44085, Rome, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 44085, Rome, Ohio is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.23 percent of residents in 44085 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Uhhs Memorial Hospital Of Geneva with a distance of 14.38 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rome, Ohio (ZIP Code 44085)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is a complex one. It's not just about the medical expertise available; it's about the ease of **transportation**, the accessibility of appointments, and the ability to navigate a system that can feel overwhelming. This write-up assesses the **healthcare access** landscape for residents of Rome, Ohio (ZIP Code 44085), focusing on breast cancer care, and providing a "Breast Cancer Score" based on the available options. We're essentially **moving to Rome** with you, considering the practicalities of receiving vital medical care.

Rome, Ohio, nestled in Ashtabula County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare access. The rural nature of the area influences the available **transportation** options, impacting the ability to attend appointments, undergo treatments, and receive follow-up care. This analysis considers the primary modes of transport, the proximity of specialized medical facilities, and the availability of support services.

**The Foundation: Proximity and Drive Times**

The cornerstone of our assessment is the proximity of breast cancer care providers. The primary facilities serving this region include University Hospitals (UH) Geneva Medical Center, located approximately 10 miles from Rome, and UH Conneaut Medical Center, about 15 miles away. For more specialized services, including advanced diagnostics and treatment, patients often travel to UH Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland, roughly 60 miles distant.

The drive times are crucial. From Rome, a trip to UH Geneva Medical Center typically takes 15-20 minutes, primarily via OH-534 North. UH Conneaut Medical Center is reachable in about 20-25 minutes, using OH-531 North. The journey to Cleveland, however, presents a significant time commitment. The most direct route, using I-90 West, can take anywhere from 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This extended travel time can be a considerable burden, especially for patients undergoing treatment or experiencing side effects.

**Navigating the Roads: Highways and Byways**

Understanding the specific roadways is vital. OH-534 North is the primary artery connecting Rome to Geneva. This road, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours. OH-531 North provides access to Conneaut, offering a less traveled alternative. The journey to Cleveland relies heavily on I-90 West, a major interstate highway. While efficient, I-90 West is prone to traffic delays, particularly around Cleveland, impacting travel times and adding to patient stress.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public **transportation** options in Rome are limited. The Ashtabula County Transit Authority (ACTA) provides bus service, but its routes and schedules are not designed for frequent trips to Cleveland or specialized medical centers. ACTA's routes primarily serve local communities, making it challenging for patients to access distant healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles and routes is crucial. While ACTA strives to meet ADA requirements, the rural nature of the service may present challenges for individuals with mobility limitations. Specific route numbers and schedules must be verified directly with ACTA for up-to-date information.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can vary. Availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing for long-distance trips, such as to Cleveland, can be prohibitive for some patients.

Medical **transportation** services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like CareRide and various local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services often require advance booking and may have specific eligibility criteria. The cost of medical transport can be significant, and insurance coverage varies. Researching and understanding insurance coverage for medical **transportation** is a critical step for patients.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Comprehensive View**

Considering the factors outlined above, we can formulate a "Breast Cancer Score" for residents of Rome, Ohio (ZIP Code 44085). This score is not a single number but a holistic assessment of the challenges and opportunities related to **healthcare access**.

**Proximity to Care:** The availability of local facilities like UH Geneva and Conneaut Medical Centers provides a base level of care, offering screening and initial treatment options.

**Drive Times:** The relatively short drive times to Geneva and Conneaut are advantageous. However, the significant travel time to Cleveland for specialized care is a major drawback, potentially impacting appointment adherence and overall patient well-being.

**Public Transportation:** The limited public **transportation** options pose a significant barrier for many patients, particularly those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:** The availability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services offers alternative solutions, but cost, reliability, and insurance coverage remain concerns.

**Support Services:** The availability of support groups, patient navigators, and financial assistance programs can significantly improve the patient experience. Assessing the presence and accessibility of these services is vital.

**Overall Assessment:**

The Breast Cancer Score for Rome, Ohio (ZIP Code 44085) is moderate. While local healthcare facilities offer a starting point, the reliance on long-distance travel for specialized care, coupled with limited public **transportation** options, presents significant challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services provides a degree of support, but cost and reliability remain key considerations. The score can be improved by increasing the availability of local support services and exploring options for expanding public **transportation** or subsidizing medical **transportation** costs. This score emphasizes the importance of careful planning, proactive communication with healthcare providers, and exploration of all available resources to ensure timely and accessible breast cancer care.

**Moving to Rome** with a breast cancer diagnosis requires a careful evaluation of these **transportation** and **healthcare access** factors. Patients should actively research all available options, including local healthcare providers, support services, and **transportation** assistance programs. Proactive planning and open communication with healthcare professionals are essential to navigate the healthcare system and ensure the best possible outcomes.