08724, Brick, New Jersey Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 08724, Brick, New Jersey is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.27 percent of residents in 08724 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.22 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ocean Medical Center with a distance of 0.86 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 08724

Considering a move to Brick, New Jersey, and concerned about healthcare access, particularly if you or a loved one manage hypertension? This write-up provides a comprehensive overview of transportation options and their impact on accessing healthcare facilities within ZIP code 08724, allowing you to assess a "Hypertension Score" tailored to your individual needs. This score reflects the ease with which you can reach medical appointments, pharmacies, and other essential healthcare services, factoring in drive times, public transit, and alternative transportation methods.

The ability to quickly and reliably reach healthcare is paramount for individuals managing hypertension. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and timely access to specialists are crucial for maintaining optimal health and preventing complications. Understanding the transportation landscape in 08724 is therefore critical when considering a move, ensuring you can prioritize healthcare access.

**The Road Ahead: Drive Times and Highway Navigation**

Driving remains the primary mode of transportation for many residents in Brick. The town is well-connected by major roadways, but traffic patterns and distance to healthcare facilities can significantly impact accessibility. The Garden State Parkway, a major north-south artery, provides relatively quick access to hospitals and medical centers located both north and south of Brick. However, rush hour congestion, especially during summer months, can dramatically increase travel times.

Route 70, a major east-west thoroughfare, offers another crucial transportation artery. It provides access to various medical offices and urgent care facilities within Brick and neighboring towns. However, traffic lights and local congestion can slow down travel, particularly during peak hours. Route 88, another key road, connects to the barrier island and provides access to local medical facilities.

Drive times to healthcare providers vary depending on location and traffic conditions. For example, reaching Ocean Medical Center, a major hospital in Brick, from the northern part of 08724 might take 15-20 minutes during off-peak hours, but could easily double during rush hour. Similarly, accessing specialists or outpatient services in Toms River or other surrounding towns could require a 30-45 minute drive, potentially longer during peak commuting times.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Bus and Beyond**

For those who prefer not to drive, or for whom driving is not an option, public transportation offers an alternative. The Ocean Ride bus system, operated by the Ocean County Department of Transportation, provides service within Brick and to surrounding communities. Several routes, including the OC-1, OC-2, and OC-3, offer connections to medical offices, pharmacies, and hospitals.

However, public transit in 08724 has limitations. Service frequency, especially during evenings and weekends, can be infrequent, potentially making it challenging to schedule and attend medical appointments. Furthermore, while Ocean Ride buses are equipped with ADA-accessible features, including ramps and designated seating, the overall network might not be as extensive or convenient as in more urban areas.

Carefully consider the bus route schedules and the proximity of bus stops to your desired healthcare providers when evaluating public transit options. Factor in the time it takes to travel to a bus stop, the potential wait times, and the total travel time to your destination.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation: Expanding the Options**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in 08724, providing another transportation option. These services offer on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities, eliminating the need to drive or rely solely on public transit. However, ride-sharing costs can vary, especially during peak demand, and may not be a cost-effective solution for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance, are also available. Companies like Senior Transportation of America and others offer door-to-door transportation services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services can be particularly valuable for individuals with hypertension who may experience mobility issues or who require assistance getting to and from appointments.

Researching the availability, cost, and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services is essential when assessing your "Hypertension Score." Compare the costs of these services with other transportation options and consider the convenience and peace of mind they offer.

**The Pharmacy Connection: Medication Access and Convenience**

Access to pharmacies for medication refills is a critical aspect of managing hypertension. 08724 has numerous pharmacies, including national chains like CVS and Walgreens, as well as independent pharmacies. The proximity of pharmacies to your residence and healthcare providers should be a key consideration when assessing your "Hypertension Score."

Consider the ease of access to pharmacies via all transportation modes – driving, public transit, ride-sharing, or walking. Evaluate the pharmacy's hours of operation, particularly if you require medication refills during evenings or weekends. Some pharmacies offer home delivery services, which can be a convenient option for individuals with mobility limitations or those who prefer not to leave their homes.

**Creating Your Hypertension Score: A Personalized Assessment**

To create your personalized "Hypertension Score," consider the following factors:

* **Proximity to Healthcare Providers:** How close are you to your primary care physician, specialists, and hospitals?
* **Drive Times:** What are the typical drive times to your healthcare providers during peak and off-peak hours?
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** How convenient and reliable is public transit for accessing healthcare facilities?
* **Ride-Share Availability and Cost:** What are the costs and availability of ride-sharing services?
* **Medical Transportation Options:** Are medical transportation services available, and what are their costs?
* **Pharmacy Access:** How easily can you access pharmacies for medication refills?
* **Personal Mobility and Needs:** Do you have any mobility limitations or special needs that affect your transportation choices?

Assign a numerical score to each factor, weighting the factors based on their importance to you. For example, if you rely heavily on public transit, give that factor a higher weight. Sum up the scores to arrive at your overall "Hypertension Score." A higher score indicates better healthcare access.

**Moving to Brick: A Balanced Approach**

Moving to Brick, NJ, offers many advantages, including a desirable coastal lifestyle. However, when considering a move, especially if you manage hypertension, a thorough assessment of healthcare access is vital. By carefully evaluating the transportation options available in 08724, you can create a "Hypertension Score" that reflects your individual needs and helps you make an informed decision. This proactive approach ensures that your healthcare needs are met and that you can successfully navigate the transportation landscape to maintain your health and well-being.