19435, Frederick, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 19435, Frederick, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.00 percent of residents in 19435 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.23 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pottstown Hospital with a distance of 5.47 miles from the area.

Asthma Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 19435

Navigating the complexities of healthcare access, especially for individuals managing asthma, requires a nuanced understanding of transportation options. This "Asthma Score" write-up for ZIP code 19435, focusing on Frederick, Maryland, assesses the accessibility of healthcare facilities, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation, all crucial elements for residents seeking prompt and reliable medical attention. Considering a move to Frederick? Understanding these transportation factors is paramount.

The cornerstone of healthcare accessibility in 19435 is, undoubtedly, the automobile. Driving provides the most direct route to numerous healthcare providers. From the heart of Frederick, a drive to Frederick Health Hospital, the area's primary acute care facility, is typically a swift journey. Depending on the specific location within the ZIP code and traffic conditions, the drive generally takes between 5 and 15 minutes. Accessing the hospital involves navigating roads such as West Patrick Street (Route 40), a major thoroughfare, and East Street, which funnels traffic towards the hospital’s main entrance.

Further afield, specialized care might necessitate travel. For example, a trip to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, a leading center for asthma treatment, requires a drive of approximately one hour, predominantly via Interstate 70 East. This journey can be significantly impacted by traffic, particularly during rush hour. Conversely, a trip to a specialist in Rockville, Maryland, might involve using Interstate 270 South, with a drive time of around 45 minutes, again subject to traffic fluctuations. These drive times underscore the importance of considering peak-hour congestion when assessing healthcare access.

Public transportation, while offering an alternative, presents its own set of challenges. The Frederick County Transit System (FCT) provides bus services within the city and county. Route 80, for instance, serves a significant portion of Frederick, offering a connection to Frederick Health Hospital. However, the frequency of these routes can be limited, especially during evenings and weekends. ADA-accessible buses are available, ensuring inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. The reliance on fixed routes, however, can make reaching specific healthcare providers outside of the immediate bus network cumbersome, potentially requiring multiple transfers and extended travel times.

For those who cannot drive or prefer not to, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient, albeit potentially expensive, solution. These services operate extensively throughout Frederick, providing on-demand transportation to healthcare appointments. Availability, however, can fluctuate, particularly during peak hours or in areas with lower demand. The cost of these services also needs consideration, as it can quickly accumulate, especially for frequent medical visits.

Medical transportation services cater specifically to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. Companies like CareRide and MedRide offer non-emergency medical transportation, providing door-to-door service. These services often accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. They are particularly valuable for individuals with severe asthma exacerbations or other health conditions that limit their ability to travel independently. Booking these services in advance is often necessary, and understanding the associated costs is crucial.

Healthcare access extends beyond the immediate vicinity of a healthcare facility. The availability of pharmacies, urgent care centers, and specialist offices within a reasonable distance is also crucial. Frederick boasts a variety of these facilities, often located in close proximity to major roads and transportation hubs. This proximity allows for quick access to medication refills, follow-up appointments, and urgent medical attention.

The Asthma Score for 19435, therefore, reflects a mixed landscape. While the availability of driving options provides a relatively quick route to healthcare, the reliance on automobiles can be problematic for those without access to a vehicle or those who are unable to drive. Public transportation offers an alternative, but its limitations in frequency and route coverage must be considered. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services fill some gaps, but their cost and availability can be barriers.

For individuals with asthma, the ability to quickly access medical care during an exacerbation is paramount. The potential for delays due to traffic, public transit schedules, or ride-sharing availability can significantly impact health outcomes. Moving to Frederick requires a careful evaluation of these transportation factors.

The ideal scenario is a combination of readily accessible healthcare facilities, efficient public transportation options, and reliable ride-sharing or medical transportation services. The Asthma Score for 19435, therefore, is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that evolves with changes in transportation infrastructure, healthcare provider availability, and individual needs.

Understanding these intricacies is critical for anyone considering a move to Frederick, Maryland. It is a city that offers a blend of suburban convenience and access to specialized medical care. However, the ability to navigate the transportation landscape effectively is vital for managing asthma and ensuring timely access to healthcare. The Asthma Score is a starting point, a framework for assessing the accessibility of care and making informed decisions about healthcare needs in Frederick. The constant need to be aware of transportation options is a key factor in ensuring the best possible quality of life.