20772, Upper Marlboro, Maryland Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 20772, Upper Marlboro, Maryland is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

25.42 percent of residents in 20772 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.95 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Medstar Southern Maryland Hospital Center with a distance of 5.67 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Upper Marlboro (ZIP Code 20772)

Considering a move to Upper Marlboro, Maryland (ZIP code 20772)? This vibrant community offers a blend of suburban charm and convenient access to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. However, for individuals managing hypertension, understanding the intricacies of **healthcare access** is paramount. This write-up provides a "Hypertension Score" assessment, focusing on the crucial element of **transportation** to medical facilities, vital for consistent care.

The "Hypertension Score" considers factors like drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport services. This holistic approach aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how easily residents can reach their healthcare providers, ensuring timely appointments, medication refills, and vital check-ups. This is especially crucial for individuals with hypertension, a condition requiring diligent management.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The primary arteries serving Upper Marlboro are the Capital Beltway (I-495/I-95) and the John Hanson Highway (US-50). Navigating these highways, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact travel times to medical facilities. A critical factor is the location of your primary care physician (PCP) or cardiologist. If they are located in the immediate vicinity of Upper Marlboro, travel is generally straightforward. However, accessing specialized care in Washington, D.C. or other surrounding areas may involve significant commute times.

For example, a visit to a cardiologist located in downtown Washington, D.C., could take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic congestion on the Beltway. Similarly, appointments at hospitals like the University of Maryland Capital Region Health or MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, both offering comprehensive cardiology services, will require careful planning, factoring in potential delays.

The ease of navigating US-50, a major east-west thoroughfare, is also crucial. It provides direct access to several medical facilities. However, rush hour can transform this road into a parking lot, adding considerable stress and time to your journey. Residents should be aware of these potential bottlenecks when planning their healthcare appointments.

**Public Transit Pathways:**

The Washington MetroMetropolitan Area TransitWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), or Metro, provides public transit options, including bus routes, that serve Upper Marlboro. The Metro's Blue Line offers access to the area, with stations located a short distance from Upper Marlboro. However, the bus routes are the primary public transit option within the ZIP code.

Several Metrobus routes, such as the C12, C14, and C21, provide connections to the Blue Line, offering access to downtown D.C. and other regional destinations. These routes are essential for individuals without personal vehicles. **ADA features**, such as ramps and accessible seating, are standard on all Metro buses, ensuring inclusivity for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the frequency of bus service, particularly during off-peak hours and weekends, can be a challenge.

The Metro system, while offering a viable option, requires careful planning. Transfers between bus and rail lines can add significant travel time, potentially impacting punctuality for medical appointments. Furthermore, the distance between bus stops and medical facilities may necessitate walking, which could be challenging for individuals with mobility issues.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Upper Marlboro. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit, particularly for those unable to drive or facing mobility challenges. The ease of booking and the door-to-door service offered by ride-sharing can be a significant advantage for individuals with hypertension.

However, ride-sharing costs can add up, especially for frequent medical appointments. Furthermore, surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can increase the financial burden. Therefore, budgeting for ride-sharing expenses is a crucial consideration.

Medical transport services, such as CareRide and GoGoGrandparent, are also available. These specialized services cater to individuals with specific medical needs, offering door-to-door transportation with trained personnel. These services are particularly beneficial for individuals requiring assistance with mobility or those who need medical support during transport. However, these services often come with a higher price tag than standard ride-sharing.

**Healthcare Access Considerations:**

The proximity of medical facilities to Upper Marlboro is a significant advantage. Several primary care physicians and specialists are located within the ZIP code or in neighboring communities. This reduces travel time and increases accessibility to healthcare. However, the availability of appointments and the insurance coverage accepted by these providers are critical factors.

The University of Maryland Capital Region Health and MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center are major healthcare providers in the region, offering comprehensive cardiology services and other specialized care. Accessing these facilities may require navigating traffic on the Beltway or US-50, but the quality of care is generally considered high.

**Hypertension Score Summary:**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Hypertension Score" for Upper Marlboro (ZIP code 20772) is moderately positive. The community offers a blend of advantages and disadvantages. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides flexibility.

The accessibility of local medical facilities is a plus, reducing travel time for routine appointments. However, the reliance on highways like the Beltway and US-50, coupled with the limitations of public transit, can pose challenges.

**Moving to Upper Marlboro** requires careful consideration of these factors. Individuals with hypertension should prioritize locating a PCP and cardiologist within a reasonable distance. They should also factor in the cost of ride-sharing or medical transport services when budgeting for healthcare expenses.

Planning ahead, utilizing technology to monitor traffic conditions, and exploring all available transportation options will be key to successfully managing hypertension while living in Upper Marlboro. The goal is to ensure that healthcare access is convenient, reliable, and stress-free, contributing to a healthier and more fulfilling life in this vibrant community.