24280, Rosedale, Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 24280, Rosedale, Virginia is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

90.46 percent of residents in 24280 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.61 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Russell County Hospital with a distance of 8.12 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rosedale, Virginia (ZIP Code 24280)

The tranquility of Rosedale, Virginia (ZIP Code 24280), nestled amidst the Appalachian Mountains, offers a peaceful retreat. However, when considering a move, particularly for those seeking healthcare, understanding the accessibility of medical services is crucial. This assessment focuses on prostate cancer care, a common concern for men, and evaluates the *transportation* landscape in and around Rosedale to determine a "Prostate Cancer Score." This score reflects the ease with which residents can access diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up care.

The cornerstone of this evaluation is *healthcare access*. We'll examine the proximity of medical facilities, the efficiency of *transportation* options, and the availability of specialized services. This analysis is particularly relevant for individuals *moving to Rosedale* or those already residing there, ensuring they can proactively plan for their healthcare needs.

**The Geography of Care: Proximity and Drive Times**

Rosedale's location, while picturesque, presents a challenge: limited immediate access to comprehensive medical facilities. The nearest hospitals with urology departments and oncology services are primarily located in larger towns and cities, necessitating travel.

The primary route for accessing healthcare is via US-19 South. This highway provides the most direct path to larger medical centers. Driving to Bristol, Virginia, home to Bristol Regional Medical Center, a potential destination for prostate cancer care, takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the specific location within Rosedale. This journey covers roughly 35-40 miles.

Another option involves traveling north on US-19, eventually connecting with I-81. This route offers access to facilities in Abingdon, Virginia, such as Johnston Memorial Hospital. The drive time to Abingdon is similar to Bristol, around 45 minutes to an hour, covering approximately 30-35 miles.

For those requiring specialized cancer care, including radiation therapy, the journey might extend further. The closest comprehensive cancer centers may be located in Roanoke, Virginia, requiring a drive of over two hours, primarily via I-81 South. This longer commute significantly impacts the Prostate Cancer Score, as frequent visits for treatment and follow-up appointments become more challenging.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public *transportation* in Rosedale is extremely limited. The area lacks a robust public transit system, making reliance on personal vehicles the primary mode of *transportation*. This scarcity presents a significant hurdle for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to.

There is no readily available bus service or fixed-route public *transportation* within Rosedale itself. The nearest bus services might be found in larger towns like Abingdon or Bristol, but even these services are often limited in their routes and schedules, and may not directly serve Rosedale.

The absence of reliable public *transportation* significantly impacts the Prostate Cancer Score. Individuals without access to a car face considerable difficulty in accessing healthcare, potentially delaying or hindering timely diagnosis and treatment.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the region, though their availability may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas. Residents of Rosedale can potentially utilize these services for *transportation* to and from medical appointments. However, the cost and reliability of ride-sharing, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, must be considered.

Medical *transportation* services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available. These services, often operated by private companies, offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist individuals with mobility limitations. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and availability may be limited, requiring advance booking.

These alternative *transportation* options, while valuable, do not fully compensate for the lack of public transit. The Prostate Cancer Score is affected by the reliance on potentially expensive and less readily available *transportation* methods.

**Accessibility Considerations: ADA and Beyond**

For individuals with disabilities, the accessibility of *transportation* and healthcare facilities is paramount. Hospitals and clinics in the region generally adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, ensuring accessibility features such as ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

However, the accessibility of *transportation* options is a concern. While ride-sharing services may offer accessible vehicles, their availability is not guaranteed. Medical *transportation* services often provide accessible vehicles, but the cost can be a barrier. The lack of accessible public transit further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

**Evaluating the Prostate Cancer Score**

The Prostate Cancer Score for Rosedale, Virginia, is moderate. The score is negatively affected by the limited access to immediate medical facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles for *transportation*, and the absence of a robust public transit system. The longer drive times to specialized cancer centers also contribute to a lower score.

However, the availability of ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services provides some mitigation. The presence of healthcare facilities in nearby towns and cities, while requiring travel, offers access to essential medical care.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access**

To improve the Prostate Cancer Score for Rosedale, several initiatives are recommended.

* **Advocate for expanded public transit:** Lobby for increased bus routes, especially connecting Rosedale with healthcare facilities in Bristol and Abingdon.
* **Promote ride-sharing partnerships:** Facilitate partnerships between local healthcare providers and ride-sharing services to offer discounted or subsidized *transportation* for patients.
* **Support medical *transportation* services:** Ensure the availability and affordability of medical *transportation* options for those who need them.
* **Telemedicine integration:** Encourage the adoption of telemedicine services by local healthcare providers to reduce the need for in-person visits, especially for follow-up appointments.
* **Community outreach:** Educate residents about prostate cancer screening, prevention, and available healthcare resources.

By addressing these areas, Rosedale can enhance its healthcare access, making it a more welcoming place for those *moving to Rosedale* and improving the overall quality of life for its residents. The focus on *transportation* and *healthcare access* is crucial in ensuring timely and effective prostate cancer care.