20866, Burtonsville, Maryland Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 20866, Burtonsville, Maryland is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

36.46 percent of residents in 20866 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.97 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Medstar Montgomery Medical Center with a distance of 6.91 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Burtonsville (ZIP Code 20866)

Considering a move to Burtonsville, Maryland (ZIP Code 20866) and managing asthma? This assessment, the "Asthma Score," provides a comprehensive overview of transportation options for healthcare access, crucial for individuals with respiratory conditions. The goal is to evaluate the ease and reliability of reaching medical facilities, factoring in drive times, public transit availability, and alternative transportation solutions. This analysis is essential for informed decision-making, allowing prospective residents to gauge the suitability of Burtonsville for their healthcare needs.

Burtonsville, nestled in Montgomery County, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient proximity to the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. However, geographical realities significantly impact healthcare access, particularly for those reliant on timely medical attention. The Asthma Score considers these factors, providing a realistic picture of the transportation landscape.

**Driving Times and Road Networks:**

Driving remains a primary transportation mode in Burtonsville. Access to healthcare facilities hinges on the efficiency of the road network. Several hospitals and specialist clinics serve the area, but travel times vary significantly depending on traffic conditions.

**Primary Roads:** The primary artery is the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295), providing direct access to hospitals in the District of Columbia and Baltimore. However, the Parkway is notorious for heavy congestion, especially during peak hours. Expect travel times to fluctuate dramatically based on the time of day. The Intercounty Connector (ICC/MD-200) offers a faster, toll-based alternative, connecting Burtonsville to hospitals further west in Montgomery County and east towards Baltimore.

**Secondary Roads:** US-29 (Columbia Pike) and MD-198 (Sandy Spring Road) are critical for local travel. US-29 provides access to hospitals in Silver Spring and Columbia, while MD-198 leads to medical facilities in Laurel and beyond. These roads, while less congested than the Parkway, still experience significant traffic, particularly during rush hour.

**Specific Drive Times:**

* **Adventist Healthcare White Oak Medical Center (Silver Spring):** Approximately 15-25 minutes via US-29 or the ICC (depending on traffic).
* **Holy Cross Hospital (Silver Spring):** 20-35 minutes via US-29, with traffic impacting travel times.
* **Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center (Columbia):** 25-40 minutes via US-29, again subject to traffic delays.
* **MedStar Montgomery Medical Center (Olney):** 15-25 minutes via MD-108 and MD-182.

**Important Considerations:** The Asthma Score assigns a lower rating to driving due to the unpredictable nature of traffic, particularly during peak hours. This is a critical factor for individuals with asthma, who may require immediate medical attention.

**Public Transportation: Navigating the Bus and Rail Systems:**

Public transportation offers an alternative to driving, but its effectiveness for healthcare access in Burtonsville requires careful evaluation. The primary modes are the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) bus system and the Washington MetroMetropolitan Area TransitWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metro rail system.

**MTA Bus:** Several MTA bus routes serve Burtonsville, connecting it to surrounding areas. The primary routes include the 101, 102, and 103, providing connections to the Glenmont Metro station and other transit hubs.

**WMATA Metro:** The Glenmont Metro station (Red Line) is the closest Metro station to Burtonsville. However, reaching the station requires a bus ride or driving, adding time and complexity to the journey.

**ADA Accessibility:** Both the MTA buses and WMATA Metro stations are designed with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility in mind. Buses are equipped with ramps and lifts, and Metro stations offer elevators and accessible platforms. However, accessibility can be impacted by maintenance issues or unforeseen circumstances.

**Route Specifics:**

* **Route 101:** Connects Burtonsville to the Glenmont Metro station and other points in Montgomery County.
* **Route 102:** Provides service along US-29, connecting to hospitals and medical facilities in Silver Spring and Columbia.
* **Route 103:** Offers service to the Glenmont Metro station and surrounding areas.

**Public Transportation Challenges:** The Asthma Score recognizes that public transportation can be less convenient and reliable than driving, especially for those with asthma. The need for transfers, potential delays, and exposure to environmental factors (like weather) can negatively impact healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. However, availability and cost can vary, particularly during peak hours or in areas with limited demand.

**Medical Transportation:** Several specialized medical transportation services cater to individuals with disabilities or medical needs. These services, such as First Transit and TransCare, provide door-to-door transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services often require advance booking and may have limited availability.

**Ride-Sharing Considerations:** The Asthma Score considers ride-sharing as a moderately reliable option. While offering flexibility, costs and potential delays can impact its usefulness for urgent medical needs.

**Medical Transportation Specifics:** Medical transportation services offer a higher degree of reliability and accessibility, but advance booking is essential. The Asthma Score awards these services a higher rating due to their focus on medical needs.

**Healthcare Access and the Asthma Score:**

The Asthma Score integrates all factors – drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transportation – to provide a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access in Burtonsville.

**Factors that Contribute to a Lower Score:**

* Heavy traffic congestion on primary roads, particularly during peak hours.
* The need for transfers when using public transportation.
* The potential for delays and limited availability with ride-sharing services.
* The need for advance booking for medical transportation.

**Factors that Contribute to a Higher Score:**

* The availability of multiple transportation options.
* ADA accessibility of public transit and medical transportation services.
* The proximity of healthcare facilities.
* The availability of specialized medical transportation services.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents:**

Individuals with asthma considering a move to Burtonsville should prioritize these factors:

* **Assess proximity to healthcare facilities:** Determine the distance and estimated travel times to hospitals, clinics, and specialist offices.
* **Evaluate transportation needs:** Consider the frequency of medical appointments and the need for urgent care.
* **Explore all transportation options:** Familiarize yourself with the MTA bus routes, the Glenmont Metro station, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation providers.
* **Plan for potential delays:** Factor in potential traffic delays and public transit disruptions.
* **Develop a contingency plan:** Have a backup transportation plan in place for emergencies.

**Conclusion:**

The Asthma Score for Burtonsville (ZIP Code 20866) reveals a transportation landscape with both opportunities and challenges. While the area offers access to a range of healthcare facilities, transportation options vary in reliability and convenience. Prospective residents with asthma should carefully evaluate these factors, prioritizing healthcare access and developing a robust transportation strategy to ensure timely and reliable medical care. By understanding the nuances of transportation in Burtonsville, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and overall quality of life.