08030, Gloucester City, New Jersey Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 08030, Gloucester City, New Jersey is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.28 percent of residents in 08030 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.49 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is West Jersey Hospital with a distance of 10.54 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Gloucester City (08030)

This write-up assesses the accessibility of healthcare for individuals residing in Gloucester City, New Jersey (ZIP Code 08030), with a specific focus on transportation options and their impact on managing hypertension. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing residents seeking timely and convenient medical care. The assessment considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, all crucial elements influencing a patient's ability to control their blood pressure effectively. This is especially important for those considering moving to Gloucester City and needing to understand their healthcare access.

The ability to readily access healthcare is paramount for individuals managing hypertension. Regular check-ups, medication adherence, and prompt responses to health concerns are all critical. The convenience of transportation significantly impacts these factors. Residents of 08030 must navigate a transportation landscape that directly influences their healthcare journey. This includes the efficiency of travel to medical appointments, the availability of accessible options, and the financial implications of each mode of transport.

**Drive Times: The Road to Care**

For those who prefer to drive, understanding typical travel times to healthcare providers is essential. Several major roadways serve Gloucester City, offering varying degrees of convenience depending on the destination and time of day.

Driving to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, a major regional healthcare provider, typically involves navigating **Interstate 676 (I-676)** and **Route 130**. During off-peak hours, this journey could take approximately 15-20 minutes. However, during rush hour, particularly weekday mornings and evenings, congestion on I-676 can significantly extend travel times, potentially exceeding 30 minutes.

Another common destination is Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, also accessible via I-676 and Route 130. Drive times are similar to those for Cooper University Hospital, with the same caveats regarding rush hour traffic. The **Walt Whitman Bridge**, connecting Gloucester City to Philadelphia, offers access to a wider array of healthcare facilities. However, tolls and potential congestion on **I-76** in Philadelphia can add to travel times, making the trip to Philadelphia hospitals a 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic conditions.

Smaller medical practices and urgent care centers located within Gloucester City or nearby towns, like Westville or Brooklawn, provide more immediate options. Drive times to these facilities are generally shorter, ranging from 5 to 15 minutes. However, the availability of specific services and the expertise of the providers may vary, influencing the choice of healthcare provider.

**Public Transit: A Network of Routes**

Public transportation offers an alternative for those without personal vehicles. The **New Jersey Transit (NJT)** provides bus service to and from Gloucester City. Several bus routes connect the town to Camden and Philadelphia, providing access to major hospitals and medical centers.

**NJT Bus Route 400** is a key route, offering frequent service between Gloucester City and Camden. This route connects to the **PATCO High-Speed Line**, which provides rapid transit to Philadelphia, offering access to major hospitals and medical facilities in the city. The **PATCO** stations in Camden are generally accessible, including elevators and ramps for individuals with disabilities.

**NJT Bus Route 402** also serves Gloucester City, offering connections to other parts of Camden County. This route can provide access to smaller medical practices and community health centers.

The accessibility of public transit is crucial for individuals with hypertension. The availability of accessible buses, with features like ramps and priority seating, is essential for those with mobility limitations. The frequency of service and the overall travel time, including wait times and transfers, are also important considerations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: On-Demand Options**

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, offer on-demand transportation options for residents of Gloucester City. These services can be particularly useful for individuals who do not drive or who have difficulty using public transit. The availability of ride-sharing services can vary depending on the time of day and the demand in the area.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, provide another option. These services, such as **Care Ride** or **Medical Transportation Services**, often offer specialized vehicles and trained drivers to assist patients with mobility challenges. These services can be particularly beneficial for individuals who require assistance with getting in and out of vehicles or who need medical support during transport.

The cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services can be a significant factor. While these options offer convenience, they can be more expensive than public transit. This is especially true for frequent medical appointments.

**Healthcare Access and Moving to Gloucester City**

The transportation landscape in Gloucester City directly impacts healthcare access for individuals managing hypertension. The availability of various transportation options, including drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, determines the ease with which residents can access medical care.

For those considering moving to Gloucester City, a thorough understanding of the transportation infrastructure is essential. Prospective residents should assess their individual needs and preferences, considering factors such as their ability to drive, their reliance on public transit, and their financial resources.

The proximity of Gloucester City to major healthcare facilities in Camden and Philadelphia is a significant advantage. However, the potential for traffic congestion and the cost of transportation should be carefully considered.

Ultimately, the ability to effectively manage hypertension relies on consistent access to healthcare. By understanding the available transportation options and their associated challenges, residents of Gloucester City can make informed decisions about their healthcare and improve their overall well-being. The integration of efficient transportation options is vital for the health of the community, providing a pathway to better healthcare access. This becomes even more important for those considering moving to Gloucester City, ensuring they are aware of the challenges and opportunities of accessing healthcare in the area.