07047, North Bergen, New Jersey Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 07047, North Bergen, New Jersey is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.19 percent of residents in 07047 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.09 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Palisades Medical Center with a distance of 1.33 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in North Bergen, NJ (ZIP Code 07047)

The shadow of a lung cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, a journey demanding not only medical expertise but also accessible and reliable transportation. For residents of North Bergen, New Jersey (ZIP code 07047), understanding the landscape of **transportation** options becomes crucial in navigating **healthcare access**. This analysis delves into the practicalities of reaching essential medical facilities, quantifying the ease or difficulty of these commutes, and ultimately, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" to reflect the relative accessibility of care.

This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport options. It aims to empower individuals, particularly those considering **moving to North Bergen**, with the knowledge necessary to assess their potential healthcare journey.

The heart of this analysis centers on the major hospitals and cancer centers serving the region. These include Hackensack University Medical Center, located in Hackensack, and the comprehensive cancer care facilities at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan. Other relevant facilities include Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, and various specialized clinics within the immediate vicinity.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries**

Driving remains a primary mode of **transportation** for many. From North Bergen, the journey to Hackensack University Medical Center, a vital hub for cancer care, typically involves traversing the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) or Route 46 East. During off-peak hours, the drive averages approximately 20-30 minutes. However, during rush hour, particularly in the morning and evening commutes, this can easily extend to 45 minutes or even an hour, impacting the timely arrival for appointments and treatments.

Reaching Memorial Sloan Kettering in Manhattan presents a different challenge. The Lincoln Tunnel, a crucial artery, becomes a bottleneck during peak hours. The journey, which could be completed in 20-30 minutes during off-peak times, can balloon to an hour or more. The George Washington Bridge, another option, can also be congested. The Garden State Parkway provides an alternative route, but it too can become clogged.

Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck offers a more accessible option. The drive, utilizing River Road or the Palisades Interstate Parkway, typically takes 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic. This proximity offers a potentially more convenient option for residents seeking care.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Rails and Buses**

Public transit offers a vital alternative to driving, especially for those unable or unwilling to drive. The New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) system provides extensive bus service throughout North Bergen. Several bus routes, including the 123, 128, and 156, offer direct or connecting routes to Hackensack, providing access to Hackensack University Medical Center. The journey time, however, can be significantly longer than driving, often taking 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on transfers and traffic.

Accessing Manhattan via public transit is facilitated by the NJ Transit bus routes that travel through the Lincoln Tunnel. The 123, 126, and 129 buses offer frequent service, connecting North Bergen to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. From there, patients can access the subway system to reach Memorial Sloan Kettering. The entire journey, including bus and subway travel, can take between 45 minutes and an hour and a half, depending on the specific route and time of day.

ADA accessibility is a critical factor for individuals with mobility limitations. While NJ Transit strives to provide accessible services, not all buses and stations are fully compliant. It is essential to confirm the accessibility of specific routes and stations prior to travel.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: On-Demand Solutions**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide on-demand **transportation** options. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving or public transit, particularly for those who prefer door-to-door service. However, the cost can be a significant factor, especially for frequent trips. The availability of these services can also fluctuate, particularly during peak hours or in areas with limited coverage.

Specialized medical **transportation** services cater specifically to patients with medical needs. Companies like CareRide and MedTrans offer non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services often provide door-to-door service and can be a valuable option for individuals who require assistance with mobility. However, these services typically require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing.

**The Lung Cancer Score: Quantifying Accessibility**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for North Bergen (ZIP code 07047) considers several factors:

* **Drive Time:** The average drive time to major cancer centers during peak and off-peak hours.
* **Public Transit Reliability:** The frequency, accessibility, and travel time of public transit routes.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The ease of accessing ride-sharing services and their associated costs.
* **Medical Transport Options:** The availability and cost of specialized medical **transportation** services.
* **Proximity to Healthcare Facilities:** The distance to nearby hospitals and clinics.

Based on these factors, a preliminary "Lung Cancer Score" for North Bergen (ZIP code 07047) would be rated as **Moderate**. While the area offers access to a range of healthcare facilities, the reliance on roadways and public **transportation** systems that are prone to congestion, coupled with the potential for long travel times, particularly to Manhattan, presents challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services offers viable alternatives, but their cost and availability must be considered.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

For individuals considering **moving to North Bergen** or currently residing there, several strategies can enhance **healthcare access**:

* **Plan Ahead:** Schedule appointments in advance and factor in potential delays due to traffic or public transit schedules.
* **Explore Transportation Options:** Research and compare the costs and benefits of driving, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical **transportation**.
* **Utilize Technology:** Use real-time traffic apps and public transit trackers to optimize travel routes.
* **Consider Proximity:** When choosing a healthcare provider, consider the proximity of the facility to your home and the ease of access.
* **Advocate for Improvements:** Support initiatives aimed at improving public transit and expanding **transportation** options for individuals with medical needs.

The journey through a lung cancer diagnosis demands resilience, and navigating the complexities of **transportation** should not add to the burden. By understanding the landscape of **healthcare access** in North Bergen, residents can proactively plan for their medical needs and ensure they receive the care they deserve.