08089, Waterford Works, New Jersey Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 08089, Waterford Works, New Jersey is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.99 percent of residents in 08089 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is West Jersey Hospital with a distance of 8.98 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Waterford Works (ZIP Code 08089)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as serious as lung cancer, is a critical component of patient outcomes. This write-up assesses the transportation landscape within ZIP Code 08089, Waterford Works, New Jersey, focusing on access to lung cancer treatment facilities. We will analyze drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" to gauge the ease and efficiency of accessing necessary care. This information is vital for residents and those considering moving to Waterford Works, ensuring they are well-informed about their healthcare access.

Waterford Works, a predominantly rural area, presents unique challenges to healthcare access. The community's geographical layout and limited public transportation options necessitate a thorough examination of available resources. A high Lung Cancer Score reflects convenient and readily available transportation options, while a low score indicates significant barriers to accessing timely and comprehensive care.

**Driving the Distance: Roadways to Recovery**

For many residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The major roadways influencing healthcare access in 08089 include the Atlantic City Expressway, Route 73, and Route 561. Driving times to lung cancer treatment centers, such as those in Voorhees or Philadelphia, are crucial factors.

The Atlantic City Expressway offers a relatively quick route to hospitals in the Philadelphia suburbs, though traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact travel times. A trip to Virtua Voorhees Hospital, a prominent healthcare provider, typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Route 73, a major north-south artery, provides an alternative, but it often experiences heavy traffic. Route 561, while offering a more direct route to some facilities, is a smaller road and might be less reliable during inclement weather.

The condition of these roads, including potential construction zones, also affects travel times. Regular monitoring of traffic conditions through apps like Google Maps or Waze is essential for optimizing travel routes. The Lung Cancer Score takes into account these variables, considering the average drive times, traffic patterns, and the overall reliability of the roadways.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public transportation options in 08089 are limited. The New Jersey Transit (NJT) system offers bus routes, but service frequency and coverage in Waterford Works are restricted. The primary bus route serving the area is likely the 551, which connects to Philadelphia. However, the 551's schedule might not align with the appointment times of lung cancer patients, and its limited stops within Waterford Works may require a significant walk to the nearest bus stop.

ADA accessibility is a critical consideration for lung cancer patients, who may experience mobility limitations due to treatment side effects or the disease itself. The NJT strives to provide accessible buses, but the availability of accessible stops and the overall convenience of the route must be carefully assessed. The Lung Cancer Score considers the availability of accessible public transit options and their practicality for patients.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability of these services in 08089 can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in adverse weather conditions. Surge pricing, which increases fares during periods of high demand, can also pose a financial burden on patients.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, provide a valuable resource. Companies like MedRide and American Medical Response (AMR) offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services often require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing. The Lung Cancer Score evaluates the availability, reliability, and affordability of these services.

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

The Lung Cancer Score for 08089 is derived from a comprehensive analysis of all transportation factors. It considers the average drive times to lung cancer treatment centers, the frequency and accessibility of public transit, the availability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transportation options.

A high score reflects convenient and reliable access to healthcare, while a low score indicates significant challenges. The score is not static; it should be regularly updated to reflect changes in transportation infrastructure, service availability, and healthcare facility locations.

**Implications for Residents and Prospective Movers**

For current residents of Waterford Works, understanding the Lung Cancer Score is crucial for planning and managing their healthcare needs. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer must be prepared for potential transportation challenges and should proactively explore all available options.

For individuals considering moving to Waterford Works, the Lung Cancer Score is an essential factor to consider. It provides a realistic assessment of healthcare access, allowing potential residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. Moving to Waterford Works requires a thorough understanding of the local transportation landscape, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

**Conclusion: Prioritizing Healthcare Access**

The Lung Cancer Score for 08089 highlights the complexities of accessing healthcare in a rural area. While personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation, limited public transit options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services pose challenges. The availability of medical transportation services offers a crucial lifeline for patients, but their cost and the need for advance booking should be considered.

Improving healthcare access in Waterford Works requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes advocating for enhanced public transportation services, promoting the availability of ride-sharing services, and ensuring the affordability and accessibility of medical transportation. By prioritizing transportation infrastructure and healthcare access, the community can improve the quality of life for its residents, particularly those battling lung cancer.