08075, Riverside, New Jersey Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 08075, Riverside, New Jersey is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.97 percent of residents in 08075 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.64 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Virtua Willingboro Hospital with a distance of 5.49 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Riverside, NJ (ZIP Code 08075)

The specter of a lung cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding swift and informed action. In Riverside, New Jersey (ZIP Code 08075), securing timely and effective healthcare hinges on understanding the local transportation landscape. This "Lung Cancer Score" assesses healthcare access, considering drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation methods, crucial for residents and those contemplating moving to Riverside.

Riverside, nestled along the Delaware River, presents a unique challenge. While offering a suburban charm, its healthcare access is intertwined with the surrounding Burlington County region and the broader Philadelphia metropolitan area. The effectiveness of your journey to healthcare, particularly for lung cancer treatment, depends on navigating this complex network.

**Drive Time Dynamics: The Asphalt Arteries**

For residents of Riverside, the primary means of accessing healthcare is by car. The efficiency of this mode depends on the destination and the time of day. Burlington County Memorial Hospital, located in Mount Holly, is a crucial healthcare hub. Reaching it involves navigating the roadways.

From Riverside, a drive to Burlington County Memorial Hospital typically takes between 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. The primary route involves taking Route 130 North, a major thoroughfare that can experience congestion during peak hours. Alternatively, you can use the local roads, such as Scott Street, which can provide a slightly shorter route but may involve more stop-and-go traffic.

For more specialized care, the University of Pennsylvania Health System in Philadelphia is a leading option. The drive, however, is significantly longer. Expect a journey of approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The primary route involves taking the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) North, which can be subject to heavy congestion, especially during rush hour. The Walt Whitman Bridge, a critical crossing point, can also become a bottleneck.

The journey to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, a significant regional medical center, offers a more direct route. Taking Route 130 South, the drive usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. However, traffic on Route 130 can be unpredictable, particularly near major intersections.

These drive times are crucial considerations. Lung cancer treatment often involves frequent appointments, including diagnostic tests, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up visits. The burden of long commutes can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and treatment adherence.

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

Public transportation in Riverside, while available, presents limitations. The New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) provides bus service. The primary bus route serving Riverside is the 409, which connects the town to Trenton and Philadelphia.

The 409 bus offers a connection to the River Line light rail, which provides access to Camden and Trenton. However, the River Line's schedule and frequency may not align perfectly with medical appointment times. The bus stops in Riverside are generally accessible, but it is essential to confirm ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance at each stop, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations.

The use of public transit for lung cancer patients requires careful planning. The longer travel times associated with bus and rail travel can be challenging for individuals undergoing treatment. The availability of ADA-compliant features is essential, and patients should confirm these features before relying on public transit.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Alternative Avenues**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. These services provide door-to-door transportation, which can be convenient for individuals with mobility limitations or those who prefer not to drive.

The availability and cost of ride-sharing services can vary depending on demand and the time of day. Patients should factor these variables into their transportation planning.

Medical transportation services, such as MedRide and First Transit, specialize in providing transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers.

Medical transportation services can be a valuable resource for lung cancer patients, particularly those who require assistance with mobility or have difficulty navigating public transit. The cost of these services can vary, and patients should inquire about insurance coverage.

**The Riverside Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Riverside (08075) reflects a nuanced picture of healthcare access. While the proximity to major medical centers is a significant advantage, the dependence on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transportation pose challenges.

The score is influenced by the drive times to key healthcare facilities, the availability and reliability of public transit, and the accessibility of ride-sharing and medical transportation services. The score also considers the impact of traffic congestion and the availability of ADA-compliant transportation options.

For individuals considering moving to Riverside, a thorough understanding of these transportation dynamics is crucial. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape is a critical factor in ensuring timely access to lung cancer treatment.

**Enhancing Healthcare Access: A Path Forward**

Improving healthcare access in Riverside requires a multi-pronged approach. Enhancing public transit options, including increasing the frequency and extending the reach of bus routes, would benefit residents. Promoting ride-sharing and medical transportation services, including providing financial assistance to low-income patients, is also essential.

Furthermore, improving traffic flow on major roadways, such as Route 130, would reduce drive times and improve the efficiency of healthcare access. The development of community-based transportation programs, such as volunteer driver networks, could also provide valuable support.

By addressing these challenges and implementing these strategies, Riverside can enhance its "Lung Cancer Score" and ensure that all residents have access to the timely and effective healthcare they deserve. This proactive approach will not only benefit those currently facing a lung cancer diagnosis but will also make Riverside a more attractive and supportive community for everyone.