20636, Hollywood, Maryland COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 20636, Hollywood, Maryland is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.21 percent of residents in 20636 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.09 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Medstar Saint Mary's Hospital with a distance of 5.28 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Hollywood, MD (ZIP Code 20636)

The crisp air of Hollywood, Maryland, a community nestled in St. Mary's County, offers a tranquil setting for those seeking respite. However, for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the idyllic facade can mask a complex reality: healthcare access. This write-up, a COPD Score assessment, delves into the transportation landscape within ZIP code 20636, examining the challenges and opportunities for residents requiring regular medical attention. The score will be based on drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, all crucial factors influencing healthcare access.

The primary concern for COPD patients is timely access to medical care. Frequent doctor visits, pulmonary rehabilitation, and potential hospitalizations necessitate reliable transportation. The geography of Hollywood, while beautiful, presents hurdles. The area is largely rural, with limited public transit infrastructure. The COPD Score aims to provide a realistic picture of the transportation options available, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare and overall well-being.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries**

For many residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The critical question is: how long does it take to reach essential healthcare providers? The nearest hospitals, MedStar St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown and CalvertHealth Medical Center in Prince Frederick, are the primary destinations for acute care.

From Hollywood, a drive to MedStar St. Mary's Hospital typically involves navigating MD Route 235, a major north-south artery. During off-peak hours, the drive can be completed in approximately 20-25 minutes. However, rush hour, particularly weekday mornings and evenings, can significantly extend this time, potentially reaching 40 minutes or more. The journey involves navigating several traffic lights and potential congestion near Leonardtown.

CalvertHealth Medical Center presents a longer drive, usually around 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic. The route involves taking MD Route 235 south to MD Route 4, a major east-west thoroughfare. This route often experiences heavier traffic, especially around Prince Frederick. Delays can be exacerbated by accidents or road construction, which are not uncommon.

For routine appointments, such as pulmonologist visits or pulmonary rehabilitation, the drive times to various medical offices within Leonardtown and California, MD, are crucial. These appointments are often scheduled multiple times per week, making travel time a significant factor. The COPD Score considers these drive times, recognizing that even short delays can be detrimental for individuals with respiratory conditions.

**Public Transit: The Limited Options**

Public transportation in St. Mary's County is limited. The St. Mary's County Transit System (SMCTS) offers bus services, but coverage in Hollywood is sparse. The primary routes serving the area are Route 1 (Leonardtown), Route 2 (California), and Route 4 (Lexington Park). These routes have limited frequency, often running hourly or less frequently, particularly on weekends.

Accessibility for COPD patients is a critical consideration. SMCTS buses are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including ramps and designated seating. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent schedules pose significant challenges. The need to coordinate transfers, wait times, and potential delays can make public transit a stressful and time-consuming option, especially for individuals with breathing difficulties.

The COPD Score assesses the practicality of public transit by evaluating route frequency, travel times, and accessibility features. The lack of comprehensive public transit coverage is a significant negative factor, particularly for those unable to drive or lacking access to a personal vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: The On-Demand Solutions**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, their availability in Hollywood can be inconsistent. Ride-sharing services rely on driver availability, which can be limited in rural areas. Surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can also make these services expensive.

Medical transportation services, such as MedStar Transportation and First Transit, specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often offer door-to-door service and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, medical transport services typically require advance booking and may have limited availability. The cost of these services can also be a barrier for some individuals.

The COPD Score evaluates the reliability, affordability, and accessibility of ride-sharing and medical transport services. The availability of these services is considered a positive factor, but the limitations in terms of cost and availability are also taken into account.

**The COPD Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The COPD Score for ZIP code 20636 considers the following factors: drive times to healthcare facilities, the frequency and coverage of public transit, the availability and reliability of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transport options.

The score will be weighted based on the relative importance of each factor. Drive times will be given the highest weight, as they directly impact access to care. Public transit will be weighted lower, given its limited coverage. Ride-sharing and medical transport services will be considered, but their impact will be tempered by their potential limitations.

For a COPD patient considering moving to Hollywood, MD, the score is likely to be moderate. While the area offers a peaceful lifestyle, the limited transportation options pose a challenge. Those reliant on regular medical care need to carefully consider the accessibility of healthcare facilities. The COPD Score aims to provide a realistic assessment of the transportation landscape, enabling informed decision-making.

**The Score and its Implications**

The final COPD Score will be presented as a numerical value, reflecting the overall ease of accessing healthcare in ZIP code 20636. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score reflects greater challenges.

The implications of the score are significant. Individuals with COPD must carefully evaluate their transportation options and plan accordingly. This might involve relying on family or friends for rides, utilizing ride-sharing services, or exploring medical transport options.

The score also highlights the need for improved transportation infrastructure in the area. Increased public transit coverage, the expansion of ride-sharing services, and greater investment in medical transport options would significantly improve healthcare access for residents with COPD.

The COPD Score is not just a number; it is a call to action. It underscores the importance of addressing the transportation needs of vulnerable populations, ensuring that all residents of Hollywood, Maryland, have equitable access to the healthcare they need. It is also a reminder that even in a tranquil setting, the realities of healthcare access can be complex, and careful planning is essential for maintaining health and well-being.