emergency medical transportation for individuals with specific needs. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment.

Medical transport services can be particularly valuable for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance during travel. However, these services often require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing. The "Hypertension Score" gives a moderate weighting to ride-sharing and medical transport options, recognizing their convenience but acknowledging potential cost and reliability concerns.

**Calculating the Hypertension Score:**

The "Hypertension Score" for ZIP code 07012 is a composite metric, incorporating the factors discussed above. The score is calculated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing the most challenging access to healthcare and 10 representing the easiest.

* **Drive Times:** Moderate weighting (30%) - considers average travel times to major hospitals and clinics, factoring in traffic congestion.
* **Public Transit:** Lower weighting (20%) - considers route frequency, travel times, and ADA accessibility.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Moderate weighting (25%) - considers availability, cost, and reliability.
* **Medical Transport:** Moderate weighting (25%) - considers availability, cost, and specialized services.

Based on this assessment, the estimated "Hypertension Score" for ZIP code 07012 is approximately **6.5 out of 10**. This score suggests that while healthcare access is generally available, there are challenges related to traffic congestion, reliance on personal vehicles, and the limitations of public transit. Residents of Clifton should carefully consider their transportation needs and preferences when managing their hypertension.

**Conclusion:**

Living in Clifton, NJ (ZIP code 07012) presents a mixed bag for individuals managing hypertension. While the area offers a variety of healthcare providers and transportation options, the realities of traffic congestion, the limitations of public transit, and the costs associated with ride-sharing can impact **healthcare access**. A proactive approach, including careful planning of appointments, exploring all available transportation options, and considering the impact of travel on blood pressure, is essential for maintaining optimal health. This analysis provides a valuable starting point for those **moving to Clifton** or already residing there, highlighting the importance of understanding the local **transportation** landscape in the context of **healthcare access**.