21530, Flintstone, Maryland COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 21530, Flintstone, Maryland is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.62 percent of residents in 21530 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.61 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Western Maryland Regional Medical Center with a distance of 10.11 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Flintstone, Maryland (ZIP Code 21530)

Imagine the crisp mountain air, the rustling leaves, the promise of a slower pace. Flintstone, Maryland, nestled in the heart of Allegany County, beckons with its natural beauty. But for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the idyllic setting presents a unique challenge: **transportation** and **healthcare access**. This analysis, a "COPD Score" write-up, assesses the ease of navigating the healthcare landscape from ZIP code 21530, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options. It’s a crucial consideration for anyone **moving to Flintstone**, especially those managing respiratory conditions.

The very essence of COPD, a chronic inflammatory lung disease, necessitates regular medical appointments. Frequent visits to pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and pharmacies are the norm. The ability to reach these essential services quickly and reliably becomes paramount. This analysis aims to provide a clear picture of the **transportation** infrastructure available in and around Flintstone, offering a vital perspective for those seeking to establish residency or already residing in the area.

The primary artery for vehicular **transportation** in and out of Flintstone is Interstate 68 (I-68), a vital east-west corridor. Traveling eastward towards Cumberland, the nearest city with comprehensive healthcare facilities, is a journey of approximately 20 miles. During peak hours, the drive can take around 30 to 40 minutes, potentially longer if weather conditions are unfavorable. The drive is generally straightforward, but the mountain terrain can present challenges for those with limited mobility or breathing difficulties.

Alternatively, heading west on I-68 offers access to Morgantown, West Virginia, a city boasting a major university hospital. The distance is roughly 60 miles, translating to a drive time of about an hour and fifteen minutes under normal conditions. Again, the mountainous landscape adds a layer of complexity to the journey, requiring careful planning and consideration of potential delays. Route 40, also known as the National Road, provides a parallel, though slower, alternative to I-68, offering a more scenic route but adding significantly to travel times.

Public **transportation** options in Flintstone are limited. The Allegany County Transit (ACT) system provides some service, but its routes and schedules are geared towards serving the broader county, not necessarily providing direct, frequent service to healthcare facilities in Cumberland. ACT routes might involve transfers and extended travel times, making them less than ideal for individuals with COPD. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses and the frequency of service should be carefully investigated.

For those reliant on public **transportation**, meticulous planning is essential. Researching the ACT routes, schedules, and accessibility features is a must. This includes confirming the availability of wheelchair lifts or ramps on all buses and ensuring that the stops are easily accessible. The limited frequency of service might necessitate early departures and extended wait times, which can be particularly taxing for individuals with breathing difficulties.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Cumberland area, offering another option for **transportation**. However, their availability in Flintstone itself can be less reliable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also accumulate, making it a potentially expensive option for frequent medical appointments. Confirming the availability of these services and the associated costs is crucial.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for individuals with healthcare needs, are available in the region. These services offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist with mobility and medical requirements. Companies such as American Medical Response (AMR) and local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transport. However, these services often require advance booking and can be costly, depending on the distance and level of care required.

The consideration of medical **transportation** is vital for individuals with COPD. These services offer a safe and reliable means of reaching medical appointments, particularly for those who are unable to drive or utilize public **transportation**. When **moving to Flintstone**, researching and establishing a relationship with a reputable medical transport provider is a wise preemptive measure.

The COPD Score for **healthcare access** in Flintstone, Maryland (21530) reflects the challenges inherent in the rural setting. While the natural beauty and tranquility of the area are undeniable, the limitations in **transportation** options significantly impact the ease of reaching healthcare services. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public **transportation**, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services present considerable hurdles.

For individuals with COPD, the need for regular and timely medical care makes these **transportation** challenges even more critical. The drive times to Cumberland or Morgantown, while manageable, can be stressful and physically demanding. The limited public **transportation** options and the potential cost of ride-sharing services further complicate the situation. The reliance on medical **transportation**, while a viable solution, adds to the overall cost and requires careful planning.

Therefore, when considering **moving to Flintstone**, individuals with COPD must meticulously evaluate their **transportation** needs and develop a comprehensive plan for **healthcare access**. This includes assessing the feasibility of driving, researching public **transportation** options, and investigating the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services. The COPD Score, in this context, serves as a vital tool for informed decision-making, enabling individuals to make choices that prioritize their health and well-being. The scenic beauty of Flintstone can be enjoyed, but only with a clear understanding of the **transportation** landscape.