Overall Health Score

08055, Medford, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

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Health Scores

Travel Score in 08055, Medford, New Jersey

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 08055, Medford, New Jersey is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.38 percent of residents in 08055 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.00 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is West Jersey Hospital with a distance of 5.49 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 08055, Medford, New Jersey

Overall Health Score 67
People Score 53
Provider Score 78
Hospital Score 18
Travel Score 68

Closest Hospital - WEST JERSEY HOSPITAL

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 08055 Medford New Jersey
No Cars 0.93 0.93 6.31
1 Car 8.08 8.08 22.51
2 Cars 45.32 45.32 39.65
3 or More Cars 45.67 45.67 31.52

Vehicular Access in 08055, Medford, New Jersey

Travel Score Review of 08055, Medford, New Jersey

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Medford, NJ (ZIP Code 08055)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access essential services, particularly healthcare. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 08055 (Medford, New Jersey), evaluates the ease and efficiency of **transportation** options available to residents seeking medical care. We'll assess the landscape of **healthcare access**, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and specialized medical transport, ultimately providing an “Overall Health Score” to inform those **moving to Medford** and current residents alike.

The foundation of this assessment lies in understanding the geography of Medford and its surrounding areas. The town, a charming blend of suburban and rural landscapes, is located in Burlington County. Major roadways like Route 70, Route 73, and the Garden State Parkway are vital arteries, connecting Medford to larger medical hubs. However, the reliance on personal vehicles significantly impacts the overall health score, particularly for those without access to a car.

**Drive Times and Roadway Navigation:**

Navigating the roadways is the most common mode of **transportation** for accessing healthcare in Medford. The primary challenge is the distance to major hospitals and specialized medical facilities. Virtua Voorhees Hospital, a prominent regional medical center, is approximately a 20-30 minute drive via Route 70, depending on traffic. Similarly, Cooper University Hospital in Camden, a larger tertiary care facility, requires a 30-45 minute commute, often utilizing Route 70 and Route 38.

Smaller, more localized medical practices and urgent care facilities are generally accessible within a 10-15 minute drive. These include primary care physicians, specialists, and outpatient clinics. However, the availability of specific specialists and the need for more advanced care necessitate longer travel times. Rush hour congestion, particularly on Route 70 and Route 73, can significantly extend these drive times, impacting the timeliness of care and adding stress to patients.

The condition of the roads also plays a role. While generally well-maintained, potholes and construction projects can cause delays. The presence of traffic lights and stop signs along the primary routes adds to the cumulative travel time. Considering these factors, the drive-time component contributes a moderate score, reflecting the accessibility of nearby facilities but the challenges associated with reaching larger hospitals and potential traffic delays.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transit options in Medford are limited, presenting a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles. The New Jersey Transit (NJT) bus system provides service, but routes are infrequent and primarily focused on connecting to larger regional hubs like Philadelphia. The primary bus route serving Medford is the 406, which travels along Route 70.

While the 406 offers a connection to the PATCO high-speed line in Camden, allowing access to Philadelphia hospitals, the journey is time-consuming, often exceeding an hour. The lack of direct routes to many healthcare facilities and the need for transfers further complicate the process. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a critical consideration. The NJT is mandated to provide ADA-compliant buses, ensuring accessibility for wheelchair users. However, the limited frequency of service and the potential for long wait times can still pose challenges.

The lack of robust public transit significantly lowers the overall health score. It creates a disparity in **healthcare access**, particularly for low-income residents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities who may be unable to drive or afford ride-sharing services. The absence of a comprehensive public transit system leaves a considerable gap in the community's ability to ensure equitable access to medical care.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. These services are readily available in Medford, providing on-demand **transportation** to healthcare appointments. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant barrier, particularly for frequent medical visits. The expense of these services can quickly accumulate, placing a financial strain on individuals and families.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations, offer a more specialized solution. These services typically provide door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist with patient transfers. Several medical transport companies operate in the Medford area, including but not limited to, MedTrans and First Transit. However, these services are often reserved for patients with specific medical needs or are covered by insurance.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services partially mitigates the limitations of public transit. However, the cost and eligibility requirements of these services can restrict their accessibility, particularly for those with limited financial resources. The reliance on these services also highlights the community's dependence on individual solutions rather than a comprehensive public **transportation** infrastructure.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Considering all factors, the "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in Medford (08055) is moderate. The score is influenced by the following:

* **Strengths:** Relatively short drive times to local medical practices and urgent care facilities. Availability of ride-sharing services. Presence of medical transportation options for specialized needs.
* **Weaknesses:** Limited public transit options, particularly for reaching major hospitals. Reliance on personal vehicles for the majority of healthcare visits. Potential for traffic delays on major roadways. Cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services.

To improve the "Overall Health Score," several recommendations are crucial:

1. **Enhance Public Transit:** Advocate for increased frequency and expanded routes for NJT bus service, particularly to connect with major hospitals and medical centers in the region. Explore the feasibility of a shuttle service specifically designed to transport residents to healthcare appointments.
2. **Promote Ride-Sharing Subsidies:** Partner with local organizations to offer subsidized ride-sharing programs for low-income residents and seniors.
3. **Expand Medical Transportation Options:** Increase awareness of available medical transportation services and work with insurance providers to expand coverage for these services.
4. **Improve Roadway Infrastructure:** Advocate for road improvements and traffic management strategies to reduce congestion and travel times.
5. **Encourage Telemedicine:** Promote the use of telemedicine to reduce the need for in-person visits, particularly for follow-up appointments and routine consultations.

These recommendations would significantly improve **healthcare access** for all residents, particularly those **moving to Medford** or already residing in the area. By addressing the limitations in **transportation** options, the community can foster a healthier and more equitable environment for all.

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Health Scores Near 08055, Medford, New Jersey

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Health Scores in 08055, Medford, New Jersey