20746, Suitland, Maryland Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 20746, Suitland, Maryland is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

31.04 percent of residents in 20746 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.26 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Capital Region Medical Center with a distance of 5.85 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Suitland, MD (ZIP Code 20746)

Suitland, Maryland, a vibrant community nestled in Prince George's County, presents a unique landscape for residents seeking healthcare, particularly for breast cancer screening and treatment. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score," examines the accessibility of essential healthcare services from a transportation perspective, offering insights for current and prospective residents. The goal is to understand the ease with which individuals can access potentially life-saving care, factoring in various modes of transportation. This is especially important for those considering moving to Suitland, as transportation profoundly impacts healthcare access.

The cornerstone of our analysis revolves around the journey to healthcare facilities, primarily those specializing in breast cancer care. We will assess drive times, public transit options, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, considering their impact on healthcare access. The Breast Cancer Score, therefore, reflects the overall ease of reaching these critical services from different points within the 20746 ZIP code.

**Driving to Care: Navigating the Roadways**

For many Suitland residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. Several major roadways facilitate travel to healthcare facilities. The Capital Beltway (I-495/I-95), a crucial artery, offers access to hospitals and specialized clinics in the surrounding areas. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times.

From Suitland, the drive to MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center in Clinton, MD, a facility that offers comprehensive breast cancer services, typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. This journey involves navigating the Beltway and Branch Avenue (MD-5).

Alternatively, driving to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., a center with renowned breast cancer expertise, requires navigating the Beltway and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295). This trip can take anywhere from 30-45 minutes, often longer during rush hour.

The drive to the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, a more distant option, requires a longer commute, typically exceeding an hour, utilizing the Beltway and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. The time spent on the road underscores the importance of considering traffic patterns and potential delays when planning medical appointments.

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

The Washington Metropolitan Area TransitWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), known as the Metro, provides a vital public transportation network for Suitland residents. The Suitland Metro Station, located on the Green Line, offers direct access to downtown Washington, D.C., and connections to other lines. This provides a convenient option for accessing healthcare facilities located near Metro stations.

From the Suitland Metro Station, a trip to the Washington Hospital Center, which offers breast cancer services, involves a transfer at Gallery Place-Chinatown to the Red Line. The total travel time can range from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the time of day. The Metro system is equipped with ADA-accessible features, including elevators and ramps, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Bus routes also supplement the Metro system. The Metrobus system, with routes like the C21, C22, and C29, provides local transportation within Suitland and connects to other areas. These routes can be useful for reaching local medical offices and clinics. However, bus travel times can be significantly longer than Metro, and the frequency of service may vary.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Expanding Access**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation option. These services provide on-demand transportation, allowing residents to request rides directly from their homes to healthcare facilities. The availability and cost of these services can fluctuate, especially during peak hours or in areas with limited driver availability.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by companies specializing in non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), cater specifically to individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs. These services provide door-to-door transportation, often utilizing wheelchair-accessible vehicles. They offer a crucial lifeline for those who cannot easily utilize public transit or drive themselves.

**Breast Cancer Score: Assessing Accessibility**

The Breast Cancer Score for Suitland (ZIP code 20746) considers the following factors: drive times to major breast cancer centers, the accessibility and efficiency of public transportation, the availability and affordability of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transport options.

The score reflects the relative ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare services, particularly for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Areas with shorter drive times, efficient public transit, and readily available ride-sharing and medical transport options would receive a higher score, indicating greater healthcare access.

**Implications for Moving to Suitland**

For individuals considering moving to Suitland, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. The proximity to the Beltway offers convenient access to healthcare facilities, but the potential for traffic congestion must be factored in. The Metro provides a reliable public transit option, but travel times and accessibility to specific facilities should be carefully considered.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services adds flexibility, but their cost and reliability should be assessed. The Breast Cancer Score, therefore, serves as a valuable tool for prospective residents, enabling them to make informed decisions about healthcare access and the overall quality of life in Suitland.

**Conclusion: Prioritizing Healthcare Access**

In conclusion, the Breast Cancer Score for Suitland (ZIP code 20746) highlights the importance of transportation in accessing healthcare services. While the area offers a variety of transportation options, the specific needs of individuals seeking breast cancer care must be considered.

The drive times, public transit routes, and availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services all play a crucial role in determining the ease with which residents can access potentially life-saving care. By understanding these factors, residents and prospective movers can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and the overall quality of life in Suitland, ensuring that healthcare access remains a top priority.