44272, Rootstown, Ohio Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 44272, Rootstown, Ohio is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.90 percent of residents in 44272 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Hospitals Portage Medical Center with a distance of 6.16 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rootstown, OH (ZIP Code 44272)

Considering a move to Rootstown, Ohio (ZIP Code 44272), and concerned about healthcare access, particularly for prostate cancer screening and treatment? This analysis provides a detailed "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options and their impact on your ability to access necessary medical services. This score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport options, all crucial elements in the fight against prostate cancer.

Your ability to receive timely and effective healthcare is paramount. The "Prostate Cancer Score" considers factors such as the distance to urology specialists, cancer centers, and radiation therapy facilities. This score isn't just about the proximity of buildings; it’s about the ease and efficiency with which you can reach them. This is especially critical for individuals facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, requiring frequent appointments and potentially intensive treatments.

Rootstown, a charming community in Portage County, offers a blend of rural tranquility and convenient access to regional healthcare. However, the effectiveness of your healthcare journey depends heavily on your transportation options. This assessment will help you understand the reality of "healthcare access" in Rootstown.

**Driving Your Way to Healthcare:**

Driving remains the most common mode of transportation for residents of Rootstown. The primary arteries for healthcare access are State Route 44, connecting Rootstown to Ravenna and other nearby towns, and Interstate 76, offering access to Akron and Cleveland.

Driving to University Hospitals Portage Medical Center in Ravenna, a primary healthcare provider, typically takes around 10-15 minutes via State Route 44. This is a relatively short and manageable commute for routine check-ups or initial consultations. However, this drive time can be affected by traffic, especially during peak hours or inclement weather.

For specialized care, such as advanced prostate cancer treatment, you might need to travel further. The drive to the Cleveland Clinic Akron General, a comprehensive cancer center, is approximately 30-45 minutes via Interstate 76. This drive can be longer depending on traffic conditions. Similarly, reaching the Summa Health System in Akron, another major healthcare provider, also requires a drive of around 30-45 minutes, again primarily via Interstate 76.

The drive to the Cleveland Clinic main campus in Cleveland, a nationally recognized cancer center, is approximately 60-75 minutes via Interstate 76 and Interstate 77. While this offers access to some of the best medical professionals, the longer drive time adds to the burden of frequent appointments and potential treatment side effects.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transit options in Rootstown are limited. Portage Area Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (PARTA) provides bus service in Portage County, but routes and frequency are limited, especially in rural areas like Rootstown.

The PARTA Route 70, which serves Ravenna, offers a connection to other routes that might take you closer to healthcare facilities. However, the frequency of these routes is often limited, and the total travel time, including transfers, can be significantly longer than driving.

PARTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts and accessible seating, to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the limitations in route coverage and frequency make public transit a less-than-ideal option for many healthcare needs, especially for those requiring frequent appointments or experiencing mobility issues.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Rootstown, offering an alternative to driving or public transit. However, availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by MedTransport and other regional providers, are available for individuals who require assistance with transportation due to medical conditions or disabilities. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, they often require advance booking and can be expensive, particularly for long-distance travel.

**Evaluating the "Prostate Cancer Score":**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Rootstown, considering the transportation options, is moderately positive. While the proximity to University Hospitals Portage Medical Center offers convenient access to primary care, the need to travel to Akron or Cleveland for specialized prostate cancer care adds to the complexity.

The reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services, coupled with the limitations of public transit, can pose challenges for individuals facing a prostate cancer diagnosis. The longer drive times to specialized centers can increase the burden of treatment, impacting the quality of life.

**Key Considerations for Prospective Residents:**

If you are considering moving to Rootstown and have concerns about prostate cancer screening and treatment, carefully consider the following:

* **Proximity to Specialists:** Assess the distance to urologists, oncologists, and radiation therapy centers.
* **Transportation Reliability:** Evaluate the reliability of your transportation options, including driving, ride-sharing, and medical transport.
* **Financial Implications:** Factor in the cost of transportation, including gas, vehicle maintenance, ride-sharing fees, and medical transport costs.
* **Support System:** Consider the availability of family, friends, or caregivers who can provide transportation assistance.

**Conclusion:**

Rootstown offers a pleasant living environment, but "healthcare access" for prostate cancer care relies heavily on your ability to navigate the transportation landscape. While the drive to local hospitals is manageable, the need to travel to Akron or Cleveland for specialized care adds to the complexity. Understanding the transportation options and their limitations is crucial for making an informed decision about moving to Rootstown. Planning ahead and understanding the potential challenges can help you successfully navigate the healthcare system and receive the care you need.