07703, Fort Monmouth, New Jersey Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 07703, Fort Monmouth, New Jersey is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 07703 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.60 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverview Medical Center with a distance of 2.92 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Commuting to Healthcare in 07703

Understanding the challenges of accessing healthcare is crucial for individuals, especially those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. This analysis focuses on the complexities of **transportation** and **healthcare access** within ZIP Code 07703, a region experiencing significant shifts with the ongoing revitalization of Fort Monmouth, potentially attracting new residents and altering existing **transportation** patterns. This write-up aims to create a "Hypertension Score," a composite metric reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching essential medical services, thereby providing valuable insights for residents, potential newcomers, and policymakers.

The Hypertension Score will consider factors such as drive times, public transit availability, ride-share options, and specialized medical **transportation** services. We'll assess these elements to paint a comprehensive picture of the **healthcare access** landscape, particularly for those needing regular medical appointments. The ultimate goal is to offer a practical tool for individuals managing hypertension, considering the practicalities of **moving to Fort Monmouth** and the surrounding areas.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure**

The primary arteries for vehicular travel within and around 07703 are crucial to the Hypertension Score. The Garden State Parkway (GSP) serves as a major north-south corridor, providing rapid access to healthcare facilities in both directions. However, the GSP is prone to congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours, potentially delaying appointments and increasing stress levels for individuals with hypertension.

Route 35, running parallel to the GSP, offers an alternative route, though it often experiences heavy traffic, especially near commercial areas. Local roads like Oceanport Avenue, Monmouth Boulevard, and Fort Monmouth's internal roadways provide access to specific healthcare providers, but these are often subject to local traffic, impacting drive times.

Driving to major hospitals like Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, approximately 15-20 minutes away under ideal conditions, is a common destination. However, during rush hour, this commute can easily extend to 30-45 minutes, significantly impacting a patient's ability to arrive on time for appointments or access urgent care. Similarly, driving to Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, though slightly further, presents similar challenges, with potential congestion on Route 35 and local roads.

The Hypertension Score will factor in these drive-time variations, assigning a higher score (indicating greater difficulty) to areas with longer and less predictable commutes. This score will be adjusted based on the time of day and the potential for traffic delays, providing a more realistic assessment of **healthcare access**.

**Public Transit Options: A Mixed Bag**

Public **transportation** options within 07703 and the surrounding areas present a mixed bag for those seeking **healthcare access**. New Jersey Transit (NJT) provides bus service, primarily along Route 35 and connecting to other areas. The primary bus routes serving the area are the 834, 836, and 837.

The 834 bus route offers a direct connection to Long Branch, providing access to Monmouth Medical Center. The 836 route connects to Red Bank, offering access to Riverview Medical Center. However, bus frequency can be limited, especially during off-peak hours and on weekends, making it challenging for patients with inflexible appointment schedules.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical factor. While NJT strives to provide accessible services, ensuring that all buses are fully accessible and that bus stops are properly equipped can be a challenge. The Hypertension Score will consider the availability of accessible routes and stops, recognizing the specific needs of individuals with mobility limitations.

The lack of a direct rail connection within 07703 further complicates public **transportation** options. Residents may need to rely on connecting buses or ride-sharing services to reach nearby train stations, such as the Little Silver or Long Branch stations, which offer access to the North Jersey Coast Line. This adds another layer of complexity and potential delays.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a readily available alternative for **transportation**, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles or those who prefer not to drive. However, the availability and cost of ride-sharing can vary depending on demand, time of day, and the specific location within 07703.

The Hypertension Score will factor in the estimated cost and wait times associated with ride-sharing services, recognizing that these costs can be a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for some individuals. Furthermore, the reliability of ride-sharing services, especially during inclement weather or periods of high demand, will be considered.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by private companies specializing in non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT), provide a valuable option for individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance getting to and from appointments. These services typically offer door-to-door service and may include wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

The Hypertension Score will assess the availability, cost, and reliability of medical **transportation** services in 07703. This will involve researching local providers and evaluating their service areas, pricing structures, and accessibility features.

**The Hypertension Score: A Composite View**

The Hypertension Score will be calculated by combining the factors described above. Each element—drive times, public **transportation** availability, ride-sharing options, and medical **transportation** services—will be assigned a weighted score based on its impact on **healthcare access**.

For example, longer drive times during peak hours will receive a higher score, indicating greater difficulty. Limited public **transportation** options will also contribute to a higher score, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations. The availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services will help to offset these challenges, resulting in a lower score.

The final Hypertension Score will be presented on a scale, providing a clear and concise assessment of the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare within 07703. This score will be accompanied by detailed information about the specific factors contributing to the score, including drive times, public **transportation** routes, ride-sharing options, and medical **transportation** providers.

**Implications for Moving to Fort Monmouth**

The revitalization of Fort Monmouth presents both opportunities and challenges for **healthcare access**. As new residents move into the area, the demand for healthcare services will increase, potentially straining existing resources. Careful planning and investment in **transportation** infrastructure and **healthcare access** are essential to ensure that all residents, including those with chronic conditions like hypertension, can easily access the care they need.

The Hypertension Score can serve as a valuable tool for potential newcomers, providing them with a realistic assessment of the **healthcare access** landscape before they make their **moving to Fort Monmouth** decision. This information can help them to make informed choices about where to live and how to plan for their healthcare needs.

**Conclusion**

The Hypertension Score offers a comprehensive evaluation of the **transportation** and **healthcare access** landscape in 07703. By considering drive times, public **transportation** options, ride-sharing services, and medical **transportation**, this score provides a valuable tool for residents, potential newcomers, and policymakers. It highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with **healthcare access**, particularly for individuals managing hypertension, and offers insights into the impact of **moving to Fort Monmouth** on the healthcare system. Continuous monitoring and adjustments to the score are crucial to reflect evolving **transportation** patterns and **healthcare access** initiatives.