06081, Tariffville, Connecticut Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 06081, Tariffville, Connecticut is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.94 percent of residents in 06081 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.86 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Francis Hospital & Medical Center with a distance of 9.76 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Tariffville (06081)

The diagnosis of prostate cancer casts a long shadow, demanding swift and decisive action. Beyond the medical complexities, a crucial element often overlooked is *transportation*. In Tariffville, Connecticut (ZIP Code 06081), the ability to access timely and consistent healthcare significantly impacts a patient's prognosis and quality of life. This write-up, a 'Prostate Cancer Score' assessment, analyzes the *transportation* landscape, evaluating *healthcare access* for residents, particularly those newly *moving to Tariffville*.

The geographic reality of Tariffville, nestled within the town of Simsbury, presents a unique challenge. While a charming New England locale, its relative remoteness necessitates careful consideration of travel times and modes of *transportation* when *healthcare access* is paramount. This analysis focuses on major cancer treatment centers, considering both the urgency of appointments and the frequency of follow-up care, which often involves regular visits.

**Driving the Path to Care:**

For many, the personal vehicle remains the primary mode of *transportation*. The good news is that Hartford, the state's capital and home to several major hospitals, is relatively accessible. However, the specific route and time vary depending on the destination and traffic conditions.

To reach Hartford Hospital, a well-regarded cancer center, the most direct route involves taking Route 187 south, connecting to Route 44 east, and then merging onto I-84 east. The drive, under normal traffic conditions, typically takes between 25 to 35 minutes. The morning and evening commutes, however, can significantly extend this timeframe, potentially adding an extra 15 to 20 minutes.

The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, another significant center, is located in Farmington. The drive involves taking Route 187 south to Route 10 south. This route generally takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The route is generally less congested than the Hartford route, but it is still subject to rush-hour delays.

For those seeking treatment at the UConn Health Center in Farmington, the journey mirrors the Jackson Laboratory route, adding a few minutes depending on the exact location within the complex. Parking availability and cost should be considered when assessing the overall convenience of these options.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public *transportation* options in Tariffville are limited. The Connecticut Department of *Transportation* (CTDOT) operates bus routes, but their frequency and coverage are not ideal for frequent medical appointments.

The primary bus route serving the area is Route 50, which connects Simsbury with Hartford. This route does not directly serve the hospitals. It is designed to bring commuters to Hartford. A transfer to another bus or a taxi/ride-share would be required to reach the hospitals. The frequency of Route 50 is hourly, and the trip to Hartford can take up to an hour, excluding any transfer time.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility on these buses is a priority. All CTDOT buses are equipped with ramps or lifts, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. However, the overall travel time and the need for transfers make public *transportation* a less-than-ideal option for many prostate cancer patients, especially those undergoing treatment that can induce fatigue or require frequent monitoring.

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

Ride-share services, like Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible *transportation* solution. Availability in Tariffville is generally good, but surge pricing during peak hours or times of high demand, like early mornings for appointments, can significantly increase costs. The convenience of door-to-door service, however, can be invaluable for patients who are unable to drive or who prefer not to.

Medical *transportation* services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, provide another avenue for *healthcare access*. These services often offer specialized vehicles, trained drivers, and assistance with mobility. Companies like MedTrans and CareLine provide services in the Hartford area. These services may require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-share options, but they provide a higher level of care and support, particularly for patients with significant mobility limitations.

**The Score: A Multifaceted Assessment:**

The 'Prostate Cancer Score' for Tariffville (06081) considers the following factors: drive times, public *transportation* accessibility, ride-share availability, medical *transportation* options, and the overall convenience of accessing major cancer treatment centers.

The score is not a single number but a nuanced evaluation. While the proximity to Hartford and Farmington offers relatively quick access to healthcare, the limitations of public *transportation* and the potential for increased costs associated with ride-share services and medical *transportation* services must be factored in.

For individuals *moving to Tariffville* with a prostate cancer diagnosis or a high risk of developing the disease, the availability of a personal vehicle is crucial. Careful consideration of traffic patterns and the financial implications of ride-share or medical *transportation* services is also essential.

**Recommendations and Considerations:**

For residents of Tariffville, proactive planning is critical. Establishing a reliable *transportation* plan, whether through a personal vehicle, ride-share services, or medical *transportation*, is essential.

Familiarizing oneself with the CTDOT bus routes, even if not the primary mode of *transportation*, can provide a backup option. Exploring the availability and cost of medical *transportation* services is also advisable.

For those *moving to Tariffville*, researching healthcare providers and treatment centers in advance is paramount. Understanding the *transportation* requirements for appointments, including travel times and parking availability, will help in making informed decisions.

Finally, exploring support groups and community resources for prostate cancer patients can provide valuable assistance with *transportation* and other needs.

The 'Prostate Cancer Score' for Tariffville highlights the importance of a well-considered *transportation* strategy for ensuring timely and consistent *healthcare access*. While the area offers access to excellent medical facilities, the challenges of navigating the *transportation* landscape require careful planning and a proactive approach.