08317, Dorothy, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 08317, Dorothy, New Jersey is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

31.94 percent of residents in 08317 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.14 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Inspira Medical Center Vineland with a distance of 12.03 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 08317 (Dorothy, NJ)

This assessment provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare access within and around ZIP Code 08317, focusing on transportation options. Understanding the ease of travel to medical facilities is crucial for residents' overall health and well-being, particularly in a rural area like Dorothy, New Jersey. This analysis considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and specialized medical transportation, offering a nuanced picture of healthcare accessibility.

The primary challenge for residents of Dorothy, NJ, when considering healthcare access, is its rural location. The town itself is relatively small, and the nearest hospitals and specialist practices are located in surrounding towns and cities. This necessitates reliance on various modes of transportation, making the commute a critical factor in healthcare outcomes.

**Driving: The Primary Mode**

For most residents, personal vehicles represent the most common means of transportation to healthcare appointments. The primary arteries for accessing medical facilities from Dorothy are the major highways and local roads. Route 50, a significant north-south thoroughfare, provides a direct link to Hammonton, where AtlantiCare Hammonton is located. This drive typically takes between 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic.

Another crucial route is Route 40, which runs east-west, offering access to hospitals and medical centers in Vineland, approximately a 25- to 40-minute drive. Route 55, a limited-access highway, is accessible via Route 40 and provides a faster route to facilities further north, such as those in Glassboro, though this adds to the overall travel time, potentially reaching an hour or more.

Local roads, such as Tuckahoe Road and Weymouth Road, serve as connectors to these primary routes. While these roads are generally well-maintained, they can be subject to traffic, especially during peak hours. The condition of these roads, especially after inclement weather, can impact commute times and safety.

**Public Transportation: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Dorothy and the surrounding areas are limited. The primary provider is the New Jersey Transit (NJT) system. However, bus routes serving the area are infrequent and may not directly connect Dorothy to major medical centers. The most relevant routes would likely involve transfers, adding significant travel time.

For example, a resident might need to take a bus from Dorothy to Hammonton, then transfer to another bus to reach a medical facility. The frequency of these routes is often low, with buses running only a few times a day. This can pose a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for those without access to a personal vehicle.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible features on these buses is crucial for individuals with disabilities. NJT strives to provide accessible services, but the availability of fully accessible routes and the overall convenience of using public transit for medical appointments remain a concern.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, providing an alternative to driving or public transit. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas. Surge pricing, common during peak hours or periods of high demand, can make ride-sharing an expensive option for routine medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance during travel. Several medical transport brands operate in the region, including some that offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

However, these services can be costly, and availability might be limited, requiring advance booking. The coverage area of these services may also vary, potentially impacting access to healthcare facilities outside of the immediate vicinity.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Challenge**

Healthcare access in Dorothy, NJ, is a multifaceted challenge. The rural location, coupled with limited public transportation options, necessitates reliance on personal vehicles. This can be problematic for those without access to a car, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offers alternative solutions, but their cost and availability can be significant barriers. The distance to healthcare facilities, even with reliable transportation, contributes to longer travel times, potentially impacting patient compliance with appointments and treatment plans.

**Specific Considerations for Dorothy Residents**

Moving to Dorothy requires careful consideration of healthcare access. Prospective residents should assess their transportation needs and the availability of medical services in the area. Those reliant on public transit should research NJT routes and schedules thoroughly. Individuals with mobility limitations should explore the availability and cost of medical transportation services.

The proximity to Hammonton and Vineland, with their respective hospitals and medical practices, offers a degree of convenience. However, the reliance on driving necessitates careful planning and consideration of traffic conditions.

**Conclusion: A Call for Improved Access**

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 08317 reflects a mixed picture. While driving provides the most convenient option for many, the limitations of public transit, the cost and availability of ride-sharing, and the expense of medical transportation services highlight the need for improved access.

Enhancements to public transportation, including increased route frequency and expanded ADA-accessible services, would significantly improve healthcare access for Dorothy residents. Partnerships between healthcare providers and transportation services, such as subsidized ride-sharing programs or coordinated medical transportation, could also alleviate some of the challenges.

Ultimately, improving healthcare access in Dorothy requires a multi-pronged approach, addressing the transportation barriers and ensuring that all residents, regardless of their mobility or socioeconomic status, can readily access the medical care they need. This is particularly important for the elderly population and those with chronic health conditions. The overall health of the community depends on it.