20850, Rockville, Maryland Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 20850, Rockville, Maryland is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.74 percent of residents in 20850 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.35 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Adventist Healthcare Shady Grove Medical Center with a distance of 1.56 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 20850**

Moving to Rockville, Maryland, in ZIP Code 20850, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. For those considering a move, especially individuals prioritizing healthcare access, understanding the ease of transportation to essential medical services is crucial. This assessment focuses on breast cancer care, a critical aspect of women's health, evaluating the transportation landscape to major treatment centers. Our "Breast Cancer Score" considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, providing a comprehensive view of healthcare accessibility within this desirable community.

The foundation of this analysis lies in understanding the primary healthcare providers specializing in breast cancer care within reasonable proximity to 20850. We'll examine access to facilities like the Suburban Hospital, a Johns Hopkins Medicine affiliate, and the Shady Grove Medical Center, both offering comprehensive breast cancer treatment programs. These institutions serve as benchmarks for our transportation evaluation.

Driving remains a dominant mode of transportation for many residents. From 20850, accessing Suburban Hospital typically involves navigating the Capital Beltway (I-495) and then taking a combination of local roads, including Old Georgetown Road. The drive, under normal traffic conditions, usually takes between 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the specific location within the ZIP Code. Rush hour, however, can significantly extend this commute, potentially doubling the travel time.

Heading to Shady Grove Medical Center often involves utilizing the I-270 spur, followed by a short distance on Shady Grove Road. This route generally offers a slightly shorter drive time, typically ranging from 10 to 20 minutes, again influenced by traffic patterns. The strategic location of these hospitals relative to major roadways enhances their accessibility, but the vagaries of traffic in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area necessitate careful planning.

Public transportation presents an alternative, particularly for those seeking to avoid the stress of driving or for individuals without personal vehicles. The Washington MetroMetropolitan Area TransitWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), commonly known as Metro, provides a robust network of bus and rail services. Several Metrobus routes serve 20850, offering connections to the Red Line, the primary rail line serving the area.

The Red Line provides access to the Medical Center station, serving the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center, which also offers some breast cancer services, albeit not as a primary treatment center. From the Rockville Metro station, located within 20850, the Red Line offers a direct route to medical facilities.

The accessibility of Metro stations within 20850 is generally good, with stations like Rockville and Twinbrook providing convenient access points. However, the frequency of service, especially during off-peak hours and weekends, can be a limiting factor. Furthermore, the availability of elevators and other ADA-compliant features at all stations is crucial for individuals with mobility challenges. Metro's commitment to accessibility is constantly evolving, but it's essential to verify the specific features of each station before planning a trip.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient, on-demand transportation option. These services are readily available in 20850, providing a door-to-door alternative to driving or public transit. The cost of ride-sharing can vary significantly depending on the time of day, demand, and distance traveled. For individuals undergoing frequent medical appointments, the cost of ride-sharing can accumulate, requiring careful budgeting.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a specialized solution. These services often cater to individuals with specific medical needs, providing assistance with mobility and offering a more personalized experience. Companies like CareRide and MedRide provide such services, offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers.

The availability of medical transportation services can be particularly beneficial for individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment, which often involves multiple appointments for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up care. These services can alleviate the burden of transportation, allowing patients to focus on their health and well-being.

Evaluating the overall "Breast Cancer Score" for 20850 involves weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each transportation option. Driving offers the greatest flexibility but is subject to traffic congestion. Public transit provides a cost-effective alternative but may have limitations in terms of frequency and accessibility. Ride-sharing offers convenience but can be expensive. Medical transportation services provide specialized support but come at a premium.

Considering all these factors, 20850 scores favorably in terms of healthcare access. The proximity of major hospitals, the availability of public transit, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transportation options create a robust transportation ecosystem. However, the reliance on traffic-prone roadways and the potential limitations of public transit during off-peak hours suggest the need for careful planning and consideration of individual needs.

For individuals moving to Rockville and prioritizing healthcare access, a comprehensive assessment of their transportation needs is essential. This includes evaluating their ability to drive, their comfort level with public transit, and their financial capacity to utilize ride-sharing or medical transportation services.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for 20850 highlights the importance of proactive planning. Understanding the transportation options available, including the routes, schedules, and costs, allows individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare access. This proactive approach empowers residents to navigate the healthcare landscape with confidence, ensuring timely access to the critical care they need.

In conclusion, 20850 offers a relatively favorable environment for healthcare access, particularly for breast cancer care. The combination of convenient driving routes, accessible public transit, and readily available ride-sharing and medical transportation services creates a supportive infrastructure. However, the variability of traffic and the limitations of public transit necessitate careful consideration and planning. By understanding the transportation landscape and proactively assessing their individual needs, residents of 20850 can confidently navigate the healthcare system and prioritize their well-being.