07717, Avon By The Sea, New Jersey Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 07717, Avon By The Sea, New Jersey is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.43 percent of residents in 07717 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.25 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Jersey Shore University Medical Center with a distance of 1.46 miles from the area.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ (ZIP Code 07717)**

Considering a move to the charming coastal town of Avon-by-the-Sea, New Jersey, and concerned about healthcare access, particularly for prostate cancer screening and treatment? This analysis provides a "Prostate Cancer Score" based on transportation options and drive times to relevant medical facilities, offering a nuanced perspective on healthcare accessibility for residents of ZIP code 07717. Understanding these factors is crucial for informed decision-making, especially when considering long-term health needs.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" is not a formal medical assessment but rather a composite metric reflecting the ease and efficiency of reaching healthcare providers specializing in prostate cancer care. This score considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score suggests potential challenges in reaching necessary medical appointments.

**Drive Time Analysis: Navigating the Roads to Care**

Avon-by-the-Sea's location on the Jersey Shore presents both advantages and disadvantages regarding healthcare access. While the area offers a desirable quality of life, its relative isolation can impact travel times to specialized medical centers. For prostate cancer care, proximity to comprehensive cancer centers is paramount.

Driving is the most common mode of transportation for residents of 07717. The primary arteries for accessing healthcare facilities are the Garden State Parkway and Route 35. The Parkway provides a north-south corridor, while Route 35 runs parallel to the coastline, offering a more direct route to local hospitals and medical offices. However, traffic congestion, especially during peak season, can significantly impact drive times.

For instance, a drive to Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, a hospital with robust oncology services, typically takes around 20-30 minutes via Route 35, assuming moderate traffic. In contrast, a drive to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune Township, another major healthcare provider, requires a similar timeframe via Route 35, or slightly longer via the Parkway, depending on traffic conditions.

Further afield, access to specialized cancer centers like the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey in New Brunswick, a nationally recognized facility, involves a longer commute, typically around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes via the Garden State Parkway and Route 18. This longer travel time could necessitate careful planning for appointments, treatments, and follow-up care.

**Public Transit: Navigating the System**

Public transportation options in Avon-by-the-Sea are limited but present alternatives for those who prefer not to drive. New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) provides bus service in the area, although the frequency and coverage are not as extensive as in more urban areas.

The primary bus route serving Avon-by-the-Sea is the 830, which runs along Route 35, connecting the town to neighboring communities and providing access to train stations. While the 830 offers a potentially viable option for reaching some local medical offices, it might not be the most convenient choice for reaching hospitals further afield.

Furthermore, the 830 bus route has ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, including ramps and designated seating. However, the overall travel time on public transit can be significantly longer than driving, potentially adding to the stress of medical appointments.

Accessing the NJ Transit train network, which offers direct service to New York City and other major destinations, involves a short bus ride to a nearby train station, such as the Long Branch or Bradley Beach stations. From these stations, patients can access cancer centers in New York City, such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center or NYU Langone Health, but this option requires a significant time commitment, often exceeding two hours each way.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, provide a convenient alternative to driving or public transit, especially for those who cannot or prefer not to drive. These services are readily available in Avon-by-the-Sea, offering on-demand transportation to medical appointments. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a factor, particularly for frequent appointments or long-distance travel.

Medical transportation services, such as medical vans and ambulette services, cater specifically to patients with mobility limitations or other medical needs. These services offer door-to-door transportation, ensuring patients can safely and comfortably reach their appointments. Several medical transport providers serve the 07717 area, including brands like First Choice Medical Transportation and SeniorCare Transportation. However, it's essential to check insurance coverage and pre-book these services well in advance.

**Prostate Cancer Score: A Holistic View**

Considering all factors, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for Avon-by-the-Sea (07717) is moderately favorable. The area benefits from proximity to several hospitals and medical offices, offering a range of healthcare services. However, the reliance on driving and the potential for traffic congestion can impact travel times. Public transit options are available but limited. Ride-sharing and medical transport services provide supplementary options.

For residents of 07717, planning for healthcare access is crucial. This includes researching healthcare providers, understanding insurance coverage, and exploring transportation options. While Avon-by-the-Sea offers a desirable lifestyle, prospective residents should carefully consider the implications of healthcare access, particularly for specialized care like prostate cancer treatment. The availability of multiple transportation options, while not perfect, provides a reasonable level of healthcare access for residents of Avon-by-the-Sea, allowing them to focus on their health and well-being.