07044, Verona, New Jersey Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 07044, Verona, New Jersey is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.01 percent of residents in 07044 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.32 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hackensackumc Mountainside with a distance of 3.16 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Verona, NJ (ZIP Code 07044)

Verona, New Jersey, a charming suburban enclave, offers a desirable quality of life, but assessing healthcare access, particularly for a serious condition like lung cancer, demands a nuanced understanding of transportation options. This write-up, a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, analyzes the practicalities of reaching essential medical services from the heart of Verona (ZIP Code 07044), focusing on drive times, public transit, and alternative transportation methods. This information is crucial for anyone considering moving to Verona, or for current residents seeking to optimize their healthcare journey.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Verona is proximity to comprehensive medical facilities. For lung cancer patients, timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care are paramount. This analysis considers the commute to hospitals and specialized cancer centers, factoring in traffic patterns, public transit availability, and ride-sharing alternatives. The goal is to provide a realistic picture of the transportation landscape, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

**Driving the Distance: Roadways and Realities**

The primary mode of transportation for many Verona residents is the personal vehicle. The strategic location of Verona, nestled between major roadways, offers relatively straightforward access to healthcare facilities. However, rush-hour traffic can significantly impact travel times, potentially delaying critical care.

The most direct route to many medical centers involves navigating **Bloomfield Avenue**, a major thoroughfare running east-west through Verona. This road connects to **Route 280**, a vital artery providing access to hospitals in Newark and East Orange. During peak hours, Bloomfield Avenue can become congested, especially near the intersection with **Pompton Avenue**.

**Route 280** itself, while a major highway, can also experience heavy traffic, particularly during the morning and evening commutes. The journey to University Hospital in Newark, a major trauma center and cancer treatment facility, via Route 280, can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

For facilities located further north, such as St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson, the journey involves using **Route 23** after navigating Bloomfield Avenue and **Pompton Avenue**. This route, while less congested than Route 280, still requires careful planning, especially during peak travel times.

Accessing hospitals in the southern direction, such as those in Livingston or Summit, involves utilizing **Route 287** and **Eisenhower Parkway**. These routes generally offer less congestion, but still require careful navigation, especially during the evening commute. The drive to Overlook Medical Center in Summit, a highly regarded hospital, can range from 25 to 40 minutes.

**Public Transit: A Limited but Viable Option**

While Verona is primarily a car-dependent community, public transportation offers an alternative, particularly for those unable to drive or seeking to avoid traffic. The New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) provides bus service within and around Verona.

The **90 bus route** is a key player, traversing Bloomfield Avenue and connecting Verona to Montclair and Newark. This route provides access to the Newark Penn Station, where connections to various hospitals and medical centers are available. However, the 90 bus can be subject to delays, especially during peak hours.

The **11 bus route** also serves Verona, providing access to neighboring towns. While this route may not directly connect to hospitals, it can be a useful option for reaching transfer points.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial factor for lung cancer patients who may experience mobility challenges. NJ Transit strives to provide accessible buses, with ramps and designated seating areas. However, it's essential to confirm the accessibility of specific bus routes and stops, especially during inclement weather.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit. These services are readily available in Verona and provide door-to-door transportation, eliminating the need to navigate traffic or wait for buses. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as CareRide and MedRide, specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers, catering to the specific needs of patients with mobility limitations. While these services offer peace of mind, they can also be expensive, and availability should be confirmed in advance.

**Lung Cancer Score Considerations: A Holistic Approach**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Verona, NJ (07044) is not a single number but a multifaceted assessment. It considers the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** Average travel times to major hospitals and cancer centers, factoring in peak-hour traffic.
* **Public Transit Reliability:** Frequency, accessibility, and potential delays of bus routes.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability and Cost:** Accessibility of Uber, Lyft, and medical transportation services.
* **Accessibility:** Availability of accessible transportation options for individuals with mobility limitations.
* **Proximity to Pharmacies and Support Services:** Access to pharmacies, oxygen suppliers, and support groups.

The score is not meant to discourage moving to Verona, but to provide a realistic picture of the transportation landscape. It is essential to consider your individual needs and preferences when assessing healthcare access. The ideal scenario is a combination of readily available transportation options, allowing for flexibility and choice.

**Moving to Verona: Informed Decisions for a Healthy Future**

For individuals considering moving to Verona, this "Lung Cancer Score" assessment underscores the importance of careful planning. While Verona offers a desirable lifestyle, healthcare access is a critical consideration. Prospective residents should research the proximity of healthcare facilities, assess the availability of transportation options, and factor in the potential costs associated with accessing medical care.

For current residents, this analysis provides a framework for optimizing healthcare access. By understanding the transportation landscape, residents can proactively plan for medical appointments, explore alternative transportation methods, and advocate for improved healthcare access within the community.

Ultimately, the "Lung Cancer Score" is a tool for informed decision-making, empowering residents of Verona to navigate the complexities of healthcare access and prioritize their health and well-being. The goal is to ensure that the transportation infrastructure supports the needs of all residents, including those facing the challenges of lung cancer.