07442, Pompton Lakes, New Jersey Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 07442, Pompton Lakes, New Jersey is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.80 percent of residents in 07442 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Chilton Medical Center with a distance of 3.24 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 07442

The journey to effective lung cancer care in Pompton Lakes, ZIP Code 07442, is a complex one, intricately interwoven with the fabric of transportation and healthcare access. A "Lung Cancer Score" for this area isn't a numerical value, but rather a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities individuals face when seeking diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. It encompasses drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a vivid picture of the accessibility landscape for those confronting this formidable disease. For anyone moving to Pompton Lakes, understanding this landscape is crucial.

The primary hospitals serving the 07442 area for lung cancer care include St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson, Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, and Hackensack University Medical Center. Each facility offers varying levels of specialization and treatment options, making the choice of where to seek care a significant decision. The commute to each of these facilities is a critical factor in the Lung Cancer Score.

Driving, the most common mode of transportation, presents its own set of hurdles. To reach St. Joseph's in Paterson, a journey of approximately 10-15 miles, residents typically navigate Route 23 South, a major artery often congested during peak hours. The drive can easily stretch to 30-45 minutes, particularly during morning and evening commutes. Alternatively, motorists might opt for the more circuitous Route 202 South, which merges into Route 80 East, then onto Route 19, before ultimately reaching the hospital. The advantage of this route is its slightly lower traffic volume, but the distance is increased.

Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, roughly 12-14 miles away, is generally accessed via the Garden State Parkway (GSP) South or Route 208 South. The GSP offers a faster, more direct route, but tolls and potential traffic bottlenecks can add to the travel time. Route 208, while toll-free, can be subject to rush-hour congestion. Expect a drive time of 20-35 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Hackensack University Medical Center, located about 18-20 miles from Pompton Lakes, is accessible via Route 208 South, merging onto Route 4 East, or by taking the GSP South. The journey can take anywhere from 30-50 minutes, again, contingent on traffic. The GSP, while offering a quicker route, is subject to tolls and the potential for delays. The choice of route depends on the individual's tolerance for traffic and tolls.

Public transportation offers an alternative, though it presents its own set of challenges. New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) provides bus service to the surrounding areas. The most relevant routes include the 197, which travels from Pompton Lakes to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City, and the 748, which connects Pompton Lakes with Paterson. However, these routes primarily focus on commuting to and from New York City, and the direct connections to major hospitals are limited.

The 197 bus, for instance, could be used to reach Paterson, but further transfers might be necessary to access St. Joseph's. The 748 bus, while serving Paterson, may not have direct routes to the hospitals. The frequency of these buses can also be a concern, especially for those requiring frequent appointments. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is another crucial consideration. NJ Transit buses are generally ADA-compliant, equipped with ramps and designated seating. However, the availability of accessible stops and the overall ease of navigation can vary.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, provide another option, offering on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities. Their availability in Pompton Lakes is generally good, but the cost can be a significant factor, particularly for frequent appointments. Surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can further increase expenses. Moreover, the reliability of ride-sharing services can be unpredictable, and the need to schedule rides in advance for appointments is essential.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or other medical needs, offer a specialized solution. Companies like CareRide and MedRide provide non-emergency medical transportation, often with wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. These services can be particularly valuable for individuals who cannot drive or use public transportation due to their medical condition. The cost of these services, however, can be substantial, and insurance coverage may vary.

The Lung Cancer Score for 07442, therefore, is not simply about distance. It's about the complexity of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. The availability of multiple options, from driving to public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, provides a degree of flexibility. However, the challenges of traffic congestion, the limitations of public transit, the cost of ride-sharing, and the expense of medical transport all contribute to a complex environment.

For individuals considering moving to Pompton Lakes, or for those already residing there, understanding these factors is essential. Careful planning, considering the potential travel times, costs, and accessibility limitations, is crucial for ensuring timely access to quality lung cancer care. The Lung Cancer Score, in this context, is not a static measure but a dynamic assessment, reflecting the evolving needs of patients and the ever-changing landscape of transportation and healthcare access in the community. It underscores the importance of proactive planning and the need for continuous evaluation to optimize the journey to care.