07008, Carteret, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 07008, Carteret, New Jersey is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.03 percent of residents in 07008 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital At Rahway with a distance of 3.67 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Carteret (ZIP Code 07008)

Carteret, New Jersey, a vibrant borough nestled on the Arthur Kill, presents a unique landscape for assessing overall health, heavily influenced by the accessibility of healthcare services. A critical component of this assessment is understanding the ease with which residents can access medical care, a factor intricately tied to the available **transportation** options. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the commute to healthcare facilities for residents of ZIP Code 07008, considering driving times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, ultimately culminating in an **Overall Health Score** reflecting the challenges and opportunities inherent in accessing healthcare within the community.

The primary method of accessing healthcare in Carteret, as with much of suburban America, is by personal vehicle. The borough’s location, however, presents both advantages and disadvantages. Residents can quickly access healthcare facilities in neighboring towns, but congestion and distance can significantly impact travel times. Major roadways like the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), the Garden State Parkway, and Route 440 are crucial arteries for travel. The Turnpike provides the fastest route to hospitals in New Brunswick and Newark, while the Parkway offers a more scenic route, though it can experience heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. Route 440, a vital local thoroughfare, connects Carteret to surrounding communities and provides access to numerous medical offices and clinics.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary significantly depending on the destination and time of day. For instance, a trip to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick via the Turnpike can take as little as 20 minutes during off-peak hours but can easily stretch to 45 minutes or longer during rush hour. Similarly, a journey to Newark’s University Hospital, utilizing the Turnpike, could take approximately 30 minutes under ideal conditions, but can easily double during peak travel times. Local urgent care facilities and primary care physicians within Carteret, accessible via local roads such as Roosevelt Avenue and Middlesex Avenue, offer more immediate access, typically requiring drive times of less than 10 minutes. However, these facilities may not offer the full range of specialized services available at larger hospitals.

Public transit offers an alternative, albeit often less convenient, mode of **transportation** for accessing healthcare. NJ Transit provides bus service throughout Carteret, with routes such as the 116 and 114 offering connections to major hospitals and medical centers in the surrounding areas. The 116 route, for example, provides service to New York City, with connections to various hospitals. The 114 route serves Newark, providing access to University Hospital. While these routes offer a cost-effective option, they can be time-consuming, with travel times often exceeding those of driving, especially considering potential delays. Furthermore, the frequency of service can be limited, particularly during evenings and weekends.

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial consideration. NJ Transit buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, the availability of accessible infrastructure at bus stops and transfer points can vary, potentially creating challenges for individuals with mobility impairments. The overall experience for those reliant on public transit can be a significant barrier to **healthcare access**.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have emerged as a convenient option for accessing healthcare. These services provide door-to-door **transportation**, eliminating the need to navigate public transit schedules or rely on personal vehicles. The availability of these services in Carteret is generally good, with wait times typically ranging from 5 to 15 minutes. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, particularly for frequent trips or longer distances. Furthermore, the reliability of these services can be affected by factors such as driver availability and surge pricing during peak hours.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), cater specifically to individuals with medical needs who cannot safely utilize other modes of **transportation**. These services are essential for individuals with disabilities, those requiring assistance with mobility, or those needing stretcher transport. Several medical transport providers operate in the Carteret area, offering services to hospitals, doctor's appointments, and other medical facilities. The cost of medical transport can be substantial, and insurance coverage varies depending on the specific service and the individual's insurance plan.

The availability of healthcare facilities within Carteret itself also plays a significant role in the overall health score. The borough boasts several primary care physicians, dental practices, and urgent care centers, providing residents with convenient access to basic medical services. However, specialized medical services, such as cardiology, oncology, and advanced surgical procedures, are primarily located in neighboring communities, necessitating travel. The presence of these local facilities improves **healthcare access** for residents.

**Moving to Carteret** requires a thorough understanding of the local healthcare landscape. The proximity to major hospitals in New Brunswick and Newark is a significant advantage, but residents must consider the potential travel times and the availability of reliable **transportation**. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the potential for traffic congestion, underscores the importance of considering the **transportation** factor when assessing overall health.

**Overall Health Score:**

Based on the factors discussed above, the Overall Health Score for accessing healthcare in Carteret (ZIP Code 07008) is moderately positive. The borough benefits from its proximity to major medical centers and the availability of ride-sharing services. However, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the potential for traffic congestion pose challenges. The availability of local healthcare facilities, coupled with the ADA-compliant public transit options, contribute positively to the score. The cost of ride-sharing and medical transport, along with the limited frequency of public transit, detract from the overall score.

**Recommendations:**

* Improve public transit frequency and reliability, particularly during off-peak hours and weekends.
* Enhance the accessibility of bus stops and transfer points for individuals with disabilities.
* Promote the use of ride-sharing services to improve **healthcare access**.
* Encourage the development of more specialized medical services within Carteret to reduce the need for travel.
* Educate residents about available medical transport options and insurance coverage.
* Advocate for traffic management strategies to minimize congestion on major roadways.
* Provide resources and information for those **moving to Carteret**, highlighting the importance of planning for healthcare access.

By addressing these recommendations, Carteret can enhance the accessibility of healthcare services and improve the overall health and well-being of its residents. This will make the borough a more attractive place to live and thrive.