05669, Roxbury, Vermont Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 05669, Roxbury, Vermont is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.37 percent of residents in 05669 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Central Vermont Medical Center with a distance of 13.25 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Accessing Healthcare in Roxbury, Vermont (ZIP Code 05669)

The verdant hills and tranquil valleys of Roxbury, Vermont (ZIP code 05669), offer a bucolic lifestyle, attracting those seeking respite from the frenetic pace of urban life. However, the very remoteness that defines its charm presents a unique challenge: accessing specialized healthcare, particularly for conditions like prostate cancer. This write-up explores the complexities of **transportation** and **healthcare access** for residents of Roxbury, providing a "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, considering the journey to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. It’s a critical consideration for anyone **moving to Roxbury**, especially those with existing health concerns.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" isn't a numerical value but a qualitative evaluation, considering factors like drive times, public transit options, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. It aims to provide a realistic picture of the logistical hurdles faced by Roxbury residents navigating the healthcare system.

The primary healthcare hub for Roxbury residents is typically the Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) in Berlin, Vermont. The journey to CVMC dictates much of the score. From the heart of Roxbury, the most direct route is via Vermont Route 12A, a winding road that meanders through the landscape. The drive, under ideal conditions, is approximately 15-20 minutes. This relatively short drive time contributes positively to the score. However, the road's narrowness and potential for seasonal hazards, like snow and ice, can significantly extend travel times, especially during Vermont's harsh winters.

Alternatively, residents can utilize Vermont Route 12, which intersects with Route 12A in Roxbury. This route adds a few minutes to the drive time but offers a more consistent, albeit slightly longer, path to Berlin.

The presence of these relatively accessible routes to CVMC provides a baseline of reasonable **healthcare access**. The score benefits from the proximity to a hospital capable of providing initial prostate cancer screenings and some treatment options.

Public **transportation** options are limited in Roxbury and the surrounding area. Green Mountain Transit (GMT), the regional public transit provider, offers routes in the greater Barre/Montpelier area. However, these routes are infrequent and do not directly serve Roxbury. The nearest GMT stop is likely in Northfield, requiring a drive of approximately 10-15 minutes. From Northfield, residents could potentially access a GMT bus to Barre or Montpelier, where they could connect to routes serving CVMC. This multi-leg journey, involving a drive to a bus stop and then a bus ride, significantly increases travel time, potentially exceeding an hour or more.

ADA accessibility on GMT buses varies by route and vehicle. While GMT strives to provide accessible services, the rural nature of the routes and the potential for delays due to weather can pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations. The lack of direct public transit access from Roxbury severely impacts the "Prostate Cancer Score," especially for those unable to drive or reliant on public transportation.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the greater Barre/Montpelier area, but their presence in Roxbury is less consistent. Availability depends on driver proximity and demand. Securing a ride-share in Roxbury, especially for early morning appointments or during inclement weather, cannot be guaranteed. This uncertainty adds another layer of complexity to the **transportation** equation. The reliance on ride-sharing further reduces the score, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a more reliable solution. Several companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) to and from medical appointments. These services typically require advance booking and may involve a cost. However, they offer a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to other **transportation** options. The availability of NEMT services improves the "Prostate Cancer Score," providing a safety net for those requiring assistance.

The journey to specialized prostate cancer care, such as radiation therapy or advanced surgical procedures, often necessitates travel to larger medical centers like the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) in Burlington, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away via Interstate 89 North. This drive adds significant travel time and distance, further complicating **healthcare access**. The need for multiple trips for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care underscores the importance of reliable **transportation**. The score reflects the increased burden on patients needing specialized care, particularly those with limited **transportation** options.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Roxbury, Vermont, is a mixed bag. The relatively short drive to CVMC for initial screenings and some treatment options is a positive factor. However, the limited public transit, the uncertainty of ride-sharing availability, and the need for longer travel times to access specialized care significantly reduce the score. The reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for weather-related delays further complicate the situation.

For individuals **moving to Roxbury** or those already residing there, careful consideration of **transportation** options is paramount. Planning for appointments, anticipating potential delays, and exploring all available resources, including medical transport services, are essential. The score highlights the need for proactive planning and a realistic understanding of the logistical challenges of accessing healthcare in this beautiful but remote Vermont community.