21740, Hagerstown, Maryland Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 21740, Hagerstown, Maryland is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.38 percent of residents in 21740 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.65 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Meritus Medical Center with a distance of 3.02 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Hagerstown, MD (ZIP Code 21740)**

Considering a move to Hagerstown, Maryland, and concerned about breast cancer care? This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 21740, evaluating transportation options and healthcare access, offering a comprehensive overview for informed decision-making. The score reflects the ease of reaching essential services, considering drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing possibilities.

Hagerstown, nestled in the heart of Washington County, presents a blend of suburban and rural landscapes. Its location, while offering scenic beauty, influences healthcare accessibility. This report focuses on the critical aspect of transportation, the lifeline connecting residents to vital medical appointments, including breast cancer screenings, diagnoses, and treatments. A high score indicates easier access, while a lower score suggests potential challenges requiring careful planning.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of transportation for many Hagerstown residents is the automobile. The Breast Cancer Score heavily weighs drive times to key healthcare facilities. The primary hospital, Meritus Medical Center, is a central hub for cancer care. Reaching Meritus from various points within 21740 is a crucial factor.

Driving times vary significantly based on location within the ZIP code and traffic conditions. Major thoroughfares like Interstate 70 (I-70) and Interstate 81 (I-81) are critical for accessing healthcare. Residents living closer to these interstates generally experience shorter drive times. Route 40, a significant east-west artery, also provides access, but can experience congestion during peak hours.

For those in the western parts of 21740, accessing Meritus Medical Center may involve navigating local roads like Pennsylvania Avenue and Dual Highway, potentially adding travel time. Residents in the eastern areas may utilize routes like Potomac Street and Edgewood Drive. The score acknowledges these variances, factoring in potential delays due to traffic. Average drive times to Meritus Medical Center range from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the starting point within the ZIP code.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in Hagerstown, while present, is a less robust option for accessing healthcare, especially for those facing mobility challenges. The primary provider is the Washington County Transit (WCT). WCT operates several fixed routes, but their coverage is limited, and frequency may not meet the needs of patients requiring regular medical appointments.

Route 1 and Route 2, for example, provide some coverage within the city, but their routes may not directly serve all medical facilities. The availability of buses on weekends and evenings is also limited, potentially posing challenges for those with appointments outside of typical work hours.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial factor. WCT buses are equipped with features like ramps and lifts to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the reliance on fixed routes and schedules can still present difficulties for those with mobility limitations, especially when needing to connect between multiple locations. The Breast Cancer Score reflects the limitations of public transit, particularly for those requiring frequent and timely medical transportation.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation Services:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, their availability and cost can vary. Ride-sharing services are generally available in Hagerstown, but surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can significantly increase costs.

Medical transportation services are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. Several companies operate in the Hagerstown area, including non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive themselves.

These services typically require pre-booking and may have specific eligibility requirements, such as insurance coverage or medical necessity documentation. The Breast Cancer Score considers the availability of these services, recognizing their importance for those who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation options.

**Specific Medical Facilities and Transportation:**

The Breast Cancer Score also considers the specific locations of breast cancer care providers. Besides Meritus Medical Center, other facilities, such as imaging centers and oncology clinics, are crucial. The score evaluates the ease of reaching these facilities from various locations within 21740, considering the transportation options available.

For instance, accessing a specific imaging center might require navigating local roads or using ride-sharing services. The score considers the drive times, the availability of public transit, and the potential costs of ride-sharing or medical transportation services. The score also considers the proximity of pharmacies to these facilities, as medication pick-up is an integral part of treatment.

**Factors Influencing the Score:**

The Breast Cancer Score is not a static number. It is influenced by several factors:

* **Proximity to healthcare facilities:** The closer a resident lives to Meritus Medical Center and other relevant facilities, the higher the score.
* **Availability of transportation options:** The presence of reliable public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation services positively impacts the score.
* **Drive times:** Shorter drive times to healthcare facilities contribute to a higher score.
* **Traffic conditions:** The score considers the potential for traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours.
* **Cost of transportation:** The affordability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation services is factored in.
* **ADA accessibility:** The availability of accessible transportation options is a critical component.

**Breast Cancer Score for 21740:**

Based on the analysis, the Breast Cancer Score for ZIP Code 21740 is moderate. While Meritus Medical Center offers comprehensive cancer care, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options present challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services provides alternative solutions, but the cost and availability can vary. Residents living closer to major roadways and healthcare facilities will generally have better access. Careful planning and consideration of transportation needs are essential for those seeking breast cancer care in Hagerstown.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the Breast Cancer Score, several measures could be implemented:

* **Enhance public transit:** Increasing the frequency and coverage of WCT routes, especially during evenings and weekends, would improve healthcare access.
* **Expand ride-sharing partnerships:** Collaborations between healthcare providers and ride-sharing services could offer discounted transportation options for patients.
* **Increase medical transportation services:** Promoting the availability of NEMT providers and ensuring adequate insurance coverage for these services would benefit patients with mobility limitations.
* **Improve infrastructure:** Investing in road improvements and traffic management systems could reduce drive times and improve healthcare access.
* **Community outreach:** Educating residents about available transportation options and resources is crucial.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Hagerstown, MD (21740) requires careful consideration of healthcare access, particularly for those concerned about breast cancer care. The Breast Cancer Score provides a framework for evaluating transportation options and healthcare access, highlighting the importance of planning and proactive decision-making. By understanding the available resources and potential challenges, residents can navigate the healthcare system effectively and receive the care they need. This analysis underscores the importance of transportation in ensuring equitable access to healthcare, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to improve accessibility for all residents.