06786, Terryville, Connecticut Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 06786, Terryville, Connecticut is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.92 percent of residents in 06786 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.96 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bristol Hospital with a distance of 3.84 miles from the area.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Terryville, CT (ZIP Code 06786)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as serious as prostate cancer, is a critical aspect of life in Terryville, Connecticut (ZIP code 06786). This analysis explores the transportation landscape, aiming to provide a comprehensive “Prostate Cancer Score” reflecting the accessibility of necessary medical services, encompassing drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability. Understanding these factors is crucial for residents and those considering moving to Terryville, ensuring they can navigate the healthcare system with confidence.

The primary concern is timely access to specialists, diagnostic imaging, and treatment centers. The score will consider the ease with which residents can reach urologists, oncologists, radiation therapy facilities, and surgical centers. This evaluation considers the impact of transportation on patient well-being, recognizing that stress and inconvenience can exacerbate health challenges.

**Drive Times: The Road Ahead**

Terryville's location in Litchfield County presents a mix of advantages and challenges regarding transportation. The town’s relative isolation means that while traffic congestion is generally less severe than in more urban areas, travel distances to specialized medical care can be significant. The most direct routes to major healthcare facilities involve navigating a network of state roads and highways.

A primary artery for travel is Route 6, which runs east-west through Terryville. This road provides access to Bristol, where Bristol Hospital offers a range of medical services, including oncology and urology. The drive to Bristol Hospital, depending on traffic, typically takes around 15-25 minutes. This is a crucial benchmark for evaluating the accessibility of basic healthcare needs.

For more specialized care, residents often travel to Hartford, approximately 25-45 minutes away, depending on the route and time of day. The most common route involves taking Route 72 East, which connects to I-84 East. I-84 is a major interstate highway, providing access to Hartford hospitals such as Hartford Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, both of which offer comprehensive cancer treatment options. These hospitals provide advanced prostate cancer treatments, including robotic surgery, radiation therapy, and clinical trials.

Another option for reaching Hartford is Route 6, which merges with Route 69 and then connects to I-84. While this route is scenic, it can be slower, especially during peak hours. The journey to New Haven, which is home to Yale New Haven Hospital, a major center for cancer care, is approximately an hour and 15 minutes to an hour and a half, involving a combination of Route 6, Route 63, and the Merritt Parkway.

The drive times, while generally manageable, can be affected by weather conditions, especially during winter months. Snow and ice can significantly increase travel times and pose safety risks. This factor must be considered when assessing the overall accessibility of healthcare services.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation in Terryville is limited. The availability of bus services is minimal, presenting a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) operates a limited bus service in the area, but routes and frequency are infrequent.

The primary bus route serving the area is likely to be Route 501, which provides service to Bristol and Waterbury. However, this route may not directly connect to major hospitals or medical centers. Riders would likely need to transfer buses, adding to travel time and complexity. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for individuals with mobility impairments.

Public transit options are severely limited, making it difficult for those without personal vehicles to access healthcare. This is a major factor affecting the “Prostate Cancer Score,” highlighting the reliance on private transportation.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Terryville, offering an alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary depending on the time of day and demand. The cost of a ride to Hartford or New Haven can be substantial, potentially creating a financial barrier to accessing healthcare.

Medical transport services, such as those provided by private ambulance companies or non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, offer specialized transportation for patients who require assistance. These services are particularly important for individuals who are unable to drive or use public transit due to their medical condition. However, the cost of medical transport can be significant, and insurance coverage may vary.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers some relief, but their cost and reliability must be considered. These services are not a complete substitute for readily available public transportation or easy access to personal vehicles.

**Assessing the "Prostate Cancer Score"**

The “Prostate Cancer Score” for Terryville (06786) reflects the interplay of these transportation factors. While drive times to nearby hospitals are reasonable, the lack of robust public transit and the potential cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services present challenges.

The score will consider the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** Shorter drive times to Bristol Hospital contribute positively, while longer drives to Hartford and New Haven hospitals negatively impact the score.
* **Public Transit:** The limited availability of public transit significantly reduces the score.
* **Ride-Sharing/Medical Transport:** The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides some mitigation, but their cost and reliability are considered.
* **ADA Accessibility:** The availability of ADA-accessible transportation options is a crucial factor, especially for individuals with mobility impairments.

**Moving to Terryville: A Healthcare Perspective**

For individuals considering moving to Terryville, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. While the town offers a peaceful setting, the reliance on personal vehicles for accessing specialized healthcare services is a significant factor.

Individuals with prostate cancer or those at high risk should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and access to care. They should consider the following:

* **Proximity to Specialists:** Assess the proximity to urologists, oncologists, and radiation therapy facilities.
* **Transportation Costs:** Factor in the potential cost of ride-sharing, medical transport, and vehicle maintenance.
* **Support System:** Consider the availability of family, friends, or caregivers who can provide transportation assistance.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Understand the coverage for transportation services under their health insurance plan.

Terryville offers a tranquil environment, but the transportation challenges require careful consideration. The “Prostate Cancer Score” reflects the importance of transportation in accessing healthcare, emphasizing the need for residents to have reliable and affordable means of reaching the medical services they require. The score serves as a critical tool for residents, guiding them in their healthcare journey.