08753, Toms River, New Jersey Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 08753, Toms River, New Jersey is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.27 percent of residents in 08753 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.02 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ocean Medical Center with a distance of 7.54 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in 08753

The journey to maintaining healthy blood pressure, especially for individuals residing in Toms River, New Jersey (ZIP code 08753), is intricately linked to the ease with which they can access healthcare. This write-up, a "Hypertension Score" analysis, explores the transportation landscape, a crucial factor influencing healthcare access and ultimately impacting the well-being of those managing hypertension. Considering the needs of individuals considering moving to Toms River, this score offers a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in accessing essential medical services.

The 08753 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of Toms River, presents a unique transportation environment. The sprawling nature of the area, combined with its reliance on personal vehicles, shapes the accessibility of healthcare facilities. The primary arteries for vehicular movement are the Garden State Parkway, Route 37, and Route 9. These roadways, while offering efficient north-south and east-west transit, can become congested during peak hours, impacting drive times to medical appointments.

Drive times, a critical component of the Hypertension Score, vary significantly depending on the location within 08753 and the destination. A trip from the eastern sections of the ZIP code, closer to the barrier island, to Community Medical Center, a major healthcare provider, might take 15-20 minutes during off-peak hours via Route 37. However, this same journey could extend to 30-45 minutes during rush hour. Residents in the western areas, near the intersection of Route 9 and the Garden State Parkway, might experience shorter drive times, perhaps 10-15 minutes to the same hospital, using the Parkway or Route 37.

Public transportation options, while present, offer a more limited scope of access to healthcare. The Ocean Ride bus system, operated by the Ocean County Department of Transportation, provides service within the county, including routes that connect various points within Toms River and to neighboring towns. Route 1, for instance, travels along Route 9, offering access to some medical offices and pharmacies. Route 7 connects to the Ocean County Mall, which has some medical facilities.

However, the frequency of these routes, particularly during evenings and weekends, can be infrequent, and the routes may not directly serve all healthcare providers. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for individuals with mobility challenges. Ocean Ride does provide accessible vehicles, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access the public transportation system. Individuals considering moving to Toms River and relying on public transit should meticulously research route schedules and accessibility features to ensure they can reach their medical appointments reliably.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation solution. These services provide on-demand transportation, potentially reducing the reliance on personal vehicles or the constraints of fixed public transit schedules. The availability of ride-sharing services in 08753 is generally good, but surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can increase costs. This factor should be considered when evaluating the affordability of transportation to healthcare.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, offer another avenue for healthcare access. Companies like SeniorCare Transportation and MedTran provide specialized transportation, often including door-to-door service and assistance for individuals with mobility limitations. These services are particularly valuable for those who cannot drive or have difficulty using public transportation. The cost of medical transportation services can vary, and it is essential to investigate insurance coverage and potential out-of-pocket expenses.

The geographical distribution of healthcare facilities within 08753 also influences the Hypertension Score. Community Medical Center, as mentioned, is a central hub for healthcare services, offering a wide range of specialties. Numerous private practices and urgent care centers are also scattered throughout the area, providing more localized options for primary care and specialized treatments. The proximity of these facilities to residential areas is a critical factor in determining the accessibility of healthcare.

The availability of pharmacies, essential for obtaining prescribed medications, further contributes to the Hypertension Score. Pharmacies, including national chains and local pharmacies, are readily accessible throughout 08753. The drive times to pharmacies are generally short, and many pharmacies offer home delivery services, further enhancing convenience.

The overall Hypertension Score for 08753 reflects a complex interplay of factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for traffic congestion, and the limited scope of public transportation present challenges. However, the presence of ride-sharing services, medical transportation options, and a network of healthcare facilities and pharmacies mitigates some of these challenges. For individuals considering moving to Toms River, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs, including their ability to drive, their reliance on public transit, and their budget for ride-sharing or medical transportation, is essential.

Furthermore, the score is dynamic and subject to change. Infrastructure improvements, such as road widening projects or the expansion of public transportation routes, could positively impact the score. Similarly, changes in the availability or cost of ride-sharing or medical transportation services could also influence the overall assessment.

In conclusion, the Hypertension Score for 08753 provides a valuable framework for understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. While challenges exist, the presence of various transportation options and a network of healthcare providers offers opportunities for individuals to manage their hypertension effectively. By carefully considering these factors, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare and ensure they have reliable access to the medical services they need. The ease of transportation is a key factor in successfully navigating the healthcare system, and the ability to access healthcare directly impacts the quality of life for residents in Toms River.