08087, Tuckerton, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 08087, Tuckerton, New Jersey is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.64 percent of residents in 08087 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 24.43 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Atlanticare Regional Medical Center - City Campus with a distance of 16.39 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Tuckerton (ZIP Code 08087)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 08087 (Tuckerton, New Jersey), provides an "Overall Health Score" based on transportation options available for residents seeking medical care. This score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, providing a comprehensive understanding of healthcare accessibility for individuals considering moving to Tuckerton or those already residing there.

Tuckerton, a charming coastal community, presents a unique challenge in healthcare access due to its relative remoteness. While the town offers a peaceful lifestyle, the availability of specialized medical services is often concentrated in larger cities. Therefore, understanding the transportation infrastructure is crucial for evaluating the overall health score. The score, a composite of various factors, aims to reflect the ease or difficulty residents face when accessing necessary medical care.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Tuckerton is undoubtedly the automobile. Several major roadways serve the area, influencing drive times to medical facilities. Route 9, a north-south artery, is a primary conduit for residents traveling to medical appointments. Depending on the destination, travel times on Route 9 can vary significantly, especially during peak hours. Congestion is a factor, particularly near the Garden State Parkway interchanges.

The Garden State Parkway itself offers a faster route to more distant healthcare providers. However, access points to the Parkway are limited, potentially adding travel time to reach the Parkway entrance. The availability of healthcare facilities to the south of Tuckerton is limited, making the northbound commute more common. Route 539, a less congested alternative, provides access to areas west of Tuckerton.

Drive times to healthcare facilities will vary based on the destination and the time of day. For routine appointments, like primary care physicians or dentists, residents might find convenient options within Tuckerton or neighboring towns like Little Egg Harbor. However, specialized medical services, such as cardiology, oncology, or advanced surgical procedures, often require travel to larger medical centers in Toms River, Atlantic City, or even Philadelphia.

Drive times to these larger centers can range from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic conditions. This extended travel time can significantly impact the overall health score, especially for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent medical attention. The ability to easily and quickly reach medical care is paramount to the overall health of a community.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation options in Tuckerton are limited, which significantly impacts the overall health score. The primary public transit provider is the New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit), offering bus service in the area. The primary route serving Tuckerton is the 559 bus, which connects the town to Atlantic City and Lakewood.

While the 559 bus provides a crucial link for those without personal vehicles, its frequency and route limitations present challenges. The bus schedule may not align with medical appointment times, potentially requiring residents to wait for extended periods. The bus route does not directly serve all healthcare facilities, requiring transfers or additional walking.

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a critical consideration. NJ Transit strives to provide accessible service, including wheelchair-accessible buses and designated seating. However, the availability of these features and the overall accessibility of bus stops can vary. The absence of a dedicated, comprehensive public transportation network directly serving medical facilities negatively affects the overall health score.

The lack of robust public transportation makes healthcare access more difficult for those who cannot drive, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those who cannot afford a car. This limitation underscores the need for alternative transportation solutions to ensure equitable healthcare access for all residents of Tuckerton.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Services:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option, particularly for those without access to a personal vehicle. The availability of these services in Tuckerton can vary, depending on driver availability and demand. While ride-sharing can provide convenient access to healthcare facilities, the cost can be a barrier for some residents.

Medical transport services, specializing in transporting patients to and from medical appointments, are another option. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance during travel. However, medical transport services can be expensive and may require advance booking.

Several medical transport providers operate in the area, including MedStar Ambulance Service and Atlantic Ambulance. These services offer various levels of care, from basic transportation to specialized medical assistance during transit. The availability and cost of these services are essential factors in evaluating the overall health score.

The reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport services highlights the gaps in public transportation and the challenges faced by residents who lack personal vehicles. The cost of these services, combined with the potential for limited availability, can exacerbate healthcare access disparities.

**Overall Health Score and Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Tuckerton, ZIP code 08087, is moderate. While the community offers a pleasant living environment, the limitations in transportation options present significant challenges for residents seeking medical care. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the limited public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, impacts the overall health score.

The drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly for specialized services, can be lengthy. The limited public transit options, especially for individuals with disabilities, further restrict access. While ride-sharing and medical transport services offer alternatives, their cost and availability can be prohibitive for some residents.

For individuals considering moving to Tuckerton, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation requirements is essential. The distance to specialized medical facilities and the availability of reliable transportation should be carefully considered. The overall health score reflects the need for improvements in transportation infrastructure to ensure equitable healthcare access for all residents.

Future initiatives, such as expanding public transportation routes, increasing the frequency of bus service, and promoting ride-sharing programs, could significantly improve the overall health score. Collaboration between local government, healthcare providers, and transportation services is crucial to address the challenges of healthcare access in Tuckerton. The focus should be on creating a community where all residents can easily and affordably reach the medical care they need.