20839, Beallsville, Maryland Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 20839, Beallsville, Maryland is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 20839 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.81 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Holy Cross Germantown Hospital with a distance of 9.10 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Beallsville (ZIP Code 20839)

The tranquil landscape of Beallsville, Maryland, nestled within ZIP code 20839, offers a respite from the frenetic pace of city life. Yet, the very factors that contribute to its charm – sprawling distances and limited infrastructure – can pose challenges for residents, especially those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. This analysis explores the complexities of healthcare access in Beallsville, focusing on **transportation** options and their impact on the ability to receive timely and appropriate care. We’ll develop a “Hypertension Score” reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching essential medical services, specifically considering the journey from a central point in Beallsville to key healthcare facilities.

Beallsville’s rural character dictates the primary mode of **transportation**: the personal vehicle. The major thoroughfare connecting Beallsville to the broader Montgomery County healthcare network is **Maryland Route 109 (Barnesville Road)**. This winding road, while scenic, can be subject to delays due to traffic, especially during peak hours. Access to more specialized care often necessitates travel further afield. The **Clarksburg Road (MD-121)** and **I-270** offer routes to hospitals and specialist clinics in Germantown and Gaithersburg. These highways, however, can be congested, adding to the travel time and stress, a significant factor for individuals with hypertension.

The drive-time to healthcare facilities is a crucial element in our Hypertension Score. Consider the journey to the nearest urgent care facility, MedStar Urgent Care in Germantown, a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Reaching Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, a more comprehensive facility, could take upwards of an hour during rush hour. This time factor directly influences the patient's ability to manage their condition effectively, particularly during a hypertensive crisis.

Public **transportation** options in Beallsville are limited. The **Montgomery County Ride On bus system** provides some service, but routes are infrequent and primarily focused on connecting to more populated areas. The closest bus route, the 66, might offer some limited access to Germantown, but the schedule is not conducive for frequent medical appointments. Furthermore, the **ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)** accessibility of these routes is a critical consideration. While Ride On strives for accessibility, the physical limitations of bus stops and the potential need for transfers can create significant hurdles for individuals with mobility issues, a common concern among those with hypertension.

The reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of considering the availability of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. These services offer a more flexible **transportation** alternative, but their availability in Beallsville can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of these services can also be a significant barrier for some residents, particularly those on fixed incomes or with limited financial resources, potentially impacting their **healthcare access**.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those provided by companies like American Medical Response (AMR) or private ambulance companies, offer a crucial safety net for emergencies. However, these services are typically reserved for urgent situations, and their use can be expensive. The availability of these services, along with their response times, is a critical component of our Hypertension Score.

The Hypertension Score will also consider the availability of local pharmacies. Access to medication is paramount for managing hypertension. The nearest pharmacies are located in Germantown and Poolesville, requiring a drive of varying lengths. The ease of obtaining prescriptions, including the availability of home delivery services, will factor into the overall score.

The **healthcare access** landscape in Beallsville is further complicated by the availability of primary care physicians and specialists. While the area boasts some medical professionals, their capacity and acceptance of new patients can be limited. The need to travel to distant facilities for specialist appointments, such as cardiologists or nephrologists, further compounds the challenges of **transportation**.

The Hypertension Score will incorporate these factors, assigning points based on the accessibility of different **transportation** options, the distance to healthcare facilities, the availability of medical professionals, and the cost of services. The score will range from 1 to 10, with 1 representing the most challenging access and 10 representing the easiest access. The score will be calculated based on a hypothetical patient living in a central location within Beallsville.

For a resident of Beallsville, managing hypertension requires careful planning and consideration of the **transportation** challenges. The limited public **transportation**, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential for long drive times to healthcare facilities contribute to a less-than-ideal situation. This is especially true for those without reliable vehicles or those facing mobility issues.

The decision to move to Beallsville, while appealing for its tranquility, must be weighed against the realities of its **healthcare access** limitations. Potential residents, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions, should carefully assess their ability to navigate the **transportation** landscape and ensure they can access the necessary medical care.

Considering all these factors, the preliminary Hypertension Score for Beallsville (ZIP code 20839) would likely fall in the moderate range, perhaps a 5 or 6 out of 10. This reflects the challenges of **transportation**, the limited public options, and the potential for long travel times to access healthcare. The score highlights the need for careful planning and consideration of the **healthcare access** landscape for residents, particularly those managing chronic conditions. The score will be revised and updated as new information becomes available, reflecting changes in **transportation** infrastructure, healthcare service availability, and the evolving needs of the community. The score is a valuable tool for potential residents considering **moving to Beallsville** and for current residents seeking to optimize their **healthcare access**.