21531, Friendsville, Maryland Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 21531, Friendsville, Maryland is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.40 percent of residents in 21531 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Garrett Regional Medical Center with a distance of 17.19 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in Friendsville, MD (ZIP Code 21531)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, demands more than just medical expertise. It necessitates accessible and reliable transportation. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP code 21531 (Friendsville, Maryland), examines the transportation landscape, assessing the ease with which residents can reach essential breast cancer services, from screening to treatment. This assessment is crucial for anyone considering moving to Friendsville or already residing there, seeking to understand their healthcare access.

Friendsville, nestled in Garrett County, presents unique transportation challenges. Its rural setting, bordered by the Youghiogheny River and Deep Creek Lake, necessitates a deep dive into the availability of various transportation options. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, offering a comprehensive view of healthcare access.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries to Care**

The primary mode of transportation in Friendsville is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. Assessing drive times to healthcare facilities is paramount. The nearest hospital with comprehensive cancer care is Garrett Regional Medical Center in Oakland, approximately a 20- to 30-minute drive, depending on traffic and the specific location within Friendsville. The route primarily involves traveling on Maryland Route 42, a scenic but often winding road.

For more specialized care, such as radiation therapy or access to clinical trials, patients may need to travel to facilities in Morgantown, West Virginia, or Cumberland, Maryland. The drive to Morgantown, via Interstate 68, can take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Cumberland, accessible via I-68 East, offers a slightly shorter drive time, around 1 hour. These longer distances highlight the importance of reliable transportation, especially for frequent appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Route**

Public transportation options in Garrett County are limited. The county's public transit system, Garrett County Transit (GCT), provides demand-response services, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. GCT operates a system of on-demand rides, offering a potential lifeline for those without personal vehicles or unable to drive. However, the service area and frequency may be restricted, and availability should be confirmed in advance.

GCT vehicles are equipped with ADA-compliant features, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This is crucial for breast cancer patients who may experience mobility limitations due to treatment or surgery. However, the reliance on pre-scheduled rides and the limited service area pose significant challenges for spontaneous appointments or emergencies.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their availability is not guaranteed, especially in rural locations like Friendsville. The reliability of these services can fluctuate based on driver availability and demand. Patients should consider this when planning appointments and factor in potential wait times.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies or specialized medical transportation providers, can provide a more reliable option for patients requiring assistance. These services typically offer transportation to and from medical appointments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up visits. However, these services often come at a higher cost and require pre-arrangement.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Score**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Friendsville, MD, is not a single number but a composite assessment of the factors discussed. The score considers the following elements:

* **Drive Time to Nearest Comprehensive Cancer Center:** The shorter the drive, the better the score.
* **Availability and Reliability of Public Transit:** The more accessible and reliable the public transit, the higher the score.
* **Ride-Sharing Service Availability:** Consistent availability of ride-sharing services improves the score.
* **Medical Transport Options:** The presence of reliable medical transport services positively impacts the score.
* **ADA Accessibility:** The availability of ADA-compliant transportation options is essential.

**Impact on Moving to Friendsville**

For individuals considering moving to Friendsville, this score is a crucial factor. While the area offers a tranquil lifestyle and stunning natural beauty, the transportation challenges must be carefully weighed. Prospective residents should thoroughly research healthcare access options, including the availability of transportation services, before making a move.

Patients undergoing breast cancer treatment require frequent appointments, making reliable transportation a necessity. Those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations may face significant challenges. The score highlights the need for careful planning and proactive arrangements for healthcare access.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Journey**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Friendsville, MD (ZIP code 21531) reveals a complex transportation landscape. While the area boasts natural beauty and a close-knit community, the rural setting presents challenges for healthcare access. Residents must rely on personal vehicles, navigate limited public transit options, and consider ride-sharing and medical transport services.

By understanding these factors, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. The score serves as a reminder that access to quality healthcare goes beyond medical expertise; it requires a reliable and accessible transportation network. This analysis empowers residents and prospective movers to navigate the journey to healthcare with greater confidence and preparedness, ensuring they can access the essential services needed for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.