44230, Doylestown, Ohio Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 44230, Doylestown, Ohio is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

76.46 percent of residents in 44230 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Aultman Orrville Hospital with a distance of 10.07 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 44230

Considering a move to Doylestown, Ohio (ZIP Code 44230)? Beyond the charming small-town atmosphere and potential job opportunities, understanding healthcare access is paramount, especially when considering factors like prostate cancer screening and treatment. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape within and around 44230, providing a "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment based on commute times and available transportation options to healthcare facilities offering urology services. This score aims to help prospective residents evaluate the ease of accessing crucial healthcare, impacting their overall quality of life.

The primary factor influencing our score is the time it takes to reach medical facilities specializing in prostate health. In 44230, the nearest significant healthcare hubs are in Akron, Canton, and Wooster. These cities offer a range of specialists, from general urologists to those specializing in advanced prostate cancer treatments like robotic surgery and radiation therapy. The commute time, and the ease of that commute, directly impacts the "Prostate Cancer Score."

**Driving the Distance:**

Driving remains the most common mode of transportation in this predominantly rural area. From Doylestown, several major roadways dictate the journey to healthcare. The primary route to Akron, a major healthcare center, involves traveling north on **State Route 21** (also known as the **Wooster Road**) or east on **State Route 585** to connect with **Interstate 76** (the **Youngstown-Akron Expressway**) and then **Interstate 77**. Expect a drive time of approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic, which can be heavier during peak hours. This route offers a relatively straightforward and efficient access to facilities like Summa Health System in Akron.

Heading west towards Wooster, a smaller but still important healthcare center, typically involves taking **State Route 585** and then **U.S. Route 250**. The drive is shorter, usually around 20-30 minutes, providing quicker access to Wooster Community Hospital. Canton, another option, is reached via **State Route 21** south, and then **Interstate 77**. The journey to Canton can take approximately 40-50 minutes.

These drive times are critical. Regular checkups, follow-up appointments, and potential treatments for prostate cancer require consistent and timely access to healthcare. The ease of driving, and the time commitment involved, significantly impact the "Prostate Cancer Score."

**Public Transit Limitations:**

Public transportation options in and around 44230 are limited. The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) provides some service in the Canton area, but its reach into Doylestown is minimal. Similarly, Akron’s public transit, the Akron Metro, offers limited routes that might indirectly connect with areas near 44230.

This lack of robust public transportation significantly impacts the "Prostate Cancer Score." Relying solely on public transit for frequent medical appointments can be challenging, time-consuming, and potentially unreliable. Individuals without access to a personal vehicle may face considerable hurdles in accessing timely healthcare.

ADA accessibility is a crucial consideration for public transit. Both SARTA and Akron Metro offer ADA-compliant buses, but the limited route coverage and potential for long travel times can still pose difficulties for individuals with mobility limitations. This aspect further underscores the importance of considering alternative transportation options.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, providing a potential alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, availability can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in more rural locations. The cost of ride-sharing for frequent medical appointments can also be a significant factor.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance getting to appointments, offer another option. Companies like CareRide and various local ambulance services operate in the region. These services provide door-to-door transportation, often including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. While convenient, these services can be expensive, and the availability of specific providers may vary.

The availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services contribute to the "Prostate Cancer Score." While offering valuable alternatives, the cost and reliability of these options must be carefully considered.

**Assessing the Score:**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for 44230 is influenced by a combination of factors. The relatively short drive times to Akron and Wooster, major healthcare hubs, provide a positive starting point. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport adds further flexibility. However, the limited public transportation options and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transport detract from the score.

The score will vary depending on individual circumstances. For individuals with access to a personal vehicle and no mobility limitations, the score is relatively high. The drive times are manageable, and the healthcare options are readily accessible. For individuals reliant on public transit or facing mobility challenges, the score is lower. The limited public transportation and the reliance on potentially costly alternatives present significant challenges.

**Moving to Doylestown: A Holistic Approach:**

When considering a move to Doylestown, prospective residents should proactively investigate healthcare access. Contacting local healthcare providers, researching insurance coverage, and assessing personal transportation needs are crucial steps. Visiting healthcare facilities, and evaluating the available transportation options, is highly recommended.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" is not a definitive measure, but rather a framework for evaluating the ease of accessing healthcare. It underscores the importance of considering transportation needs, healthcare access, and the overall quality of life when making a significant life decision like moving to a new community. By carefully evaluating these factors, prospective residents can make informed decisions and ensure they have the support they need to maintain their health and well-being.