20783, Hyattsville, Maryland Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 20783, Hyattsville, Maryland is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

31.33 percent of residents in 20783 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.06 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Adventist Healthcare White Oak Medical Center with a distance of 2.98 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Hyattsville (ZIP Code 20783)

Considering a move to Hyattsville, Maryland (ZIP Code 20783)? Beyond the charming neighborhoods and vibrant community, prospective residents must assess their healthcare access, especially concerning critical areas like breast cancer screening and treatment. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" for the area, evaluating transportation options and healthcare facilities to gauge the ease of accessing potentially life-saving services.

Hyattsville, a dynamic suburb in Prince George's County, presents a unique transportation landscape. The proximity to Washington, D.C., offers diverse options, but navigating these choices requires careful consideration, particularly for individuals managing health concerns. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, all crucial elements in ensuring timely healthcare access.

The cornerstone of this assessment is the drive time to major healthcare providers. The closest hospitals with comprehensive breast cancer services include the University of Maryland Capital Region Health (UM Capital Region) in Largo and MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center in Clinton. Driving to UM Capital Region, typically along the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295) and then onto Central Avenue, averages 20-30 minutes during off-peak hours. However, rush hour can significantly extend this, potentially doubling the travel time.

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, accessible via the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295) and then onto MD-4, presents a similar drive time of 25-35 minutes under ideal conditions. Traffic congestion, especially near the Capital Beltway (I-495/I-95) interchange, can introduce significant delays. These drive times are crucial, particularly for individuals undergoing treatment requiring frequent appointments.

Public transit, a vital component of healthcare access, offers alternative routes. The Washington MetroMetropolitan Area TransitWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), or Metro, provides bus and rail services. The Green Line, with stations like West Hyattsville and Prince George's Plaza, offers direct access to the Greenbelt station, a transfer point to the MARC train, which connects to Union Station in Washington, D.C. From Union Station, accessing hospitals like MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is feasible, but the journey can be lengthy, potentially exceeding an hour and a half.

Metrobus routes, like the C2, C8, and F1, serve Hyattsville, connecting residents to various destinations, including healthcare facilities. However, these routes may involve multiple transfers and longer travel times compared to driving. Accessibility is a concern. While WMATA strives for ADA compliance, ensuring easy access to all stations and buses, individuals with mobility challenges should verify specific route and station accessibility before relying on public transit.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer on-demand transportation. These services provide convenient access to healthcare facilities, particularly for those unable to drive or utilize public transit. However, the cost of ride-sharing can accumulate, especially with frequent appointments. During peak hours, surge pricing can further increase expenses, potentially creating a barrier to healthcare access for some residents.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, provide another layer of support. Companies like CareRide and Medical Transportation Management (MTM) offer specialized transportation, often including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. These services can be invaluable for individuals requiring assistance with mobility or those needing transportation to and from appointments. However, availability and coverage vary, and pre-booking is often required.

The "Breast Cancer Score" also considers the proximity of imaging centers and oncology practices. Several facilities within a reasonable distance of Hyattsville offer mammograms, biopsies, and other diagnostic services. The availability of these services within the community reduces travel time and facilitates early detection and treatment. Researching the specific services offered by these centers, including the availability of multilingual staff and patient support programs, is essential.

The overall "Breast Cancer Score" for Hyattsville (ZIP Code 20783) is moderate. While the area benefits from its proximity to Washington, D.C., and the availability of diverse transportation options, challenges exist. Drive times to major hospitals can be significant, especially during rush hour. Public transit offers alternatives, but travel times can be lengthy, and accessibility concerns exist. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services provide additional options, but costs and availability must be considered.

When moving to Hyattsville, prospective residents should conduct thorough research, considering their individual needs and circumstances. Evaluating the specific healthcare providers, assessing the accessibility of transportation options, and understanding the associated costs are crucial steps. The "Breast Cancer Score" serves as a starting point, encouraging a deeper exploration of healthcare access within this vibrant community.

The ability to navigate transportation effectively is paramount for individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis. The availability of convenient and affordable transportation options can significantly impact the quality of care received. Therefore, prospective residents should prioritize healthcare access when making their moving decisions.

Ultimately, the "Breast Cancer Score" is a tool to help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare. By carefully evaluating the transportation options and healthcare facilities available, residents can ensure they have access to the resources they need to manage their health effectively. Moving to Hyattsville can be a positive experience, but it requires a proactive approach to healthcare access.