Rutgers Health: New Jersey's Academic Medical Powerhouse
Rutgers Health represents one of New Jersey's most significant academic healthcare resources — a sprawling network of clinical practices, research centers, specialty programs, and affiliated hospitals that serve patients from across the state and region. As New Jersey's public research university health system, Rutgers Health combines academic medicine's depth of subspecialty expertise with a mission to serve the state's residents, including many who rely on Medicaid and other public programs.
Delta Medical Transportation regularly transports patients to Rutgers Health facilities throughout central and northern New Jersey. Understanding the Rutgers Health network — its main campuses, key programs, and patient access logistics — helps patients plan their transport effectively.
Key Rutgers Health Components and Their Locations
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) Clinical Practices — New Brunswick
RWJMS is New Jersey's largest medical school and one of the most productive in the nation. Its clinical practices — spanning primary care, internal medicine subspecialties, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, OB/GYN, urology, and more — are located primarily in and around New Brunswick, with satellite clinics throughout central NJ. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) is the primary teaching hospital for RWJMS and is physically connected to the New Brunswick Rutgers Health campus.
Delta provides transport to RWJUH and RWJMS clinical practices, including the Rutgers Health Cancer Institute of New Jersey outpatient clinics, the RWJMS neurology department (a major destination for movement disorder and Parkinson's patients — see our Parkinson's transportation guide), and specialty practices in the Eric B. Chandler Health Center and other affiliated locations.
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey — NCI-Designated
The Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) is the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center — a designation that recognizes the highest level of cancer research and clinical excellence. CINJ is located on the RWJUH campus in New Brunswick and serves cancer patients from throughout NJ and beyond.
Cancer patients frequently need transport to CINJ for:
- Oncology consultations and tumor board reviews
- Chemotherapy infusion (often weekly or bi-weekly sessions)
- Radiation therapy (daily sessions, Monday through Friday, for 5 to 7 weeks)
- Clinical trial participation
- Surgical oncology procedures and follow-up
- Survivorship program appointments
The frequency of cancer treatment appointments — particularly radiation therapy — creates an intensive transport need over a defined treatment period. Delta sets up standing orders for cancer patients to ensure consistent, reliable transport throughout the treatment course.
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) — Newark
The Newark-based RBHS component of Rutgers includes New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), the School of Nursing, the School of Health Professions, and several research institutes. NJMS clinical practices serve a large urban patient population in Newark and surrounding Essex County communities.
NJMS-affiliated clinics in Newark include subspecialty practices in internal medicine, pulmonary, cardiology, infectious disease (including a major HIV/AIDS program), and neurology. Many patients served by these clinics are Medicaid-enrolled, making NEMT access particularly important.
University Hospital — Newark
University Hospital (UH) is the principal teaching hospital for NJMS and serves as the state's only Level I trauma center north of Morristown. It is located in Newark and serves one of New Jersey's most underserved urban populations. UH operates specialty programs including transplant surgery, burn care, and neurosurgery alongside its comprehensive emergency and trauma services.
Delta provides transport to University Hospital for non-emergency outpatient appointments, specialist follow-ups, and pre-surgical evaluations. UH is a critical NEMT destination for Newark-area patients who often lack private transportation.
University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC)
UBHC provides behavioral health and psychiatric services through the Rutgers network, with facilities in Piscataway and affiliated outpatient programs throughout the region. Transport to mental health and substance use disorder treatment appointments is an important — and sometimes underserved — component of NEMT. Delta provides transport to UBHC and affiliated behavioral health programs. Learn more about mental health appointment transportation.
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) — Newark
RSDM, located in Newark, is one of the largest dental schools in the country and provides dental care at reduced cost through student and faculty clinics. For low-income NJ residents who struggle to access dental care, RSDM is a critical resource. NEMT to dental appointments is covered by NJ Medicaid for eligible patients — this includes transport to RSDM clinics.
Dental patients with mobility limitations (elderly patients, patients with disabilities) particularly benefit from wheelchair-accessible transport to RSDM, which can involve navigating the Newark campus.
Institute for Disabilities and Related Areas
Rutgers' programs serving individuals with developmental disabilities and related conditions generate transport needs for a particularly vulnerable patient population. These patients often require specialized, compassionate transport that accommodates behavioral and physical needs.
Navigating Drop-Off and Pickup Logistics at Rutgers Facilities
Large academic medical campuses like RWJUH/New Brunswick and University Hospital/Newark can be confusing to navigate for patients and drivers unfamiliar with them. Key practical notes:
- RWJUH New Brunswick: The main patient entrance and accessible drop-off is on the front of the hospital on Little Albany Street. Parking and drop-off loops are available. Specific clinics within the complex may have different entrance points — confirm with the clinic when scheduling your appointment.
- CINJ (Cancer Institute): CINJ outpatient access is primarily through the RWJUH complex. The cancer center has a dedicated patient entrance and valet/accessible drop-off areas.
- University Hospital Newark: Located on Bergen Street in Newark, UH has patient drop-off areas on the hospital's front approach. Navigating to the correct clinic within the hospital may require staff assistance.
- RSDM Newark: Located on the health sciences campus in Newark, accessible drop-off is available at the main dental school building entrance.
Delta drivers who regularly serve these campuses develop familiarity with optimal routing and drop-off points. First-time visits to any of these campuses should include extra buffer time. Contact us to arrange transport to any Rutgers Health facility, or see our full service area coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rutgers Cancer Institute covered by Medicaid transport?
Yes. CINJ is a Medicaid-participating facility, and transport to covered oncology appointments is included in NJ Medicaid NEMT benefits. Cancer treatment appointments — including chemotherapy and radiation — are covered medical services. Contact your MCO to set up transport authorization for your cancer treatment schedule.
I have a dental appointment at RSDM. Does Medicaid cover transport to a dental school?
Yes. NJ Medicaid covers dental services for eligible populations, and transport to covered dental appointments — including those at RSDM — is covered under NEMT benefits. Confirm your dental appointment is covered under your specific Medicaid plan before booking transport.
How far in advance should I book transport for a Rutgers Health appointment?
At least 48 to 72 hours for single appointments. For recurring treatment schedules (chemotherapy, radiation), set up a standing order for the full treatment course. Contact Delta as soon as your treatment schedule is confirmed — don't wait until the day before your first appointment.
Do you transport to the Rutgers health clinics in other NJ cities, not just New Brunswick and Newark?
Yes. Rutgers Health operates satellite clinics throughout NJ, and Delta serves destinations across the state. Provide us with the specific clinic address when booking and we'll confirm service to that location.
Can I get transport to University Hospital for a specialist appointment if I live in Newark?
Yes. Even for relatively short-distance trips within Newark, NEMT is available for Medicaid-eligible patients who cannot access the hospital independently. Urban patients without reliable transportation are exactly who NEMT is designed to serve. Contact your MCO to arrange transport authorization.