07013, Clifton, New Jersey Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 07013, Clifton, New Jersey is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.69 percent of residents in 07013 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.99 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Mary's General Hospital with a distance of 1.78 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Clifton, NJ (ZIP Code 07013)

The air hangs heavy with the weight of health concerns, particularly for those residing in Clifton, New Jersey (ZIP Code 07013). This analysis delves into the intricate web of **transportation** options available for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis, focusing on **healthcare access** and its impact on patient outcomes. Understanding the ease with which residents can reach vital medical appointments, treatments, and support services is paramount. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering the diverse **transportation** landscape within and surrounding Clifton. This information is critical for anyone **moving to Clifton**, especially those with existing health conditions or at risk for lung cancer.

Clifton's geographical layout presents both advantages and challenges. Situated in Passaic County, the city boasts a relatively compact area, but its proximity to major roadways creates both opportunities and potential obstacles for **healthcare access**. The **Lung Cancer Score** will evaluate the accessibility of key medical facilities, considering drive times, public **transportation** options, and alternative modes of travel.

**Drive Times and Highway Navigation:**

For those who prefer the autonomy of personal vehicles, the **transportation** network in and around Clifton is a double-edged sword. Major arteries like the Garden State Parkway, Route 46, and Route 21 provide swift access to hospitals and cancer centers. However, these same highways are notorious for traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.

The Garden State Parkway, a north-south thoroughfare, offers direct access to hospitals in both directions. Heading south, patients can reach Hackensack University Medical Center, a major cancer treatment facility, in approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Northbound, the Parkway provides access to St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson, another important **healthcare access** point, typically reachable within 15-25 minutes.

Route 46, a major east-west highway, provides alternative routes to these same facilities. While generally less congested than the Parkway, Route 46 often experiences significant delays, particularly near major intersections. The drive to Hackensack via Route 46 could take 30-45 minutes, while the trip to St. Joseph's might be slightly quicker, around 20-35 minutes. Route 21, also known as the McCarter Highway, offers a more direct, though often slower, route to Newark and its associated medical facilities.

Navigating these highways requires careful planning. Consider the time of day, potential traffic bottlenecks, and the patient's physical condition. The stress of navigating heavy traffic can exacerbate anxiety and fatigue, negatively impacting the overall **healthcare access** experience.

**Public Transportation: A Mixed Bag:**

For those relying on public **transportation**, the options are more limited, but still present. New Jersey Transit (NJT) operates bus routes throughout Clifton, offering connections to major hospitals and cancer centers. The 703 bus, for example, provides service along Clifton Avenue, connecting to the city's main commercial areas and offering transfers to other routes.

However, public **transportation** presents challenges. Bus schedules can be infrequent, especially during off-peak hours. Travel times are often significantly longer than driving. Furthermore, **healthcare access** via public **transportation** may be difficult for patients undergoing treatment or experiencing mobility limitations.

The NJT system does offer ADA-accessible buses, equipped with ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. However, the availability of these buses on specific routes and at specific times can vary. Careful planning and pre-booking may be necessary to ensure a smooth and accessible journey. The 703 bus, for example, is not always ADA-accessible, requiring passengers to check the schedule and availability.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Expanding Options:**

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient alternative to driving or public **transportation**. They provide door-to-door service, eliminating the need to navigate traffic or wait for buses. However, the cost of ride-share can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, offer specialized support. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles, trained drivers, and assistance with boarding and disembarking. Companies like MedTrans and CareRide are available in the area, offering a dedicated solution for **healthcare access**. However, these services typically require pre-booking and may have limited availability.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment:**

The **Lung Cancer Score** for ZIP Code 07013 must consider all these factors. The score will be a composite, reflecting the ease of access to cancer-related services, taking into account:

* **Drive Times:** The average travel time to major cancer treatment centers during peak and off-peak hours.
* **Public Transportation Accessibility:** The frequency, reliability, and accessibility of bus routes serving hospitals and cancer centers.
* **Ride-Share and Medical Transport Availability:** The availability and cost of ride-share and medical **transportation** services.
* **Accessibility Features:** The availability of ADA-compliant **transportation** options.
* **Proximity to Support Services:** The distance to support groups, pharmacies, and other essential services.

**Moving to Clifton** with a lung cancer diagnosis or at high risk requires careful consideration of these **transportation** factors. While Clifton offers a relatively central location with access to major highways, the reliance on personal vehicles or the limitations of public **transportation** can pose challenges.

The **Lung Cancer Score** for Clifton, NJ (ZIP Code 07013) would likely be in the moderate range. The presence of major highways provides relatively quick access to healthcare facilities, but traffic congestion and the limitations of public **transportation** could impact patient **healthcare access**. The availability of ride-share and medical **transportation** services offers supplementary options, but cost and availability must be considered.

**Conclusion: Prioritizing Patient Needs:**

Improving **healthcare access** for lung cancer patients in Clifton requires a multi-faceted approach. Enhancing public **transportation** options, promoting the availability of affordable ride-share services, and expanding medical **transportation** resources are essential steps.

Furthermore, healthcare providers should proactively assist patients in navigating the **transportation** landscape. Providing information about available options, coordinating appointments to minimize travel time, and offering support for patients with mobility limitations can significantly improve the patient experience.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that all residents of Clifton, regardless of their **transportation** limitations, have equitable access to the life-saving care they need. This is especially crucial for those **moving to Clifton**, where the **Lung Cancer Score** should be a key consideration in their relocation decisions.