20660, Morganza, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 20660, Morganza, Maryland is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 20660 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.94 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Medstar Saint Mary's Hospital with a distance of 5.90 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Morganza (ZIP Code 20660)

The air hangs heavy with the scent of the Chesapeake Bay in Morganza, Maryland (ZIP code 20660), a rural community nestled along the Patuxent River. For residents, the tranquility of this setting is often juxtaposed with the complex reality of accessing healthcare, particularly when facing a serious diagnosis like lung cancer. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape, evaluating the accessibility of lung cancer-related healthcare services and providing a "Lung Cancer Score" for this specific location. This score reflects the ease or difficulty of reaching crucial medical appointments, treatments, and support services, all critical for patients and their families.

The primary concern for residents of Morganza is transportation. The area is geographically isolated, and the availability of public transportation is limited. This isolation significantly impacts healthcare access, especially for those who may be experiencing mobility limitations or are undergoing debilitating treatments. Considering the challenges, we will assess the various transportation options, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, to determine the overall accessibility of lung cancer care.

**Driving Directions and Drive Times**

The most common mode of transportation in Morganza is the personal vehicle. The primary route for accessing healthcare facilities involves navigating the winding roads that crisscross the rural landscape. For specialized lung cancer care, residents typically need to travel to larger medical centers located outside of the immediate area.

One of the closest major healthcare facilities is MedStar St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown. The drive from Morganza to MedStar St. Mary's Hospital involves traveling along Maryland Route 5 (Point Lookout Road). The drive is approximately 15 to 20 miles, depending on the specific location within Morganza. Traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours, can extend the travel time. The route is generally well-maintained, but rural roads can be susceptible to weather-related delays, especially during winter months.

For more specialized treatments, such as radiation therapy or advanced surgical procedures, patients may need to travel to facilities in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. This necessitates a longer commute, typically involving the use of Maryland Route 5 (Point Lookout Road) to Maryland Route 4 (Southern Maryland Boulevard), and then onto the Capital Beltway (I-495). The drive to hospitals in the D.C. area can easily exceed one to two hours, depending on traffic. This extended travel time can be particularly burdensome for patients undergoing frequent treatments or experiencing fatigue.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in the Morganza area are extremely limited. The St. Mary's County Transit System (SMCTS) provides some bus service within the county, but the routes are infrequent and primarily focused on serving local communities. The availability of routes and schedules is highly variable.

The SMCTS routes that serve the general area of Morganza may not directly connect to major healthcare facilities. Even if a route exists, the travel time can be significantly extended due to the need for transfers and the limited frequency of service. Furthermore, the accessibility of public transportation for individuals with mobility impairments is a crucial factor. The availability of ADA-compliant buses, with features such as ramps and designated seating, is essential. However, the limited scope of the public transit system in this area makes it a less viable option for many patients.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Morganza area, but their reliability and cost can vary. Availability is often dependent on the time of day and the demand for services. Patients may experience longer wait times or higher fares, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with limited driver availability.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by specialized companies, provide a more tailored approach to transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often offer door-to-door transportation, assistance with mobility, and trained drivers. However, the cost of medical transportation can be a significant financial burden for patients, particularly those with limited insurance coverage.

**Healthcare Access and the Lung Cancer Score**

The accessibility of healthcare services in Morganza is significantly impacted by the transportation challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create barriers to accessing timely and convenient care. The extended travel times to reach specialized lung cancer centers in the D.C. area add another layer of complexity.

**Lung Cancer Score:**

Based on the assessment of transportation options and healthcare access, the Lung Cancer Score for Morganza (ZIP code 20660) is **4 out of 10**. This score reflects the following factors:

* **Limited Public Transportation:** The lack of readily available and reliable public transportation significantly hinders access to healthcare facilities.
* **Long Drive Times:** The drive times to major healthcare centers, particularly those offering specialized lung cancer care, are substantial.
* **Variable Ride-Sharing Availability:** The reliability and cost of ride-sharing services can be unpredictable, adding uncertainty to transportation planning.
* **Financial Burden:** The cost of medical transportation and the potential for higher ride-sharing fares can create a financial burden for patients.

**Moving to Morganza: Considerations for Lung Cancer Patients**

For individuals considering moving to Morganza, or for current residents managing a lung cancer diagnosis, these transportation challenges should be carefully considered. It is crucial to evaluate the proximity to healthcare facilities, the availability of reliable transportation options, and the potential financial implications of accessing care.

**Recommendations**

* **Advocate for Improved Public Transportation:** Residents should advocate for increased public transportation services, including routes that directly connect to major healthcare facilities.
* **Explore Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation Options:** Research and utilize ride-sharing services and medical transportation companies to facilitate appointments.
* **Seek Support from Community Resources:** Connect with local community organizations that may offer transportation assistance or support services for patients.
* **Consider Proximity to Healthcare:** When choosing a residence, consider the proximity to healthcare facilities and the ease of access to major roadways.
* **Plan Ahead:** Schedule appointments in advance and plan for potential travel delays.

**Conclusion**

Navigating the healthcare landscape in Morganza, particularly for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, requires careful planning and consideration of the transportation challenges. The Lung Cancer Score of 4 underscores the need for improved healthcare access and the importance of advocating for solutions that will help residents receive timely and convenient care. The community must work together to address these challenges, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to access the healthcare services they need. The journey to recovery can be long and difficult; the ability to access care should not be an added burden. The challenges of transportation must be addressed to provide quality healthcare to all residents of Morganza.