08802, Asbury, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 08802, Asbury, New Jersey is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.56 percent of residents in 08802 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.66 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Luke's Warren Hospital with a distance of 8.86 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 08802

This analysis assesses the accessibility of healthcare services for residents of ZIP code 08802, a region encompassing parts of Asbury Park, New Jersey, focusing on the critical element of transportation. The ability to reach medical facilities efficiently and reliably directly impacts overall health outcomes. This score considers various transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access. Considering a move to Asbury? Understanding these factors is paramount.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The primary arteries serving 08802 are the Garden State Parkway and Route 35. The Parkway, a major north-south thoroughfare, offers relatively swift access to healthcare facilities located further afield, like those in Monmouth County. However, peak traffic periods, particularly during rush hours, can significantly extend drive times, impacting the urgency of medical needs. Route 35, a more local road, provides direct access to healthcare providers within Asbury Park and neighboring towns, but it’s often congested, further complicating healthcare access.

Traffic congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours, poses a significant challenge. The time required to reach a doctor's office or hospital can vary dramatically based on the time of day, the day of the week, and even the season. Residents relying on personal vehicles must factor in these variables when planning appointments or seeking emergency care. This variability underscores the need for diverse transportation options.

**Public Transit Pathways:**

New Jersey Transit (NJT) provides public transportation options, including bus routes, within and around 08802. The primary bus routes serving the area are the 830, and 831. The 830 generally runs along Main Street, providing access to various local businesses and residential areas. The 831 runs along the coastal area. The frequency of these routes and their coverage of healthcare facilities are essential factors in assessing healthcare access.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration for public transit. NJT is mandated to provide accessible services, including wheelchair-accessible buses and designated seating. However, the reliability of these features, especially during peak hours or in inclement weather, can be a concern. The availability of accessible bus stops and shelters is also critical for ensuring a seamless and dignified transit experience for all residents.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an on-demand transportation alternative. Their availability and affordability within 08802 directly impact healthcare access, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who find public transit challenging. The convenience of door-to-door service and the potential for real-time tracking can be invaluable, especially for urgent medical needs.

Specialized medical transport services, such as those offered by various private companies, cater to individuals with mobility limitations or specific medical needs. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients during transport. While offering a higher level of care and convenience, these services often come with higher costs, potentially creating a barrier to healthcare access for some residents.

**Healthcare Access: A Holistic View:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in 08802 reflects a complex interplay of factors. The reliance on personal vehicles is substantial, and drive times can be significantly impacted by traffic congestion on the Garden State Parkway and Route 35. Public transit, while offering an alternative, is limited by route frequency and potential accessibility challenges. Ride-sharing services provide a convenient option, but their availability and affordability can fluctuate. Medical transport services offer specialized care but may be cost-prohibitive for some.

The proximity of healthcare facilities to residential areas plays a crucial role. Residents closer to medical providers experience shorter travel times, enhancing their healthcare access. The location of hospitals, urgent care centers, and specialist offices within and around 08802 directly influences the overall health score. The availability of healthcare providers accepting various insurance plans is also a key factor, as it determines the affordability of medical services.

**Moving to Asbury: A Transportation Perspective:**

For individuals considering moving to Asbury Park (08802), understanding the transportation landscape is paramount. Assessing the availability of healthcare services and the ease of reaching them should be a key consideration. Prospective residents should evaluate their transportation needs, considering their reliance on personal vehicles, their comfort with public transit, and their potential need for ride-sharing or medical transport services.

The availability of healthcare providers accepting their insurance plans is also a critical factor. Researching the location and accessibility of hospitals, urgent care centers, and specialist offices within and around 08802 will help prospective residents make informed decisions about their healthcare access.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in 08802 is influenced by a combination of transportation options and healthcare facility proximity. While personal vehicles offer flexibility, traffic congestion can be a significant challenge. Public transit provides an alternative, but its limitations must be considered. Ride-sharing and medical transport services offer convenient options, but affordability and availability may vary. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is crucial for residents and prospective residents alike, ensuring they can effectively navigate the transportation landscape and access the healthcare services they need. The ongoing efforts to improve public transit, enhance road infrastructure, and promote ride-sharing services will further impact the overall health score, contributing to improved healthcare access for the community.