20670, Patuxent River, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 20670, Patuxent River, Maryland is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

92.13 percent of residents in 20670 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.68 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Medstar Saint Mary's Hospital with a distance of 10.41 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 20670

The journey to healthcare, a fundamental human right, takes on a unique character in ZIP Code 20670, the heart of Lexington Park, Maryland. This coastal community, nestled near the Patuxent River and home to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, presents a complex tapestry of transportation options and challenges, particularly for those needing specialized medical care like lung cancer treatment. This write-up aims to assess the "Lung Cancer Score" for residents, considering the critical element of *transportation* and its impact on *healthcare access*. We’ll examine drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, offering a nuanced perspective for those considering *moving to Patuxent River* or already residing here.

The primary healthcare hub for residents of 20670 is MedStar St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown, approximately 10 miles north. This drive, while seemingly short, can be significantly impacted by traffic, especially during peak hours and around NAS Patuxent River. The primary route is via Three Notch Road (Maryland Route 235), a major artery that often experiences congestion. Depending on the time of day, the drive can range from a swift 15 minutes to a frustrating 30 minutes or more. Alternative routes, such as Point Lookout Road (Maryland Route 5), offer a less direct but potentially less congested option, particularly for those heading further north.

For specialized lung cancer care, residents may need to travel to hospitals in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area or Baltimore. These journeys introduce significant *transportation* hurdles. Driving to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, a leading cancer treatment center, involves navigating the Capital Beltway (I-495) and often the congested I-270. This trip can easily consume 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Similarly, reaching the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore necessitates traversing the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295) or I-95, with a drive time of roughly 2 hours, again heavily influenced by traffic conditions.

Public transit, while available, presents limited options for those in 20670. The St. Mary's County Transit System (SMCTS) provides local bus service, but routes are infrequent and primarily serve local destinations. The primary route relevant to *healthcare access* is Route 1, which connects Lexington Park to Leonardtown, passing near MedStar St. Mary's Hospital. However, the bus schedule may not align with appointments or treatment schedules. Furthermore, the availability of buses with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, crucial for patients with mobility limitations, should be confirmed in advance. Connections to regional transit systems, such as the Washington MetroMetropolitan Area TransitWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), are virtually nonexistent, making long-distance travel via public transit impractical.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in 20670, offering a more flexible *transportation* option than public transit. However, the cost can be a significant barrier, particularly for frequent trips to treatment centers. Availability can also fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The reliability of these services for time-sensitive medical appointments is a critical consideration. Booking in advance is advisable, but even then, unforeseen delays can occur, potentially disrupting treatment schedules.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and other private medical transport providers operate in the area. These services provide non-emergency medical transportation, including stretcher and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. While offering a higher level of comfort and support, these services are typically more expensive than ride-sharing and may require pre-authorization from insurance companies. Careful consideration of cost, insurance coverage, and the specific needs of the patient is crucial when choosing medical transport.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 20670 is therefore influenced by the interplay of these *transportation* factors. The score reflects the challenges of accessing timely and convenient *healthcare access* for lung cancer patients. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for traffic delays, and the limited availability of public transit and affordable ride-sharing services contribute to a lower score. The cost and availability of medical transport services, while providing a vital lifeline, further impact the overall assessment.

For individuals *moving to Patuxent River* or already residing in 20670, understanding these *transportation* realities is paramount. Proximity to MedStar St. Mary's Hospital offers a degree of convenience for basic medical needs. However, the need for specialized lung cancer treatment often necessitates travel to distant facilities, significantly increasing the complexity of *healthcare access*. Careful planning, including researching treatment options, understanding insurance coverage, and exploring all available *transportation* options, is essential.

The ideal scenario would involve a robust public transit system with direct connections to regional cancer centers, affordable ride-sharing options, and readily available medical transport services. Increased awareness of *healthcare access* challenges and advocacy for improved *transportation* infrastructure are crucial steps towards improving the "Lung Cancer Score" for residents of 20670. The health and well-being of this community, especially those battling lung cancer, depend on it. The journey to recovery should not be further complicated by the hurdles of *transportation*.