08023, Deepwater, New Jersey Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 08023, Deepwater, New Jersey is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 08023 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.26 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is West Jersey Hospital with a distance of 31.83 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 08023

The insidious nature of lung cancer demands swift and effective treatment. For residents of Deepwater, New Jersey (ZIP code 08023), the journey to potentially life-saving healthcare is a critical factor in their overall well-being. This document provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, evaluating the accessibility of lung cancer-related healthcare services, focusing on transportation options and their impact on timely care. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, offering a comprehensive view of healthcare access.

Deepwater, a small community nestled along the Delaware River, presents unique challenges to healthcare access. Its relative isolation and limited public transit options necessitate a careful evaluation of transportation alternatives. The "Lung Cancer Score" aims to illuminate these complexities, providing residents with a clearer understanding of their healthcare landscape.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries of Care**

For many Deepwater residents, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation. The reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of understanding drive times to various healthcare facilities. The most direct route often involves navigating the network of highways and local roads.

The primary arteries for accessing healthcare are the I-295, a major north-south thoroughfare, and Route 130, a more local route. Depending on the destination, the choice between these highways will significantly impact travel time. The I-295 offers a faster, though potentially more congested, route to larger medical centers in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Route 130 provides access to closer, smaller facilities but can be slower due to traffic lights and local traffic.

The journey to major hospitals like Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill, located approximately 20 miles away, can take around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions on I-295. Driving to larger Philadelphia hospitals, such as the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) or Jefferson Hospital, can extend the drive time to an hour or more, especially during peak hours. These longer travel times can be a significant hurdle for patients requiring frequent appointments, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

The drive to smaller, local clinics or specialists, such as those in Woodbury or Swedesboro, might be shorter, around 15 to 25 minutes, using Route 130 or local roads. However, these facilities may not offer the comprehensive services available at larger hospitals, potentially requiring further travel for specialized care. The accessibility of a car and the ability to navigate these roads are crucial for healthcare access in Deepwater.

**Public Transit: A Limited Reach**

Public transit options in Deepwater are limited, presenting a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The primary public transportation provider is the New Jersey Transit (NJT) bus system. However, the routes serving Deepwater are infrequent, with limited service on weekends and evenings.

The 402 bus route, for example, connects Deepwater to nearby towns like Woodbury and Glassboro, but its schedule may not align with the needs of patients requiring regular medical appointments. The 402 route may not reach major hospitals or specialized cancer centers. The lack of direct routes to major healthcare facilities necessitates multiple transfers, significantly increasing travel time and complexity.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible features on these buses is crucial for patients with mobility limitations. While NJT strives to provide accessible services, the reliability of these features and the availability of accessible stops in Deepwater remain critical considerations. The limitations of public transit highlight the need for alternative transportation solutions for Deepwater residents.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability and cost of these services in Deepwater can be unpredictable. The rural location may result in longer wait times and higher fares, particularly during off-peak hours or for trips to distant medical facilities.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies, provide specialized transportation for patients with medical needs. These services often include wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. However, the cost of medical transport can be substantial, potentially posing a financial burden for patients.

The availability of medical transport services in Deepwater and the surrounding areas is a critical factor in healthcare access. The ability to arrange reliable and affordable transportation for appointments, treatments, and follow-up care is essential for patients with lung cancer. The "Lung Cancer Score" considers the availability, cost, and reliability of these services in evaluating the overall healthcare accessibility in 08023.

**The Deepwater Healthcare Landscape: A Scorecard**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Deepwater, NJ (08023) reflects a complex interplay of transportation challenges. While drive times to some local facilities are relatively manageable, the longer travel times to major hospitals and cancer centers in the Philadelphia area pose a significant hurdle. The limited public transit options exacerbate these challenges, particularly for those without personal vehicles.

Ride-sharing services and medical transport offer alternative solutions, but their availability, cost, and reliability must be carefully considered. The "Lung Cancer Score" provides a framework for understanding these complexities, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare. The score is not a static number but a dynamic assessment, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape and the ongoing efforts to improve transportation access for Deepwater residents.

The journey to healthcare in Deepwater demands careful planning and consideration of all available transportation options. Understanding the limitations of each mode and the potential impact on travel time and cost is crucial for patients battling lung cancer. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a guide, highlighting the need for proactive measures to ensure timely and effective healthcare access for all residents of 08023. The community's future depends on improving healthcare access, and this score serves as a starting point.