20632, Faulkner, Maryland Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 20632, Faulkner, Maryland is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.81 percent of residents in 20632 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.64 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Charles Regional Medical Center with a distance of 6.22 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 20632

The quest for optimal health often hinges on a crucial factor: ease of access to healthcare. For residents of ZIP Code 20632, encompassing the vibrant community of Faulkner, Maryland, this access is particularly relevant when considering the management of hypertension, a condition that demands consistent monitoring and timely intervention. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape of 20632, providing a “Hypertension Score” assessment, a measure of the challenges and opportunities residents face in reaching essential healthcare services.

The score considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, all interwoven with the overarching theme of healthcare access. Our analysis will help individuals, especially those considering moving to Faulkner, understand the realities of navigating the healthcare system while managing hypertension.

The cornerstone of transportation in 20632 is, of course, the automobile. The primary arteries for travel are Maryland Route 5 (Leonardtown Road) and Maryland Route 234 (Budds Creek Road). These roadways, while offering direct routes, can experience significant congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours. A trip to a primary care physician or specialist in Lexington Park, for example, might take 20-30 minutes during off-peak hours, but easily stretches to 45 minutes or more during rush hour.

This variability in drive times is a critical consideration for individuals with hypertension. Regular medical appointments, medication refills, and urgent care visits are essential components of managing the condition. The unpredictability of travel times can introduce stress, a known exacerbating factor for hypertension. The “Hypertension Score” reflects this challenge, penalizing longer and less predictable travel times.

Public transportation offers an alternative, though its availability and efficiency are limited in this area. The St. Mary's County Transit System (SMCTS) provides bus routes, though their coverage in 20632 is not extensive. Route 1, for instance, may offer service along Leonardtown Road, potentially providing access to medical facilities in Lexington Park. However, frequency is a concern; buses may run infrequently, and travel times can be significantly longer than driving.

ADA accessibility is a crucial factor for some, and SMCTS buses are generally equipped to accommodate individuals with disabilities. However, the overall impact on the “Hypertension Score” is negative, as the reliance on public transit for healthcare access in this area presents significant limitations. The lack of readily available, frequent service, particularly for those with mobility issues or needing quick access to emergency care, contributes to a lower score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in 20632. These platforms offer a degree of flexibility, providing on-demand transportation to medical appointments. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant barrier, particularly for individuals on fixed incomes or those requiring frequent medical visits. Furthermore, the availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours or in remote areas, can be inconsistent. The “Hypertension Score” acknowledges the convenience of ride-sharing while recognizing its potential financial and logistical constraints.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, represent another option. Companies like MedStar Mobile Healthcare and other private providers operate in the region, offering non-emergency medical transportation. These services can be invaluable for individuals with limited mobility or those requiring specialized assistance. However, these services often require advance booking and can be costly, adding another layer of complexity to healthcare access.

The “Hypertension Score” also considers the proximity of healthcare facilities. The closer a patient lives to a primary care physician, specialist, or urgent care center, the higher the score. In 20632, residents have access to a range of healthcare providers, including those in Lexington Park, California, and Leonardtown. However, the distance to these facilities and the transportation challenges described above influence the overall score.

The availability of pharmacies within a reasonable distance is another crucial factor. Convenient access to medication refills is essential for managing hypertension. The presence of local pharmacies and the ease of access to them contribute positively to the “Hypertension Score.”

Furthermore, the score considers the availability of emergency medical services. Proximity to an emergency room and the efficiency of emergency response times are critical considerations, especially for individuals with hypertension who may experience cardiovascular events.

Moving to Faulkner, or any community, requires a holistic approach to healthcare planning. For individuals with hypertension, understanding the transportation landscape is paramount. The “Hypertension Score” serves as a tool for assessing the ease of healthcare access in 20632. It considers the interplay of drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and the proximity of healthcare facilities.

The score is not merely a numerical value; it is a reflection of the lived experience of managing hypertension in this community. It highlights the need for careful planning, consideration of transportation alternatives, and proactive engagement with the healthcare system.

The “Hypertension Score” for 20632, therefore, is a nuanced assessment. While the area offers access to healthcare providers, the transportation challenges, including potential traffic congestion on Route 5 and Route 234, limited public transit options, and the cost and availability of ride-sharing, create obstacles. The score underscores the importance of careful planning, considering the potential for longer travel times, and exploring all available transportation options.

Ultimately, the “Hypertension Score” is a reminder that healthcare access is not simply about the availability of medical services; it is about the ability to reach those services in a timely, affordable, and stress-free manner. For residents of 20632, and those considering moving to Faulkner, this score provides a valuable framework for understanding the realities of managing hypertension and navigating the healthcare system.