08835, Manville, New Jersey Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 08835, Manville, New Jersey is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.89 percent of residents in 08835 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.92 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital - Somerset with a distance of 1.98 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Manville, NJ (ZIP Code 08835)

Moving to Manville, New Jersey, a borough nestled in Somerset County, presents a unique set of considerations, particularly concerning healthcare access. This write-up provides a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options available to residents diagnosed with lung cancer, a disease demanding timely and consistent medical attention. The score will evaluate the accessibility of oncology services, incorporating factors like drive times, public transit viability, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport within and from ZIP Code 08835. This analysis aims to empower potential and current residents with the information needed to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey.

The foundation of any lung cancer treatment plan is early detection and consistent follow-up care. This necessitates reliable **transportation** to and from medical appointments, including diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical consultations. The "Lung Cancer Score" will consider the practicality of each mode of **transportation** in the context of a patient's physical limitations and the frequency of their medical needs.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

Manville's location offers both advantages and disadvantages in terms of healthcare access. The borough is relatively close to major medical centers, but traffic congestion and road conditions can significantly impact travel times. A primary route for accessing healthcare facilities is via **Route 28**, a major east-west thoroughfare. Driving east on Route 28 provides access to hospitals and specialist offices in Somerville and Bridgewater. The drive to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville, a common destination for oncology services, typically takes 10-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Alternatively, traveling west on **Route 28** connects to Route 206, which then leads to hospitals in Hillsborough and Princeton. The drive to Princeton Medical Center, a comprehensive cancer center, can take approximately 30-45 minutes, contingent upon traffic volume, particularly during peak commuting hours.

**Interstate 287** is another critical highway for accessing healthcare. Taking **Route 287** north offers access to hospitals in Morristown and further north, while traveling south leads to hospitals in New Brunswick. The drive to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, a major cancer center, can range from 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific route chosen.

Local roads, such as **South Main Street** and **North Main Street** in Manville, provide access to local medical practices and pharmacies. However, these roads can be congested during peak hours, and their suitability for patients with mobility limitations needs consideration.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transit presents a mixed bag of accessibility for residents of Manville. New Jersey Transit (NJT) provides bus service in the area, but the options are limited. The **819 bus** route provides service to Somerville and Bound Brook, connecting to the Raritan Valley Line train. The **819** bus route may not be ideal for patients undergoing cancer treatment due to the frequency of stops, potential for overcrowding, and the inherent challenges of navigating public transit with compromised health.

The Raritan Valley Line train, accessible from the Bound Brook station, offers a more direct route to Newark Penn Station and New York City, where specialized cancer centers are located. However, this option requires a transfer from the bus or a ride to the train station, adding complexity and potential delays to the journey.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility varies across the public transit network. While NJT strives to provide accessible services, including accessible buses and train stations, patients should confirm the availability of accessible features, such as ramps, elevators, and designated seating, before relying on public transit. The **819** bus may have limited ADA features.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Manville. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving, especially for patients who are unable to drive themselves or lack access to a personal vehicle. However, the cost of ride-sharing can accumulate quickly, especially for frequent medical appointments. Patients should factor in the cost of ride-sharing when planning their healthcare budget.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, provide a more specialized option. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and other local providers offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. These services are often covered by insurance, making them a more affordable option for patients with mobility limitations.

**Healthcare Access and the "Lung Cancer Score":**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Manville, NJ (08835) is a complex calculation. It considers the proximity of healthcare facilities, the reliability of transportation options, and the cost of accessing care. The score will be influenced by the following factors:

* **Proximity to Cancer Centers:** The presence of cancer centers in Somerville, Bridgewater, Princeton, and New Brunswick contributes positively to the score.
* **Drive Time Variability:** Traffic congestion on major roadways like Route 28 and I-287 can negatively impact the score, especially during peak hours.
* **Public Transit Limitations:** The limited public transit options, particularly the **819** bus, and the need for transfers, can negatively affect the score.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The accessibility of ride-sharing services, while convenient, is offset by the cost factor.
* **Medical Transport Availability:** The availability of NEMT services, often covered by insurance, positively impacts the score.

**The Score will be a weighted average of these factors, giving greater weight to the reliability and affordability of transportation options.**

**Conclusion:**

For residents of Manville, NJ (08835), the "Lung Cancer Score" will likely be moderate. While the borough benefits from its proximity to major medical centers, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit present challenges. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport options offers viable alternatives. Individuals considering **moving to Manville** or those already residing in the area should carefully assess their **transportation** needs and healthcare access options. Planning for reliable **transportation** is crucial for managing lung cancer and ensuring timely access to potentially life-saving treatments. Understanding the intricacies of **healthcare access** in Manville is paramount for navigating the complexities of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.