08312, Clayton, New Jersey Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 08312, Clayton, New Jersey is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.67 percent of residents in 08312 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.28 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Inspira Medical Center Elmer with a distance of 6.85 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Clayton, NJ (ZIP Code 08312)

Considering a move to Clayton, New Jersey (ZIP Code 08312)? This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score," a hypothetical metric assessing the ease and efficiency of accessing lung cancer-related healthcare services, specifically focusing on transportation options. This score, while not a definitive medical assessment, considers travel times, accessibility, and available transportation modalities. It serves as a practical guide for prospective residents, especially those with potential or existing lung health concerns.

The score weighs several factors: drive times to oncology centers, pulmonologists, and diagnostic facilities; the availability and efficiency of public transit; the presence of ride-sharing services; and the availability of medical transport. The higher the score, the more accessible and convenient healthcare appears, potentially easing the burden of treatment and follow-up care.

Clayton, a small borough in Gloucester County, presents a unique challenge. While offering a close-knit community and affordable living, its proximity to major medical hubs and the availability of transportation options are crucial for healthcare access, particularly for a disease like lung cancer, requiring frequent appointments and potentially complex treatments.

**Driving to Healthcare: The Primary Route**

For most Clayton residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The most direct route to larger healthcare facilities involves navigating the network of local roads and highways. The primary artery connecting Clayton to the outside world is **Delsea Drive (Route 47)**, a busy thoroughfare that can experience significant traffic, especially during peak hours.

To reach Inspira Medical Center in Vineland, a well-regarded regional hospital with oncology services, the drive typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic on Route 47. From Clayton, you'll head south on Delsea Drive. Expect delays around intersections and during rush hour.

For access to facilities in Philadelphia, like the prestigious Fox Chase Cancer Center, the journey is more complex. You would likely take Route 47 north to the **Atlantic City Expressway**, then connect to the **New Jersey Turnpike** or **I-295** towards Philadelphia. This drive can easily exceed an hour, especially during peak travel times. The **Walt Whitman Bridge** or the **Ben Franklin Bridge** provides access to the city.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation in Clayton is limited. The **NJ Transit** system provides bus service in the area, but routes are infrequent and may not directly serve all healthcare destinations. The primary bus route serving the area is the **403** route, which runs along Delsea Drive. However, this route is not specifically designed for medical transport and may require transfers to reach hospitals or specialist offices.

The 403 route is not known for its ADA accessibility features, but the NJ Transit system is required by law to make accommodations. Individuals with mobility issues should confirm accessibility features, such as ramps and priority seating, before relying on public transit. Planning and coordination are essential when considering public transportation for medical appointments.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Clayton area. However, their availability and pricing can fluctuate depending on demand and the time of day. For medical appointments, relying solely on ride-sharing can be risky due to potential delays or cancellations.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, are available in the region. These services are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. Companies like MedStar and Medical Transportation Management (MTM) provide NEMT services, which can be arranged through insurance or privately. These services are often more reliable than ride-sharing but may require pre-booking and can be more expensive.

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

Based on the above factors, the Lung Cancer Score for Clayton, NJ (ZIP Code 08312) would likely fall in the moderate range. While the proximity to Vineland's Inspira Medical Center provides relatively quick access to oncology services, the longer travel times to Philadelphia's specialized facilities and the limitations of public transportation present challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for traffic congestion on Route 47 and the highways further impact the score.

The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport options provides some relief, but their cost and reliability should be carefully considered. For individuals with lung cancer or at high risk, the need for frequent appointments and potentially intensive treatments necessitates careful consideration of transportation options.

**Moving to Clayton: A Balanced Perspective**

Moving to Clayton offers the benefits of a close-knit community and affordable living. However, potential residents, particularly those with healthcare needs, should carefully assess the transportation landscape. Weigh the convenience of driving against the potential for traffic delays. Investigate the availability and reliability of public transit and ride-sharing services. Explore medical transport options and their associated costs.

Before making a decision, prospective residents should visit healthcare facilities, assess drive times during peak hours, and familiarize themselves with public transportation routes. Contacting local medical providers and transportation companies to gather specific information about services and accessibility is highly recommended.

Ultimately, the decision to move to Clayton should be based on a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare access landscape, balancing the community's appeal with the practical realities of transportation and healthcare needs. This "Lung Cancer Score" analysis provides a starting point for that crucial evaluation.