20653, Lexington Park, Maryland Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 20653, Lexington Park, Maryland is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

79.20 percent of residents in 20653 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.78 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Medstar Saint Mary's Hospital with a distance of 9.95 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 20653**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing the complexities of a breast cancer diagnosis, is a critical factor in overall well-being. In the context of ZIP code 20653, encompassing Lexington Park, Maryland, the ease and efficiency of transportation significantly impact healthcare access. This analysis unveils the landscape of transportation options, highlighting drive times, public transit routes, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, all contributing to a "Breast Cancer Score" reflecting the accessibility of vital breast cancer care.

Lexington Park, a vibrant community nestled in St. Mary's County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges and opportunities. The area's relative isolation, coupled with its dependence on personal vehicles, shapes the healthcare access experience. Understanding these nuances is paramount for residents, especially those navigating the demanding journey of breast cancer treatment.

**Driving Times: The Road to Care**

For many residents, the primary mode of transportation is the automobile. The drive times to medical facilities offering breast cancer services are a crucial determinant of the Breast Cancer Score. The most direct route to the closest comprehensive cancer center, MedStar St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown, typically involves navigating MD-235, also known as Three Notch Road. During peak hours, the 10-mile journey can take upwards of 25 minutes, while off-peak travel might clock in at a more manageable 15 minutes.

Further afield, the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center in La Plata, offering advanced cancer care, presents a more extended commute. The most common route involves heading north on MD-235 to MD-5, then east on MD-5 to La Plata. This drive spans approximately 30 miles and, depending on traffic, can take between 45 minutes and an hour, particularly during rush hour.

For specialized care, such as radiation therapy or clinical trials, patients may need to travel to larger medical centers in the Washington, D.C. area. This entails a drive north on MD-235, connecting to US-301, and then onto the Capital Beltway (I-495). This trip, covering approximately 60 miles, can easily consume 1.5 to 2 hours, making the transportation a significant time commitment.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in 20653 are limited, posing a challenge for those who do not drive or lack access to a vehicle. The St. Mary's County Transit System (SMCTS) offers bus services, but the routes and frequency are not designed to cater specifically to medical appointments.

The primary SMCTS route servicing Lexington Park is Route 1, which travels along MD-235. While this route provides access to some medical facilities, it does not offer direct access to all specialized cancer centers. The buses are equipped with ADA accessibility features, including ramps and designated seating, ensuring inclusivity for riders with disabilities.

The infrequent schedules and the lack of direct routes to comprehensive cancer centers create a significant barrier to healthcare access for those relying on public transit. This severely impacts the Breast Cancer Score for individuals who are transit-dependent.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Lexington Park, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability of these services can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas of the ZIP code. The cost of ride-sharing can also accumulate, becoming a financial burden for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, provide a crucial service for those unable to drive or utilize other transportation options. Companies such as Logisticare and ModivCare operate in the area, offering non-emergency medical transportation. These services often require pre-booking and can have limitations in terms of availability and geographic coverage. The Breast Cancer Score is positively impacted by the presence of these services, but their efficiency and cost are crucial.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The Breast Cancer Score for 20653 reflects the complex interplay of these transportation factors. The score is negatively impacted by the limited public transit options, the variable ride-share availability, and the extended drive times to specialized cancer centers, especially during peak hours. The presence of medical transport services and the accessibility of some local medical facilities on the primary bus route offer a slight counterbalance.

The score is a dynamic reflection of the challenges and opportunities in healthcare access. The score can be improved by increasing the frequency of public transit routes, expanding ride-share availability, and promoting the use of medical transport services.

**Moving to Lexington Park: Considerations for Breast Cancer Patients**

For individuals considering a move to Lexington Park, the transportation landscape is a critical factor to consider, especially for those with a history of breast cancer or who are at high risk. Proximity to medical facilities, the availability of reliable transportation options, and the ease of access to specialized cancer care should be prioritized.

The Breast Cancer Score provides a valuable tool for assessing the healthcare access environment in 20653. It underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to healthcare access, including improved public transit, expanded ride-sharing, and enhanced medical transport services, to ensure that all residents have equitable access to the care they need. The journey to healthcare should not be a burden, and by understanding the transportation landscape, we can work towards a more accessible and supportive environment for those navigating the challenges of breast cancer.