20744, Fort Washington, Maryland Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 20744, Fort Washington, Maryland is 82 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

30.87 percent of residents in 20744 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.15 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Adventist Healthcare Fort Washington Medical Ctr with a distance of 1.94 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Fort Washington, MD (ZIP Code 20744)

Considering a move to Fort Washington, Maryland (ZIP Code 20744)? Beyond the picturesque Potomac River views and proximity to Washington, D.C., it's crucial to assess healthcare access, especially for a critical illness like breast cancer. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score," evaluating the ease of transportation to essential diagnostic and treatment facilities, offering a clearer picture of healthcare access for potential residents.

This score isn't a definitive medical judgment, but rather a practical guide. It weighs the time and effort required to reach breast cancer specialists, diagnostic centers, and treatment facilities from various points within the 20744 ZIP code. The goal is to illuminate the transportation landscape, empowering informed decisions about your healthcare needs.

**The Foundation: Transportation and Healthcare Access**

Transportation is the linchpin of healthcare access. In a community like Fort Washington, the ability to reach medical facilities promptly and reliably can significantly impact outcomes. This score considers the diverse transportation options available, from personal vehicles to public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport.

The proximity to major highways and the availability of public transportation are crucial. Delays in diagnosis or treatment, due to transportation challenges, can be detrimental. This analysis explores how these factors interplay to shape the healthcare experience for residents of Fort Washington.

**Driving the Distance: Roadways and Drive Times**

For many, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. Fort Washington benefits from its location near major roadways. The Capital Beltway (I-495/I-95) provides a direct route to numerous medical facilities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The drive time to these facilities is a key factor in our score.

From central Fort Washington, reaching MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center in Clinton, MD, via the Indian Head Highway (Route 210) and the Beltway, is generally a 15-25 minute drive, depending on traffic. This hospital offers comprehensive breast cancer services, including diagnostic imaging and surgical options.

Traveling to the University of Maryland Capital Region Health in Largo, MD, a facility with advanced cancer care, involves a drive of approximately 20-35 minutes, primarily using the Beltway and Central Avenue. The drive time will vary depending on traffic conditions, especially during peak hours.

For specialized care, the drive to facilities in Washington, D.C. such as MedStar Washington Hospital Center, will likely take 30-45 minutes via the Beltway and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.

The Breast Cancer Score considers these drive times, acknowledging that longer travel times can translate to increased stress, fatigue, and potential delays in receiving care. The score also considers the availability of parking at each facility, which can also impact the overall experience.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Metro and Buses**

Public transportation offers an alternative, particularly for those without personal vehicles or seeking to avoid traffic. The Washington Metropolitan Area TransitWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), commonly known as the Metro, serves the area. The closest Metro station to Fort Washington is the Branch Avenue station on the Green Line.

From the Branch Avenue station, accessing hospitals in the D.C. area can be accomplished via the Green Line. However, this often involves transfers, increasing travel time. The Green Line provides access to hospitals such as MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

The Metro's ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration. All Metro stations and buses are equipped with features like elevators, ramps, and designated seating to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Metrobus routes also serve Fort Washington. Route C21, Route C22, and Route C29 offer connections to the Branch Avenue Metro station and provide access to local destinations. Bus travel times can be significantly longer than driving, especially during rush hour.

The Breast Cancer Score assesses the practicality of public transit, considering the frequency of service, travel times, and ADA accessibility. The score takes into account the potential for delays and the added complexity of navigating multiple modes of transportation.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Alternative Options**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide on-demand transportation. These services can be convenient for individuals who do not drive or need a more direct route. However, ride-sharing costs can fluctuate, especially during peak hours.

Medical transportation services, such as LogistiCare or Medical Transportation Management (MTM), offer specialized transport for medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door assistance and can be beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring medical support during transport.

The Breast Cancer Score evaluates the availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport options. These services can play a critical role in ensuring access to care, particularly for those with limited mobility or other health concerns.

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

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP Code 20744 is a composite measure, considering drive times, public transit accessibility, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport.

**Factors contributing to a higher score (better access):**

* Shorter drive times to comprehensive breast cancer care facilities.
* Easy access to reliable public transportation with ADA accessibility.
* Availability of affordable and readily accessible ride-sharing and medical transport options.

**Factors contributing to a lower score (challenges to access):**

* Longer drive times to medical facilities, especially during peak traffic hours.
* Limited public transit options or lengthy travel times.
* High costs or limited availability of ride-sharing and medical transport.

**Moving to Fort Washington: Making Informed Decisions**

This analysis provides a starting point for assessing healthcare access in Fort Washington. Potential residents should consider their individual needs and preferences when evaluating the Breast Cancer Score.

Consider the frequency of required medical appointments, the types of care needed, and personal transportation preferences. Researching the specific breast cancer services offered by local hospitals and clinics is essential.

Ultimately, the goal is to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs, ensuring access to timely and effective care.