21919, Earleville, Maryland Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 21919, Earleville, Maryland is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

30.78 percent of residents in 21919 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Harford Memorial Hospital with a distance of 10.74 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Earleville, MD (ZIP Code 21919)

Earleville, Maryland, nestled along the Chesapeake Bay, offers a tranquil escape for those seeking a slower pace of life. However, the idyllic setting presents unique challenges when considering healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up assesses the transportation landscape impacting healthcare access in ZIP Code 21919, offering insights for residents and those contemplating moving to Earleville, specifically concerning the ease of reaching medical facilities for hypertension management.

The core of hypertension management revolves around consistent medical care, including regular check-ups, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications. Transportation plays a critical role in facilitating these needs. A high Hypertension Score indicates easy access to healthcare; a low score highlights significant transportation barriers. This analysis considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transportation services within and around Earleville.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The primary arteries for transportation in and out of Earleville are Route 213 (North and South) and Route 282. These roads connect the community to larger population centers where specialized medical care is often located. Driving times are crucial, particularly during peak hours.

For routine appointments, the closest healthcare facilities are likely in nearby towns like Elkton, MD. Driving to Union Hospital in Elkton via Route 213 typically takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. This journey is generally manageable for most individuals. However, the absence of any local medical facilities within Earleville necessitates travel for even basic check-ups, adding to the potential for transportation-related stress, a factor that could worsen hypertension.

Specialized care, such as cardiology or endocrinology, might necessitate travel to larger hospitals in Wilmington, Delaware, or Baltimore, Maryland. The drive to Wilmington via Route 213 and I-95 can take 45 minutes to an hour, contingent on traffic. Baltimore, a more significant medical hub, is approximately a 1.5- to 2-hour drive via Route 213, I-95, and I-695. These longer travel times present a significant challenge, especially for individuals with mobility issues or those experiencing hypertension-related symptoms. The time commitment can also impact medication adherence if patients are reluctant to travel long distances for refills or consultations.

**Public Transit Considerations:**

Public transportation options in Earleville are limited. Cecil Transit, the county's public transit system, provides some service, but routes are infrequent and primarily serve essential destinations within Cecil County. There are no direct routes to Wilmington or Baltimore.

The availability of public transit is a crucial factor for individuals who do not drive or cannot drive. The lack of robust public transportation poses a considerable barrier to healthcare access for this segment of the population. The absence of ADA-accessible features on all transit vehicles is a concern for those with mobility limitations. The sparse schedules and limited geographic coverage contribute to a low score for public transportation.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Earleville area, but their reliability and affordability can vary. The availability of drivers, particularly during off-peak hours or for longer distances, cannot be guaranteed. This uncertainty can create anxiety for individuals with hypertension, who need predictable transportation for their medical appointments.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. These services cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance during transport. Several medical transportation providers serve the Earleville area, offering non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to appointments. However, the cost of these services can be a significant barrier for some, and advance booking is often required. The availability of NEMT services is a positive factor, but the cost and scheduling requirements must be considered.

**Healthcare Access and Moving to Earleville:**

For individuals with hypertension considering moving to Earleville, a careful assessment of transportation options is crucial. The relative isolation of the community, combined with the limited public transportation and the potential cost of ride-sharing or medical transportation, presents challenges.

The drive times to medical facilities are manageable for routine care, but the longer distances to specialized care centers in Wilmington and Baltimore must be factored into the decision-making process. The availability of reliable transportation is paramount for successful hypertension management.

**Hypertension Score Assessment:**

Considering the factors above, the Hypertension Score for ZIP Code 21919 is moderate. The drive times to healthcare facilities are generally acceptable for routine care, but the lack of robust public transportation, the variability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transportation services create barriers for some residents.

**Recommendations:**

* **Individuals with hypertension considering moving to Earleville should:**

* Assess their transportation needs and capabilities.
* Research the availability and cost of medical transportation services.
* Explore the feasibility of utilizing ride-sharing services.
* Factor in the drive times to medical facilities.
* **Local authorities and healthcare providers should:**

* Advocate for improved public transportation options, including routes to Wilmington and Baltimore.
* Partner with ride-sharing services to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments.
* Increase awareness of medical transportation services and provide financial assistance to those in need.
* Consider establishing a local telehealth program to provide remote consultations and monitoring.

By proactively addressing the transportation challenges, Earleville can improve healthcare access for all residents, particularly those managing hypertension.