21756, Keedysville, Maryland COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 21756, Keedysville, Maryland is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

24.67 percent of residents in 21756 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.57 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Meritus Medical Center with a distance of 13.70 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Keedysville (ZIP Code 21756)

For individuals grappling with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the simple act of attending healthcare appointments can become a significant challenge. The availability and accessibility of transportation directly impact the ability to manage this chronic respiratory illness. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape in Keedysville, Maryland (ZIP Code 21756), to provide a COPD Score assessment, focusing on healthcare access and the practicalities of getting to medical appointments. This is especially pertinent for those considering moving to Keedysville and seeking to understand the realities of navigating healthcare.

Keedysville, a charming rural community nestled in Washington County, presents a unique set of transportation considerations. While offering a tranquil lifestyle, the distance to specialized medical facilities and the reliance on personal vehicles for transportation are key factors. The COPD Score aims to quantify these challenges, offering a nuanced understanding of healthcare access in this specific geographic area.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Keedysville is the reliance on personal vehicles. The main thoroughfare, **Maryland Route 67 (Rohrersville Road)**, serves as the critical artery connecting residents to larger towns and cities where healthcare facilities are concentrated. Traveling east on Route 67 leads to **Maryland Route 40**, a major east-west artery, providing access to Hagerstown, the county seat, and its concentration of medical providers. Westward on Route 67 connects to **U.S. Route 340**, offering a pathway to Frederick, another significant hub for specialized medical care.

Drive times are a crucial element in the COPD Score. A trip to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, a major healthcare provider, typically takes approximately 20-30 minutes via Route 67 and Route 40, depending on traffic. Frederick, with its diverse medical options, is approximately a 40-50 minute drive via Route 67 and Route 340. These drive times can be significantly impacted by traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, which can be particularly taxing for individuals with COPD. Delays can exacerbate respiratory symptoms and increase the stress associated with healthcare appointments.

Public transportation options in Keedysville are limited. The **Washington County Transit (WCT)** system provides some service, but routes and schedules are not designed to cater specifically to medical needs. The WCT operates primarily within Hagerstown and its surrounding areas, and service to Keedysville is infrequent. This lack of readily available public transit poses a significant barrier for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is limited, which is a crucial factor for those with mobility limitations often associated with COPD.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can be variable. While they offer a potential alternative to personal vehicles, the availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours or in rural areas, is not guaranteed. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden, particularly for frequent medical appointments. For individuals with COPD, the unpredictability of ride-sharing services can add another layer of anxiety to the process of accessing healthcare.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, offer a more tailored solution. Companies like **CareRide** and **LogistiCare** operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, availability and eligibility for these services can vary, and they may require prior authorization or have specific coverage limitations. The COPD Score must consider the availability, cost, and limitations of these specialized transportation options.

The COPD Score for Keedysville, therefore, reflects a complex interplay of factors. While the area offers a peaceful and attractive living environment, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services create challenges for individuals with COPD. The drive times to healthcare facilities, the potential for traffic delays, and the cost and reliability of alternative transportation methods all contribute to the overall score.

For individuals considering moving to Keedysville with COPD, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is essential. Factors such as the ability to drive, access to a reliable vehicle, and the availability of family or friends to provide transportation should be carefully considered. Furthermore, researching the availability and cost of medical transportation services and understanding the limitations of public transportation are crucial steps in ensuring access to necessary healthcare.

The COPD Score, therefore, is not just a numerical value; it's a holistic assessment of the challenges and opportunities associated with healthcare access in Keedysville. It highlights the need for careful planning and proactive measures to ensure that individuals with COPD can successfully manage their condition and receive the necessary medical care. The score underscores the importance of considering transportation as a critical component of healthcare management, especially in a rural setting like Keedysville.