07718, Belford, New Jersey Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 07718, Belford, New Jersey is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.80 percent of residents in 07718 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.77 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverview Medical Center with a distance of 4.84 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 07718 (Belford, New Jersey)**

Assessing healthcare accessibility, particularly for life-threatening conditions like lung cancer, demands a nuanced understanding of transportation options. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 07718 (Belford, NJ), evaluates the ease with which residents can reach essential medical facilities for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score," reflecting the challenges and opportunities in accessing vital healthcare services. This information is especially pertinent for individuals considering moving to Belford, as it directly impacts their healthcare access.

Belford, nestled in Monmouth County, presents a unique transportation landscape. Proximity to major highways and the availability of public transit are key considerations. The "Lung Cancer Score" will consider drive times, public transit routes, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, providing a comprehensive view of healthcare accessibility.

**Driving Times: The Asphalt Arteries**

The primary route for accessing healthcare from Belford is often via the Garden State Parkway. Traveling north on the Parkway provides access to hospitals in Red Bank and Long Branch. Depending on traffic, the drive to Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank can range from 20 to 40 minutes. Monmouth Medical Center, located in Long Branch, is typically a 30 to 50-minute drive, also dependent on traffic conditions.

Alternatively, Route 36 offers another pathway to healthcare facilities. This route provides access to hospitals in the vicinity of Belford, but is subject to congestion, especially during peak hours. The drive to Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel, a shorter distance, might still take 15 to 30 minutes.

The "Lung Cancer Score" must account for the unpredictable nature of New Jersey traffic. Accidents, construction, and rush hour can significantly extend drive times, potentially delaying critical care.

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

Public transportation offers an alternative, but its effectiveness depends on frequency, accessibility, and the distance to medical facilities. New Jersey Transit (NJT) provides bus service in the area. The 67 bus route, for example, connects Belford to key destinations, including Middletown and Red Bank. However, bus schedules can be limited, particularly on weekends and evenings, potentially hindering timely access to healthcare.

The nearest train station is in Middletown, necessitating a bus or taxi ride to reach. The train offers a more reliable travel option, but requires an additional mode of transportation to reach the final destination.

ADA accessibility is a crucial factor. While NJT strives to provide accessible services, the availability of accessible buses and train stations can vary. Individuals with mobility limitations must consider these factors when planning their healthcare commute. The "Lung Cancer Score" will reflect the limitations of public transit, especially for those with mobility challenges.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient, on-demand transportation option. However, the availability of these services in Belford, and their cost, can vary. During peak hours or in inclement weather, wait times and fares can increase, potentially posing a financial burden for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with healthcare needs, provide another option. These services often offer door-to-door transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services can be expensive and may require advance booking. The "Lung Cancer Score" will assess the cost and availability of these services, considering their impact on healthcare access.

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

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be calculated based on a weighted average of several factors:

* **Drive Times:** Average drive times to major hospitals (Riverview Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center, Bayshore Medical Center) during peak and off-peak hours.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** Frequency, route coverage, and ADA accessibility of NJT bus and train services.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability and Cost:** Availability of Uber and Lyft services, and estimated fares to healthcare facilities.
* **Medical Transport Options:** Availability, cost, and accessibility of medical transport services.
* **Geographic Considerations:** Proximity of healthcare facilities to Belford, and the availability of specialized cancer care centers.

Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For instance, drive times and public transit accessibility will likely receive higher weights, as they represent the primary modes of transportation. The final score will be presented on a scale, with a higher score indicating better healthcare access.

**Implications for Residents and Prospective Movers**

The "Lung Cancer Score" will provide valuable information for Belford residents and individuals considering moving to the area. It will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local transportation infrastructure in relation to healthcare access. This information is particularly crucial for individuals with or at risk of lung cancer, as timely access to medical care can significantly impact their prognosis.

For prospective movers, the "Lung Cancer Score" can be a critical factor in their decision-making process. It will allow them to assess the ease with which they can reach healthcare facilities, considering their individual needs and circumstances.

**Conclusion: A Call to Action**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP code 07718 aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of healthcare accessibility. By evaluating the various transportation options, from highways to public transit, ride-sharing to medical transport, this analysis will empower residents and prospective movers to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. The findings will also highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as increased public transit frequency, improved ADA accessibility, and expanded medical transport options, ultimately improving healthcare access for all.