06478, Oxford, Connecticut Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 06478, Oxford, Connecticut is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.75 percent of residents in 06478 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.84 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Yale-New Haven Hospital with a distance of 13.22 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Oxford, CT (ZIP Code 06478)

The tranquility of Oxford, Connecticut (ZIP Code 06478), with its rolling hills and charming New England character, offers a desirable lifestyle. However, when considering a move, especially for those managing health concerns like prostate cancer, understanding healthcare access becomes paramount. This write-up provides a "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options to and from medical facilities specializing in prostate cancer care. It considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, offering a comprehensive view of healthcare access for residents and prospective residents.

Prostate cancer treatment often necessitates frequent appointments: diagnostic tests, consultations, radiation therapy, and follow-up visits. The ability to navigate these appointments efficiently and with minimal stress significantly impacts a patient's well-being. Therefore, the "Prostate Cancer Score" prioritizes ease of access to specialized care.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

Oxford's location in New Haven County means residents primarily rely on personal vehicles for transportation. The town is strategically positioned, offering access to major roadways. For prostate cancer care, the primary destinations are likely hospitals and specialized clinics in nearby cities like New Haven, Waterbury, and Danbury.

Driving to Yale New Haven Hospital, a leading center for prostate cancer treatment, involves a journey of approximately 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic. The most direct route typically utilizes Route 67 South, connecting to Route 8 South. Route 8, a major north-south artery, provides access to I-95, which leads directly to New Haven. However, rush hour congestion, particularly on Route 8 and I-95, can significantly extend travel times.

Waterbury, home to Saint Mary's Hospital and Waterbury Hospital, offers closer options. The drive to Waterbury, using Route 67 North and Route 8 North, typically takes 20-30 minutes. Traffic, especially during the morning and evening commutes, can impact these times.

Danbury, with its Danbury Hospital, is reachable via Route 67 North and Route 84 West. This trip usually requires 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic flow. Route 84, a major east-west highway, can experience heavy congestion during peak hours.

These drive times are estimates and can fluctuate. Residents should factor in potential delays when scheduling appointments.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Oxford are limited. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) operates bus services, but routes are infrequent and may not directly serve hospitals specializing in prostate cancer care.

The primary bus route serving Oxford is the **910**, which connects to the Waterbury Transportation Center. From the Waterbury Transportation Center, passengers can transfer to other CTDOT routes, including those serving New Haven. However, the transfer process adds considerable travel time, and the frequency of buses can be a significant constraint.

The **910** route does not offer ADA-compliant features on all buses. This means individuals with mobility impairments should confirm the availability of accessible buses before travel.

For those relying on public transit for healthcare access, the journey to specialized prostate cancer centers can be lengthy and challenging. Planning and flexibility are essential.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Oxford. However, availability can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Ride-sharing offers a convenient alternative to driving, but fares can be expensive, particularly for frequent appointments.

Several medical transport companies operate in the region. These services specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. They often offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, medical transport services typically require advance booking and can be costly.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **Care Ride:** A regional medical transport provider offering non-emergency medical transportation services.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Provides ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation.
* **Senior Transportation Services:** Specializes in transporting seniors and individuals with disabilities to medical appointments.

**Prostate Cancer Score Assessment:**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Oxford, CT (06478) reflects the challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The score is based on the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** Moderate. Access to major hospitals and specialized clinics requires driving, with travel times ranging from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the destination and traffic.
* **Public Transit:** Limited. Public transit options are infrequent and may involve multiple transfers, making them less practical for frequent medical appointments.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Available, but availability and cost can be significant factors.
* **Medical Transport:** Available, but requires advance booking and can be expensive.

**Overall Score:**

Oxford, CT (06478) receives a moderate score for prostate cancer healthcare access. While access to specialized care is available, it relies heavily on personal vehicles. Public transit and ride-sharing options offer limited convenience, and medical transport services come with associated costs.

**Recommendations for Residents:**

* **Prioritize proximity:** When choosing a healthcare provider, consider the distance to the facility and the ease of travel.
* **Plan ahead:** Schedule appointments in advance and factor in potential traffic delays.
* **Explore transportation options:** Investigate ride-sharing services and medical transport options, especially for those unable to drive.
* **Consider support:** Seek support from family, friends, or community organizations to assist with transportation needs.
* **Assess insurance coverage:** Confirm that your insurance plan covers transportation costs if using medical transport services.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Oxford offers a desirable lifestyle, but residents, especially those managing prostate cancer, must carefully consider healthcare access. While the town provides access to specialized medical care, transportation remains a key factor. Understanding the available options and planning accordingly is crucial for ensuring a smooth and manageable healthcare journey. The "Prostate Cancer Score" serves as a guide, highlighting the importance of transportation in navigating healthcare access in Oxford, CT (06478). The availability of personal vehicles is vital. Understanding the limitations of public transportation and the potential costs of ride-sharing and medical transport is essential for making informed decisions.