08738, Mantoloking, New Jersey Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 08738, Mantoloking, New Jersey is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.19 percent of residents in 08738 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.36 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ocean Medical Center with a distance of 5.56 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 08738

The Jersey Shore, a haven of sun-kissed beaches and quaint seaside towns, often beckons with promises of a relaxed lifestyle. For those considering a move to Mantoloking, nestled within ZIP Code 08738, it’s crucial to assess the realities of healthcare access, particularly concerning a serious diagnosis like lung cancer. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape, vital for navigating the complexities of treatment, and offers a “Lung Cancer Score” to evaluate the region's suitability.

The score considers factors like drive times to specialized oncology centers, public transportation options, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. It aims to provide a realistic picture of the challenges and opportunities for individuals seeking care in this coastal community, especially those with limited mobility or facing the added stress of a cancer diagnosis.

The primary artery for transportation in and out of Mantoloking is the Garden State Parkway, a toll road that snakes its way along the Jersey Shore. Access to major medical facilities often involves a drive on this highway, potentially adding significant time to appointments, especially during peak seasons. The Parkway’s efficiency, however, is highly variable. Traffic can be a nightmare during summer weekends, impacting healthcare access and adding to the stress of patients.

Heading north, the nearest major hospitals offering comprehensive cancer care include Community Medical Center in Toms River, approximately a 30-minute drive, and Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, roughly a 45-minute journey. Southbound, the drive to Ocean Medical Center in Brick Township is also about 30 minutes. These drive times, while seemingly manageable, are estimates under ideal conditions.

Local roads, such as Route 35 and Route 37, serve as alternative routes, but they are often congested, particularly during tourist season. These roads can add considerable time to the commute, making them unreliable options for time-sensitive medical appointments. The unpredictable nature of traffic, especially when factoring in potential emergencies, demands careful consideration.

Public transportation options in the 08738 ZIP code are limited. The primary mode is the New Jersey Transit (NJT) bus system. The 67 bus route serves the area, connecting to Toms River and other towns along the coast. However, the frequency of the 67 is limited, especially during off-peak hours and weekends. The reliability of this bus is questionable for regular medical appointments.

ADA accessibility on the 67 bus is a crucial factor for patients with mobility limitations. While NJT strives to provide accessible services, the availability of accessible buses on every run isn't guaranteed. This uncertainty can be a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals with disabilities. Planning and pre-arrangements are essential to ensure a smooth commute.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, offering a more flexible transportation alternative. However, the availability of drivers can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in less populated areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments. The financial burden adds to the stress of cancer treatment.

Medical transportation services, such as LogistiCare and Veyo, provide specialized transportation for patients needing assistance. These services offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The availability of these services in the 08738 ZIP code is important, but it's crucial to verify coverage and scheduling requirements with your insurance provider.

Considering all these factors, we can create a "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 08738, using a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the most challenging and 5 the most accessible:

* **Drive Time to Oncology Centers:** 3 (Drive times are moderate, but traffic can be a major issue.)
* **Public Transportation:** 1 (Limited frequency and reliability, ADA accessibility concerns.)
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** 3 (Available, but cost and driver availability are variables.)
* **Medical Transportation Services:** 3 (Services exist, but require pre-planning and insurance verification.)
* **Overall Lung Cancer Score:** 2.5 (The score reflects the challenges and limitations in healthcare access, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or without personal transportation.)

This score highlights the need for careful planning and consideration for individuals considering a move to Mantoloking, especially those with pre-existing health conditions or those concerned about potential healthcare needs. The reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing underscores the importance of having a reliable transportation plan.

Moving to Mantoloking, while appealing, requires a realistic assessment of healthcare access. The distance to specialized cancer centers, the limitations of public transportation, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services necessitate a proactive approach to healthcare planning. Prioritizing proximity to healthcare facilities, or ensuring reliable access to transportation, is paramount.

The challenges of navigating healthcare in 08738 underscore the importance of pre-planning. Before making a move, individuals should research the availability of oncology services, assess the practicality of transportation options, and familiarize themselves with local resources. This proactive approach can help ensure that healthcare access is not a barrier to a fulfilling life in this beautiful coastal community.

The "Lung Cancer Score" provides a framework for evaluating the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. It emphasizes the need for informed decision-making, especially for individuals facing the complexities of cancer treatment. By understanding the realities of transportation and healthcare access, residents can make informed choices and ensure they receive the care they need.