21645, Kennedyville, Maryland COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 21645, Kennedyville, Maryland is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.17 percent of residents in 21645 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Shore Medical Ctr At Chestertown with a distance of 10.35 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Commute to Healthcare in Kennedyville (ZIP Code 21645)

This analysis assesses the accessibility of healthcare services for individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) residing in Kennedyville, Maryland (ZIP code 21645). We will evaluate various transportation options, focusing on drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, ultimately generating a "COPD Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing necessary medical care. The challenges faced by COPD patients, including shortness of breath and limited mobility, necessitate a thorough examination of transportation infrastructure and available resources.

Kennedyville, a charming waterside community, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. While the town offers a tranquil lifestyle, its relative remoteness from major healthcare facilities demands careful consideration for individuals managing COPD. The ability to quickly and reliably reach medical appointments, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and pharmacies is paramount for effective disease management. This analysis serves as a crucial guide for residents and those considering **moving to Kennedyville**, particularly those with respiratory conditions.

**Drive Times and Road Network:**

The primary mode of transportation in Kennedyville is the personal vehicle. The road network, while scenic, presents some limitations. The most direct route to larger healthcare facilities in Chestertown, approximately 15 miles away, involves navigating Route 213, a two-lane road that can experience congestion during peak hours. Drive times to Chestertown typically range from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Further afield, hospitals in Annapolis (approximately 50 miles) and Baltimore (approximately 70 miles) offer specialized respiratory care. Accessing these facilities necessitates travel on Route 213 to Route 50, a major highway connecting the Eastern Shore to the Annapolis and Washington, D.C. areas. The journey to Annapolis can take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, while Baltimore may require a 2-hour drive, depending on traffic. These longer travel times pose significant challenges for COPD patients, especially during exacerbations.

**Public Transit Limitations:**

Public transportation options in Kennedyville are limited. The local transit authority, the Kent County Transit, operates a demand-response service, meaning riders must schedule their trips in advance. This service, while offering door-to-door transportation, may not be ideal for urgent medical needs. The availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles is a significant advantage for individuals with mobility limitations. However, service hours and route frequency are limited, potentially restricting access to healthcare appointments outside of typical business hours.

The absence of fixed-route bus services directly connecting Kennedyville to Chestertown or other regional healthcare hubs further compounds the transportation challenges. This lack of readily available public **transportation** options necessitates reliance on personal vehicles or alternative methods, such as ride-sharing or medical transport.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, though their reliability and availability may vary, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers, offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, the cost of medical transport can be substantial, and prior authorization from insurance companies may be required. Several regional and national NEMT providers service the area, including but not limited to, First Transit and LogistiCare.

**Healthcare Access and Considerations for COPD Patients:**

**Healthcare access** is a critical factor for managing COPD effectively. The ability to quickly reach medical facilities for routine check-ups, pulmonary rehabilitation, and emergency care is crucial. The location of pharmacies for prescription refills and the availability of oxygen and other medical supplies are also essential considerations.

For COPD patients, the challenges of **transportation** are compounded by their physical limitations. Shortness of breath, fatigue, and reduced mobility can make traveling difficult and stressful. Long travel times, traffic congestion, and the lack of convenient public transit options can exacerbate these challenges.

**COPD Score Calculation:**

To determine the COPD Score, we will consider the following factors:

* **Drive Time to Nearest Hospital with Respiratory Care:** The average drive time to the nearest hospital offering specialized respiratory care (e.g., University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown).
* **Availability of Public Transit:** The frequency and accessibility of public transit options, including ADA-compliant features.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The reliability and cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport Options:** The availability and cost of medical transport services.
* **Proximity to Pharmacies:** The distance and accessibility of pharmacies for prescription refills.

Each factor will be assigned a weighted score based on its importance to COPD patients. The final COPD Score will be a numerical value, with a higher score indicating better access to healthcare and a lower score indicating greater challenges.

**Preliminary Assessment:**

Based on the initial assessment, the COPD Score for Kennedyville (ZIP code 21645) is likely to be moderate. While the town offers a relatively short drive to Chestertown for some healthcare needs, the limited public transit options, the potential for traffic congestion, and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially expensive ride-sharing or medical transport services present challenges. The longer travel times to specialized respiratory care facilities in Annapolis and Baltimore further complicate the situation.

**Recommendations:**

* **Improve Public Transit:** Advocate for expanded public transit services, including fixed-route bus routes connecting Kennedyville to Chestertown and other regional healthcare hubs.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** Encourage the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport options, potentially through partnerships with local healthcare providers.
* **Support Telehealth Initiatives:** Promote telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments, particularly for routine check-ups and medication management.
* **Enhance Community Resources:** Support local initiatives that provide transportation assistance to seniors and individuals with disabilities.
* **Educate Residents:** Educate residents, especially those considering **moving to Kennedyville**, about the **transportation** challenges and available resources for accessing healthcare.

**Conclusion:**

The ability to readily access healthcare is paramount for individuals managing COPD. While Kennedyville offers a peaceful environment, the **transportation** landscape presents challenges. A comprehensive evaluation of the available resources, combined with strategic improvements to the infrastructure and support systems, is essential to ensure that residents with COPD can receive the timely and effective medical care they need. The COPD Score, once finalized, will provide a valuable tool for assessing the accessibility of healthcare services and for guiding efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals living with COPD in Kennedyville.