08723, Brick, New Jersey Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 08723, Brick, New Jersey is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.79 percent of residents in 08723 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.08 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ocean Medical Center with a distance of 2.87 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Brick, NJ (ZIP Code 08723)

Considering a move to Brick, New Jersey (ZIP code 08723), and concerned about healthcare access, particularly for prostate cancer screening and treatment? This analysis provides a "Prostate Cancer Score" based on transportation options, healthcare facility proximity, and overall accessibility. This score aims to help you understand the ease of navigating the healthcare landscape in this coastal community.

The score isn't a definitive medical assessment, but a practical evaluation of how easily you can reach critical healthcare services. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport, all crucial elements in ensuring timely and convenient access to care.

**Understanding the Score:**

The Prostate Cancer Score is based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 representing the best possible access. Factors considered include:

* **Proximity to Urologists and Cancer Centers:** How close are facilities specializing in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment?
* **Transportation Options:** What are the available modes of transportation, and how easy are they to use?
* **Drive Times:** How long does it take to reach healthcare facilities by car, considering traffic patterns?
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** Are there reliable public transit options, and are they accessible for individuals with mobility limitations?
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** Are ride-sharing services and specialized medical transport readily available?

**The Landscape of Healthcare in Brick (08723):**

Brick Township, nestled along the Barnegat Bay, offers a blend of suburban living and coastal charm. While the area boasts a generally high quality of life, healthcare access, especially for specialized services, requires careful consideration of transportation. The primary focus will be on prostate cancer care, considering the need for regular screenings, potential treatment, and follow-up appointments.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

Driving is the dominant mode of transportation in Brick. The major roadways influencing healthcare access are the Garden State Parkway, Route 70, Route 88, and Brick Boulevard. Travel times fluctuate depending on the time of day and seasonal traffic, especially during the summer months when tourists flock to the Jersey Shore.

From central Brick, you can expect a drive time of approximately 15-30 minutes to reach the closest hospitals with urology departments and cancer centers. These include facilities located in Toms River, such as Community Medical Center, and facilities in Point Pleasant.

During peak hours, particularly weekday mornings and evenings, traffic on Route 70 and the Garden State Parkway can significantly increase travel times. Planning your appointments strategically, avoiding rush hour, is highly recommended.

**Public Transportation Challenges:**

Public transportation options in Brick are limited, presenting a significant hurdle for those relying on alternatives to driving. The primary provider is Ocean Ride, the Ocean County Department of Transportation.

Ocean Ride offers bus routes throughout the county, but service frequency and coverage are limited, especially for areas outside of the main commercial corridors. Route 559 connects to Toms River and other towns, but schedules may not align with healthcare appointment times.

ADA-accessible buses are available, but riders with mobility limitations should confirm availability and schedule in advance. The lack of extensive public transit necessitates a greater reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transport for many residents.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Brick, providing an alternative to driving. However, availability can vary, particularly during off-peak hours or in less populated areas. Expect potential wait times and higher fares compared to driving.

For individuals needing specialized medical transport, several companies operate in the area. These services cater to patients with mobility limitations, offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained staff. Companies like Atlantic Ambulance and MedStar Medical Transportation provide non-emergency medical transportation. Booking in advance is essential to ensure availability.

**Healthcare Facility Analysis:**

Community Medical Center in Toms River is the closest major hospital, offering a comprehensive urology department and cancer care services. The drive time from Brick is generally 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Other nearby hospitals, such as Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Long Branch, offer specialized cancer care. However, the drive time is longer, approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions on the Garden State Parkway.

**Prostate Cancer Score for Brick (08723):**

Considering the factors discussed, the Prostate Cancer Score for Brick (08723) is a **3 out of 5**.

**Explanation:**

* **Proximity to Facilities (3/5):** While Community Medical Center is relatively close, the need to travel to other facilities for specialized care reduces the score.
* **Transportation Options (2/5):** The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options negatively impact the score. Ride-sharing and medical transport offer alternatives, but availability and cost are factors.
* **Drive Times (3/5):** Drive times to the closest hospitals are generally reasonable, but traffic congestion can be a concern.
* **Overall Accessibility (3/5):** The score reflects the need for careful planning and consideration of transportation options to ensure timely access to healthcare.

**Moving to Brick with Prostate Cancer Considerations:**

If you are considering a move to Brick and have concerns about prostate cancer care, it is crucial to assess your individual transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Consider the following:

* **Vehicle Ownership:** Owning a car is highly recommended.
* **Appointment Scheduling:** Schedule appointments strategically to avoid peak traffic times.
* **Ride-Sharing Apps:** Familiarize yourself with ride-sharing options and availability.
* **Medical Transport:** Investigate medical transport services if needed.
* **Proximity to Healthcare:** Consider proximity to healthcare facilities when choosing a location within Brick.

Brick offers a pleasant living environment, but healthcare access, particularly for specialized services, requires proactive planning. By understanding the transportation landscape and healthcare options, you can make an informed decision about moving to this coastal community and ensure your healthcare needs are met. This analysis highlights the importance of careful consideration when moving to Brick, especially for individuals requiring regular medical care. The success of your healthcare journey in Brick depends on your ability to navigate the transportation options and access the necessary medical facilities.