05457, Franklin, Vermont Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 05457, Franklin, Vermont is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.68 percent of residents in 05457 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 24.40 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northwestern Medical Center Inc with a distance of 11.18 miles from the area.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 05457**

The picturesque town of Franklin, Vermont, nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, offers residents a tranquil lifestyle. However, when considering healthcare access, particularly for a diagnosis as serious as prostate cancer, understanding the transportation landscape becomes crucial. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 05457, provides a "Prostate Cancer Score" by evaluating the ease and efficiency of reaching specialized medical care. This score will consider drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation availability, ultimately painting a picture of healthcare access for those living and *moving to Franklin*.

The cornerstone of this assessment lies in understanding the proximity of specialized prostate cancer treatment centers. The University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) in Burlington, approximately 40 miles south, is the primary regional hub. Other options, such as the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, are further afield. The "Prostate Cancer Score" will weigh the accessibility of these facilities based on the available *transportation* infrastructure.

Driving remains the most common mode of *transportation* in Franklin. The primary route to Burlington involves navigating Interstate 89 South. The drive typically takes around an hour, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Secondary roads, such as Vermont Route 36, offer alternative routes, albeit with potentially longer travel times and more challenging driving conditions, especially during winter. The scenic Route 104, while beautiful, can be slow-going.

The drive to Dartmouth-Hitchcock, a journey of approximately 130 miles, presents a significantly greater challenge. This trip necessitates traveling south on I-89, then east on I-91. The journey usually takes about two-and-a-half to three hours. This longer travel time significantly impacts the "Prostate Cancer Score," as it directly affects the timeliness of accessing potentially life-saving treatments.

Public *transportation* options in Franklin and the surrounding areas are limited. The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) provides some bus service, but its routes and schedules are not optimized for frequent or direct travel to major medical centers. There is no direct route to Burlington or Lebanon. Residents would likely need to utilize multiple buses, leading to lengthy travel times and potential difficulties for patients undergoing treatment.

The GMT does offer some ADA-accessible buses, but the frequency and coverage may not meet the needs of all patients. These buses are equipped with ramps and other features to assist passengers with mobility impairments. However, the limited service frequency and the need for transfers can pose significant challenges for individuals undergoing prostate cancer treatment. This is especially true if they are experiencing fatigue, pain, or other side effects.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Burlington area, but their presence in Franklin is less consistent. Availability may be limited, and the cost of a ride to Burlington or Lebanon can be substantial. This factor contributes to the "Prostate Cancer Score" by increasing the financial burden of accessing healthcare.

Medical *transportation* services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available in the region. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary. Patients may need to pre-arrange transport, and insurance coverage may not always fully cover the expenses.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" also considers the availability of support services in Franklin. Access to support groups, counseling, and other resources can be crucial for patients and their families. The proximity of these services and the ease of accessing them are important factors in the overall assessment.

The score will be calculated by weighting the various factors. Drive times will be given the highest weight, as they directly impact the timeliness of accessing treatment. Public *transportation* options will be considered, but their limitations will be factored in. Ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services will also be assessed, with their availability, cost, and accessibility taken into account. The availability of support services will also contribute to the score.

Based on this analysis, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for ZIP code 05457 is moderately low. While residents have access to excellent medical care at UVMMC, the drive time, limited public *transportation*, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services pose challenges. The longer drive to Dartmouth-Hitchcock further reduces the score. The lack of robust public *transportation* options, coupled with the potential financial burden of ride-sharing and medical *transportation*, creates barriers to healthcare access for some residents.

For individuals *moving to Franklin* and considering healthcare access, this score should be a key consideration. While the town offers a high quality of life, the challenges of accessing specialized medical care, particularly for a condition like prostate cancer, are significant. Residents should carefully evaluate their *transportation* needs and explore all available options to ensure they can access the care they require.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" is not a static measure. It can change as *transportation* infrastructure improves, public *transportation* services expand, or new healthcare facilities open. As such, it is essential to regularly reassess the score and stay informed about changes in the healthcare landscape.