20695, White Plains, Maryland Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 20695, White Plains, Maryland is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

33.06 percent of residents in 20695 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.39 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Charles Regional Medical Center with a distance of 4.74 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 20695**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as significant as breast cancer, is a critical factor when considering a move to a new community. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 20695, examining the available transportation options and assessing their impact on healthcare access for individuals facing this challenging diagnosis. We’ll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, providing a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" to aid in informed decision-making.

**Understanding the Score**

The "Breast Cancer Score" is not a numerical value but a narrative assessment. It considers the ease and reliability of transportation options, the proximity of healthcare facilities, and the availability of support services. The score reflects the overall accessibility of breast cancer care within the context of the transportation landscape in 20695. Factors such as traffic congestion, public transit frequency, and the availability of specialized medical transport are all considered.

**The Transportation Landscape in 20695**

ZIP Code 20695, encompassing portions of Waldorf, Maryland, presents a mixed bag of transportation options. The area is primarily car-dependent, with a reliance on personal vehicles for commuting and accessing services. However, the presence of public transit and ride-sharing services offers alternative avenues, particularly for those who may not drive or face mobility limitations.

**Driving Times: The Road to Care**

For those who drive, the primary arteries for accessing healthcare facilities are U.S. Route 301 and Maryland Route 5. Depending on the specific location within 20695 and the destination, drive times can vary considerably.

Heading north on U.S. 301, residents can reach the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center in La Plata, a facility that provides comprehensive cancer care, including diagnostic services and treatment options. The drive, under normal traffic conditions, is approximately 20 to 30 minutes. However, peak-hour traffic, especially during weekday commutes, can significantly extend this time, potentially adding an additional 15 to 30 minutes.

Traveling south on U.S. 301, or east on Maryland Route 5, provides access to hospitals in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, including MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Sibley Memorial Hospital, and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. These facilities offer advanced cancer care, including specialized surgical procedures, radiation therapy, and clinical trials. Drive times to these locations can range from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic, which can be highly unpredictable.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

The public transit options in 20695 are limited. The primary provider is the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), which operates bus routes in the area. However, the frequency of these routes can be infrequent, particularly during evenings and weekends.

Bus Route 80, which runs along U.S. 301, offers a connection to the Branch Avenue Metro Station in Prince George's County. From there, individuals can access the Washington, D.C., Metro system, providing access to healthcare facilities in the city. However, this journey involves multiple transfers and can be time-consuming, potentially taking over an hour and a half, depending on the time of day and the specific destination.

The MTA does provide ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the public transit system. However, the limited route network and infrequent service can still pose challenges for those requiring frequent medical appointments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in 20695. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving, particularly for those who cannot drive or prefer not to. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as CareRide and First Transit, specialize in providing transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services offer door-to-door transportation and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, the availability of these services may vary, and advance booking is often required.

**Healthcare Access and the "Breast Cancer Score"**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for 20695 reflects a mixed picture. While the area offers access to several healthcare facilities, the transportation challenges can significantly impact healthcare access.

The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the potential for heavy traffic congestion, can create delays and increase stress for individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment. The limited public transit options and the cost of ride-sharing services can further exacerbate these challenges, particularly for those with limited mobility or financial constraints.

The availability of medical transport services provides a valuable resource for those who need it. However, the need for advance booking and the potential for limited availability can still pose challenges.

**Moving to White Plains and Beyond**

For those considering moving to White Plains or the surrounding areas, a thorough assessment of transportation options and healthcare access is crucial. Individuals should carefully consider their transportation needs, their ability to drive, and their financial resources.

Prioritizing proximity to healthcare facilities or ensuring access to reliable transportation options, whether through personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing, or medical transport, is paramount. Researching the availability of support services, such as patient navigators and transportation assistance programs, can also be beneficial.

**Conclusion**

Navigating the healthcare landscape in 20695, particularly for individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis, requires careful planning and consideration of transportation options. The "Breast Cancer Score" highlights the importance of assessing the accessibility of healthcare facilities, the reliability of transportation, and the availability of support services. While the area offers access to healthcare, the transportation challenges necessitate proactive planning and a commitment to securing reliable transportation to ensure timely access to care.