21074, Hampstead, Maryland Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 21074, Hampstead, Maryland is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.87 percent of residents in 21074 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.50 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Carroll Hospital Center with a distance of 9.84 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Hampstead (ZIP Code 21074)

Planning a move to the charming community of Hampstead, Maryland (ZIP Code 21074)? Beyond the picturesque landscapes and welcoming atmosphere, it's crucial to assess your healthcare access, particularly if you're managing hypertension. This write-up provides a detailed overview of transportation options and their impact on accessing medical care, ultimately informing a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching essential healthcare services.

The ability to promptly and reliably reach a healthcare provider is paramount for individuals managing hypertension. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency care are all vital components of effective hypertension management. Our analysis focuses on the transportation landscape within and around Hampstead, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Backbone of Healthcare Access**

For many Hampstead residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. Understanding drive times to healthcare facilities is therefore crucial. The most direct route to many medical services involves navigating the major roadways.

**Route 30** serves as a vital artery, connecting Hampstead to Westminster, where a significant concentration of medical facilities exists. Driving south on Route 30, you can reach the Carroll Hospital Center, a comprehensive medical center, within approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. This drive is generally straightforward, offering relatively consistent speeds.

Further afield, Baltimore offers a wider array of specialized medical services. Traveling south on Route 30 and then merging onto **I-795** (Northwest Expressway) provides access to the Baltimore metropolitan area. This journey can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic conditions, particularly during peak commuting hours. The I-795 corridor is known for its potential congestion, which could significantly impact travel times, especially for those needing urgent care.

Other roadways, such as **Route 140** and **Route 832**, offer alternative routes, but they often involve more circuitous paths and may add to travel time. Careful consideration of these routes, alongside real-time traffic updates, is essential when planning healthcare-related travel.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Hampstead are limited, which can pose a challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) does not provide direct bus service within Hampstead.

The closest MTA bus routes are located in Westminster, accessible by car. These routes, while offering connections to Baltimore, may not be a practical solution for frequent medical appointments due to the time commitment and potential for delays.

ADA accessibility on the limited public transit routes is available, but the infrequency of service and the need for transfers can create significant barriers for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring frequent medical attention.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Hampstead, offering an alternative to driving. However, availability can be variable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for regular medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by private companies, provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often offer door-to-door transportation and can accommodate mobility devices. While a valuable option, medical transport can be costly and may require advance booking.

**Healthcare Facilities and Their Proximity**

The proximity of healthcare facilities is a critical factor in assessing healthcare access. As mentioned earlier, Carroll Hospital Center in Westminster is the closest comprehensive medical facility. Several primary care physicians and specialists are also located in Westminster, making this city a central hub for medical services.

For specialized care, residents often need to travel to Baltimore. This necessitates longer travel times and can present challenges for those with mobility issues or those requiring frequent medical attention.

**Hypertension Score: A Synthesis of Factors**

The "Hypertension Score" for Hampstead (ZIP Code 21074) is a composite measure reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare for individuals managing hypertension. This score considers drive times, public transit limitations, ride-sharing availability, and the proximity of healthcare facilities.

Given the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential for longer travel times to specialized care, the Hypertension Score for Hampstead might be considered moderate. While access to basic medical care is relatively convenient, accessing specialized services or managing transportation limitations can present challenges.

**Moving to Hampstead: Informed Decision-Making**

For individuals considering a move to Hampstead, it is crucial to factor in the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. Assessing your personal transportation needs, considering the availability of ride-sharing services, and exploring medical transport options are essential steps in ensuring you can maintain continuity of care.

Planning for potential traffic delays, especially when traveling to Baltimore for specialized care, is also important. By understanding the transportation challenges and proactively planning for your healthcare needs, you can make an informed decision about moving to Hampstead and ensure your hypertension management remains effective.

This write-up has highlighted the key factors influencing healthcare access in Hampstead, providing a foundation for a more informed decision-making process. Further research, including contacting local healthcare providers and exploring specific transportation options, is recommended to develop a personalized plan that meets your individual needs.