21675, Wingate, Maryland Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 21675, Wingate, Maryland is 7 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.22 percent of residents in 21675 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 30.08 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Peninsula Regional Medical Center with a distance of 27.04 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Wingate, MD (ZIP Code 21675)

The salty tang of the Chesapeake Bay air often carries a deceptive calm. While the Eastern Shore of Maryland, specifically Wingate (ZIP Code 21675), offers a picturesque escape, residents with asthma face a unique challenge: navigating the transportation landscape to access healthcare. This 'Asthma Score' write-up delves into the complexities of transportation options, healthcare access, and the realities of moving to Wingate for individuals managing this respiratory condition. We'll assess the drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services available, providing a comprehensive understanding of the logistical hurdles and potential solutions.

The primary concern for asthmatics is consistent and timely access to medical care. Asthma attacks can escalate rapidly, necessitating immediate medical attention. Therefore, the efficiency and reliability of transportation are paramount. Living in Wingate presents a hurdle, as the area is predominantly rural, with limited public transportation and a reliance on personal vehicles. This situation necessitates a careful evaluation of transportation options, factoring in potential delays, traffic, and the physical limitations of an asthma flare-up.

The most direct route for healthcare access in Wingate typically involves driving. The closest hospital, University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton, is approximately 20-25 miles away. The primary artery connecting Wingate to Easton is Maryland Route 335, a two-lane road that meanders through farmland and small communities. During peak hours, especially during the morning and evening commutes, traffic can be moderate, adding precious minutes to the journey. The journey to Easton also involves navigating Maryland Route 50, a major east-west highway.

Another option for healthcare is the TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Hospital in Salisbury, which is approximately 40-45 miles away. The journey to Salisbury involves using Maryland Route 335, connecting to Maryland Route 16, and eventually merging onto U.S. Route 50. This route, while longer, offers a wider, more direct path, but it also has its own traffic challenges, particularly around Salisbury.

The drive times are crucial for asthmatics. An emergency can't wait. The time spent in transit is time lost, and every minute counts. The Asthma Score must consider these drive times, factoring in potential delays and the need for prompt medical intervention.

Public transportation in Wingate and the surrounding areas is severely limited. The Talbot County Department of Transportation operates a demand-response service, offering door-to-door transportation within the county. However, this service is primarily designed for seniors and individuals with disabilities, and it requires advance booking. The service is not designed for emergency situations, and the wait times can be substantial.

The availability of public transit to the hospitals is limited. There are no direct bus routes from Wingate to Easton or Salisbury. This lack of public transportation creates a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. The absence of readily available public transit is a significant factor in the Asthma Score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Wingate area, but their reliability can be inconsistent. The availability of drivers is often dependent on demand and the time of day. In a rural area like Wingate, wait times can be prolonged, and the cost of a ride can be significant. This unreliability is a serious concern for individuals experiencing an asthma attack, who need immediate and dependable transportation.

Medical transport services are an option for those with specific needs. Ambulance services are available for emergency situations, but these are costly and not always covered by insurance. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers offer transportation to and from medical appointments. These services, however, require prior arrangements and may not be available on short notice. They are often limited in their coverage area.

The Asthma Score must evaluate the accessibility of these medical transport services, considering their availability, cost, and the potential for delays. The reliance on these services highlights the challenges faced by asthmatics in Wingate.

The implications of this transportation landscape are significant for individuals considering moving to Wingate. Those with asthma must carefully assess their ability to access healthcare, factoring in the drive times, the limitations of public transportation, and the reliability of ride-sharing services. They must also consider the availability of medical transport services and the associated costs.

Moving to Wingate requires a proactive approach to healthcare planning. Individuals with asthma should establish a relationship with a local primary care physician and a pulmonologist. They should also develop a contingency plan for emergencies, including identifying reliable transportation options and understanding the availability of ambulance services.

The Asthma Score for Wingate reflects the challenges of accessing healthcare. The limited public transportation, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential for delays in ride-sharing services create a complex environment for individuals with asthma. The score must reflect the increased risk associated with these transportation barriers.

The score should also factor in the availability of asthma-friendly environments within Wingate. The presence of air quality monitoring systems, the prevalence of allergens, and the availability of local support groups can significantly impact the quality of life for asthmatics.

In conclusion, navigating the transportation landscape in Wingate for healthcare access is a complex undertaking for individuals with asthma. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the potential for delays in ride-sharing services create significant challenges. Individuals considering moving to Wingate must carefully assess their ability to access healthcare, develop contingency plans for emergencies, and proactively manage their asthma. The Asthma Score for Wingate must reflect these realities, providing a comprehensive assessment of the transportation challenges and the need for proactive healthcare planning. The goal is to ensure that individuals with asthma can thrive in Wingate, despite the transportation hurdles.