08724, Brick, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 08724, Brick, New Jersey is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.27 percent of residents in 08724 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.22 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ocean Medical Center with a distance of 0.86 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 08724 (Brick, NJ)**

Navigating the intricate web of healthcare access in Brick, New Jersey (ZIP Code 08724), reveals a multifaceted picture. This analysis, designed to provide an “Overall Health Score,” considers the critical elements of transportation, healthcare access, and the nuances of commuting to medical facilities. For those considering moving to Brick, understanding this landscape is paramount.

The foundation of healthcare access lies in the ability to reach medical providers. In Brick, this is heavily reliant on personal vehicles. The primary arteries of transportation are the Garden State Parkway, Route 70, Route 88, and Route 35. These roadways, while offering efficient movement, are subject to the ebb and flow of traffic, particularly during peak hours and seasonal influxes. Drive times to healthcare facilities, therefore, are variable.

The major healthcare hubs servicing Brick are located both within and outside the immediate ZIP code. Ocean Medical Center, a prominent facility, is situated within Brick, offering a range of specialties. Reaching Ocean Medical Center from various points within 08724 typically involves a drive of 10-20 minutes, depending on the specific origin and traffic conditions on Route 88 or Route 70.

For specialized care, residents may need to travel further afield. Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in nearby Lakewood, accessible via the Garden State Parkway or Route 70, may require a 20-30 minute drive. The commute to hospitals in Toms River, such as Community Medical Center, can take a similar amount of time, often involving travel on Route 37.

Public transportation options in Brick are limited, which presents a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The primary public transit provider is NJ Transit, offering bus routes that traverse the area. However, these routes may not directly serve all healthcare facilities, and their frequency can be a limiting factor.

The most relevant NJ Transit bus routes for healthcare access in Brick are the 559 and the 67. The 559 runs along Route 88 and Route 70, potentially providing access to Ocean Medical Center and other medical offices along its route. The 67 provides service along Route 35. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration. NJ Transit is mandated to provide accessible buses, but the availability of accessible stops and the overall convenience of these routes for healthcare commutes need to be carefully evaluated. The sparse nature of public transit, coupled with the vastness of the area, makes it difficult for many to rely on buses to access healthcare.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option, particularly for those unable to drive or who prefer not to. Availability and cost are crucial considerations. While these services are generally present in the area, surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand, such as during medical emergencies, can significantly increase the cost of transportation.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or specific medical needs, are available in the region. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and local private ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services often require advance booking and may have associated costs, including co-pays or out-of-pocket expenses. The reliability and responsiveness of these services are vital, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring regular medical appointments.

The geographic layout of Brick, with its sprawling residential areas and dispersed healthcare facilities, further complicates transportation challenges. Residents in the more remote sections of the ZIP code may face significantly longer travel times to access healthcare, particularly if they rely on public transit or ride-sharing services.

The availability of healthcare providers within Brick itself is a positive factor, reducing the need for long-distance travel for routine medical care. However, the concentration of specialists and advanced medical services in neighboring towns necessitates travel, increasing the reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods.

Healthcare access extends beyond mere physical proximity. The availability of telehealth services, where patients can consult with healthcare providers remotely via video or phone, is becoming increasingly important. Telehealth can mitigate some of the transportation barriers, particularly for follow-up appointments or consultations that do not require a physical examination. The availability and accessibility of telehealth services within the healthcare network serving Brick are an important factor to consider.

The "Overall Health Score" for commute to healthcare in 08724 is therefore a nuanced assessment. While the presence of Ocean Medical Center within the ZIP code provides a local access point, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transportation services present challenges.

For individuals considering moving to Brick, a thorough evaluation of their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is essential. Factors to consider include their ability to drive, their access to a reliable vehicle, and their proximity to healthcare facilities. Those who rely on public transit or have mobility limitations should carefully assess the feasibility of accessing healthcare using available options.

The overall health score is, therefore, moderate. The presence of local healthcare facilities is a positive, but the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit create barriers to access for some residents. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services provides alternative options, but the associated costs and potential delays must be considered. The expansion of telehealth services could potentially improve healthcare access, but its widespread adoption is still evolving.