21782, Sharpsburg, Maryland Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 21782, Sharpsburg, Maryland is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

33.39 percent of residents in 21782 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Meritus Medical Center with a distance of 15.25 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 21782 (Sharpsburg, Maryland)**

The quaint town of Sharpsburg, Maryland, nestled in the embrace of the Antietam Creek, offers a serene life. But when considering healthcare access, especially for a critical diagnosis like breast cancer, the idyllic charm must be weighed against the realities of transportation. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score," examines the commute to essential medical facilities from ZIP code 21782, focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access. It is a vital consideration for anyone moving to Sharpsburg or seeking care within the area.

The Breast Cancer Score assesses the ease and efficiency of reaching breast cancer treatment centers, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. The goal is to illuminate the transportation landscape, offering a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities for patients in their journey to healthcare.

**Driving the Landscape**

For many residents of Sharpsburg, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation. Several hospitals and cancer centers are within a reasonable driving distance, yet the specifics of these commutes are crucial.

To reach Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, a major regional healthcare provider, residents typically navigate the roadways. The most direct route involves heading west on Maryland Route 34, also known as the Shepherdstown Pike. This road offers a relatively smooth journey, usually taking around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Maryland Route 34 then merges with US Route 40, a major east-west artery, leading directly to the hospital.

Alternatively, residents can opt for a slightly longer route, traveling north on Maryland Route 65, or Sharpsburg Pike, to reach US Route 40. This route may take a bit longer, perhaps 30 to 40 minutes, but can be a good option if traffic is heavy on Route 34.

For those seeking specialized cancer care, the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., presents a more significant commute. This trip, approximately 70 to 90 miles, requires navigating Interstate 70 east, a major highway connecting Maryland to the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. Drivers will then transition to the Capital Beltway, Interstate 495, and finally, into the city. This journey, depending on traffic, can take between 1.5 to 2 hours, a considerable time commitment for regular appointments.

The University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore offers another option. The drive involves taking Interstate 70 east, which then connects with Interstate 695, the Baltimore Beltway. This drive is similar in distance to the D.C. trip, potentially taking between 1.5 to 2 hours, contingent on traffic conditions.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in Sharpsburg and the surrounding areas is limited. The primary provider is the Washington CountyWashington County Transit (WCT), offering bus routes within Washington County. However, these routes are not designed to provide direct access to major medical centers outside of Hagerstown.

For those relying on public transit, the journey to Meritus Medical Center involves taking a WCT bus to Hagerstown, followed by a transfer to another route that gets closer to the hospital. This process can be time-consuming, potentially taking over an hour. ADA-accessible buses are available on all WCT routes, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Reaching cancer centers in Baltimore or Washington, D.C., via public transit is even more challenging. The lack of direct routes and the need for multiple transfers make this option impractical for regular appointments.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Sharpsburg, offering a convenient alternative to driving. However, the cost can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments. The availability of these services may also be limited during peak hours or in inclement weather.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations, provide another option. Companies like CareRide and MedStar Mobile Healthcare offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services often require advance booking and can be expensive, but they offer a valuable lifeline for patients who cannot drive or use public transit.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Composite View**

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP code 21782 reflects the challenges and opportunities inherent in accessing breast cancer care. The score is influenced by factors such as drive times, the availability of public transit, the reliability of ride-sharing services, and the accessibility of medical transport options.

The score is not a single number but a composite assessment. The score will be lower for those reliant on public transit, due to the longer commute times and the need for multiple transfers. The score will be higher for those who can drive or have access to ride-sharing or medical transport, as these options offer greater flexibility and reduced travel times.

For residents of Sharpsburg, the proximity of Meritus Medical Center offers a significant advantage. However, the longer commutes to specialized cancer centers in Baltimore or Washington, D.C., must be considered. The limited public transit options and the reliance on private transportation highlight the importance of careful planning and financial considerations when navigating the healthcare landscape.

**Conclusion: Planning for Healthcare Access**

Moving to Sharpsburg, Maryland, offers a lifestyle change, but it is essential to consider healthcare access. The Breast Cancer Score underscores the importance of understanding the transportation challenges and opportunities. For individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis, careful planning is crucial. This includes assessing driving capabilities, exploring ride-sharing options, and investigating medical transport services. Understanding the transportation landscape is paramount to ensuring timely access to vital medical care.