08723, Brick, New Jersey Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 08723, Brick, New Jersey is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.79 percent of residents in 08723 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.08 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ocean Medical Center with a distance of 2.87 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Brick, NJ (ZIP Code 08723)

The journey to healthcare in Brick, New Jersey (ZIP code 08723) presents a complex landscape for residents managing hypertension. This write-up analyzes the accessibility of medical resources, considering the crucial element of transportation. Understanding the available options is paramount for individuals seeking consistent care and managing their health effectively. We'll explore the challenges and opportunities for residents, providing a "Hypertension Score" assessment that considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport.

Brick, a sprawling township in Ocean County, offers a mix of suburban and coastal living. This geographic diversity influences transportation options. The primary arteries for vehicular travel are the Garden State Parkway, Route 70, Route 88, and Route 35. These roads, however, can experience significant congestion, particularly during peak hours and summer weekends, impacting drive times to medical facilities. The "Hypertension Score" considers these fluctuating conditions, recognizing the importance of reliable and predictable access to care.

For individuals with hypertension, timely access to medical appointments, medication refills, and emergency services is vital. The location of medical providers relative to residential areas is a critical factor. Residents in the northern sections of Brick may find shorter drive times to facilities along Route 35, while those in the southern regions might benefit from providers closer to Route 88 or Route 70. The specific location within the ZIP code significantly impacts the overall "Hypertension Score."

Drive times are a primary determinant of healthcare access. A short drive to a primary care physician, cardiologist, or pharmacy reduces stress and improves the likelihood of adhering to treatment plans. Conversely, long drive times can create barriers, potentially leading to missed appointments and delayed care. We'll consider average drive times during off-peak and peak hours to provide a realistic assessment of accessibility. The score will also factor in the availability of parking at medical facilities, a frequently overlooked but crucial aspect of the patient experience.

Public transportation offers an alternative for those without personal vehicles or who prefer not to drive. The Ocean Ride bus system, operated by Ocean County, provides service within Brick and to surrounding towns. Several routes traverse the township, including routes that connect to major medical facilities. However, the frequency of these routes and the potential for delays due to traffic congestion are factors to consider.

The Ocean Ride system does offer ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize public transit. This is a crucial element in the "Hypertension Score," reflecting the commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. However, the availability of these accessible routes and the ease of transferring between routes must be carefully evaluated. The presence of bus stops near residential areas and medical facilities also influences the score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have emerged as another transportation option. Their availability in Brick is generally good, offering on-demand transportation to healthcare appointments. However, ride-sharing costs can accumulate, potentially becoming a financial burden for those with frequent medical needs. The "Hypertension Score" will weigh the convenience of ride-sharing against its cost implications, especially for individuals with limited incomes.

Medical transport services cater specifically to individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs. These services, often provided by private companies, offer door-to-door transportation to medical appointments. While they provide a valuable service, they can be expensive and require advance booking. The "Hypertension Score" will consider the availability of these services, their cost, and the ease of scheduling.

Several medical facilities are located within or near ZIP code 08723. These include primary care practices, specialists, urgent care centers, and pharmacies. The proximity of these facilities to residential areas and the availability of a diverse range of healthcare providers are crucial factors in the "Hypertension Score." The score will also consider the availability of specialized services, such as cardiology, which are essential for managing hypertension.

The overall "Hypertension Score" for ZIP code 08723 will reflect a nuanced assessment of these factors. It will acknowledge the challenges posed by traffic congestion, the limitations of public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transport. The score will also recognize the positive aspects, such as the availability of medical facilities and the presence of ADA-accessible transportation options.

For those considering moving to Brick, understanding the transportation landscape is essential. The "Hypertension Score" will serve as a valuable tool for prospective residents with hypertension, providing insights into healthcare access and helping them make informed decisions. The score will also highlight areas where improvements in transportation infrastructure and healthcare access could benefit the community.

The "Hypertension Score" is not just a numerical value; it's a reflection of the real-world experiences of residents managing their health. It acknowledges the stress and inconvenience of navigating traffic, the challenges of relying on public transit, and the financial burden of ride-sharing. It also celebrates the availability of healthcare providers and the commitment to accessibility.

The ultimate goal of the "Hypertension Score" is to empower residents with the knowledge they need to proactively manage their health. It encourages a deeper understanding of the transportation options available and promotes informed decision-making. The score is a dynamic assessment, recognizing that transportation infrastructure and healthcare access are constantly evolving.

The "Hypertension Score" for ZIP code 08723 will be a comprehensive analysis, providing a clear picture of healthcare access. It will consider drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. It will also assess the proximity of medical facilities and the availability of specialized care. The score will be a valuable resource for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers, fostering a healthier community.