21771, Mount Airy, Maryland Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 21771, Mount Airy, Maryland is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

38.75 percent of residents in 21771 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.73 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Frederick Health Hospital with a distance of 14.53 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Mount Airy, MD (ZIP Code 21771)

The specter of a breast cancer diagnosis can be daunting, and the logistical challenges of treatment – appointments, scans, therapies – can feel overwhelming. For residents of Mount Airy, Maryland (ZIP Code 21771), understanding the ease of **healthcare access** is crucial. This "Breast Cancer Score" aims to illuminate the **transportation** landscape, offering a clear picture of how residents can navigate the journey to and from crucial medical appointments. This information is particularly relevant for those **moving to Mount Airy**, seeking a community that prioritizes well-being.

Mount Airy, a charming town nestled in the rolling hills of Maryland, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to larger metropolitan areas. However, the availability of specialized medical services, particularly those related to breast cancer care, is not always within walking distance. The ability to efficiently reach these resources is a critical factor in the overall quality of life for those facing this disease.

**Driving Directions and Drive Times:**

The primary arteries for travel in and out of Mount Airy are the major highways: Interstate 70 (I-70) and Route 27. I-70 provides a direct route east towards Baltimore and west towards Frederick, while Route 27 offers a more local north-south connection.

For comprehensive breast cancer care, including diagnosis, surgery, and radiation therapy, residents often seek services at larger hospitals and cancer centers. Driving times will vary depending on traffic conditions, but here's a general overview.

* **Frederick Health Hospital (Frederick, MD):** Located approximately 15-20 miles west via I-70 West, this facility offers a comprehensive cancer center. The drive, typically taking 20-30 minutes, can be impacted by rush hour, especially on weekday mornings and evenings. Route 26 is another route, but it is often more congested.
* **Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, MD):** Reaching this renowned institution requires a longer journey, roughly 45-60 miles east via I-70 East and I-695. Expect the drive to take around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic, particularly around the Baltimore Beltway (I-695).
* **University of Maryland Medical Center (Baltimore, MD):** Similar to Johns Hopkins, this hospital is located in Baltimore, requiring a 45-60 mile drive via I-70 East and I-95. The travel time is also comparable, ranging from 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public **transportation** options in Mount Airy are limited. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) does not directly serve Mount Airy with bus routes. However, residents can utilize the Commuter Bus service, which offers routes to and from Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

* **Commuter Bus:** The MTA Commuter Bus routes are primarily designed for commuters. The closest stops are in Frederick and Westminster, requiring a drive to the park-and-ride locations. These routes are not designed for frequent trips to medical facilities.
* **ADA Accessibility:** Information regarding ADA accessibility for the Commuter Bus routes is available on the MTA website.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Mount Airy, offering a convenient alternative to driving, especially for those who cannot drive themselves. However, the cost of these services can accumulate, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

* **Uber and Lyft:** Availability of these services is generally reliable, but wait times may be longer during peak hours or in less populated areas.
* **Medical Transportation Services:** Several companies specialize in medical **transportation**, offering door-to-door service with trained drivers and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services are specifically designed for patients needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **Firstat Nursing Services:** Offers non-emergency medical **transportation** services, including wheelchair and stretcher transport.
* **MedStar Mobile Healthcare:** Provides ambulance and medical transport services, including non-emergency medical transport (NEMT).
* **Other Local Providers:** Searching online for "medical **transportation** Mount Airy MD" will yield a list of local providers.

**Considerations for Breast Cancer Patients:**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Mount Airy reflects the need for careful planning and consideration of the available **transportation** options. The drive times to major cancer centers can be significant, requiring patients to factor in travel time and potential traffic delays. The lack of robust public **transportation** necessitates reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or specialized medical **transportation**.

**Moving to Mount Airy and Healthcare Access:**

For individuals **moving to Mount Airy**, it's crucial to assess their **healthcare access** needs. Proximity to comprehensive cancer care facilities is a significant factor. While Mount Airy offers a desirable quality of life, prospective residents should carefully evaluate the **transportation** options and travel times to ensure convenient access to medical services.

**Conclusion:**

Navigating the healthcare landscape in Mount Airy, MD, for breast cancer patients requires a proactive approach. While the town offers a pleasant living environment, the reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical **transportation** for accessing specialized care is a key consideration. Planning and researching the best **transportation** routes, considering the impact of traffic, and exploring the available support services will help ensure that residents of Mount Airy can receive the timely and comprehensive care they need. The "Breast Cancer Score" for Mount Airy is therefore a nuanced assessment, highlighting the importance of careful planning and resourcefulness in accessing essential medical services.