20684, Saint Inigoes, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 20684, Saint Inigoes, Maryland is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

95.37 percent of residents in 20684 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 25.68 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Medstar Saint Mary's Hospital with a distance of 15.95 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Saint Inigoes (ZIP Code 20684)

The decision to relocate, particularly when facing a health challenge like a potential lung cancer diagnosis, necessitates a thorough understanding of **healthcare access**. This is especially critical in a rural area like Saint Inigoes, Maryland (ZIP code 20684). This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score," a practical assessment of **transportation** options available to residents seeking diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. We’ll examine drive times, public transit, ride-share availability, and medical transport, painting a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities for those **moving to Saint Inigoes**.

Saint Inigoes, nestled in St. Mary's County, presents a unique landscape. Its relative remoteness, while offering scenic beauty, impacts **healthcare access**. The nearest major medical facilities are in Leonardtown, Lexington Park, and California, Maryland, all within a reasonable driving distance, but reliant on personal vehicles or limited public transit. This score considers these factors, offering insights into the realities of navigating the healthcare system in this community.

**Drive Times: The Cornerstone of Healthcare Access**

The primary mode of **transportation** for most residents is personal vehicles. The drive to healthcare facilities is, therefore, a crucial factor. From Saint Inigoes, the most direct route to Leonardtown, home to MedStar St. Mary's Hospital, is generally via Point Lookout Road (Route 5). Expect a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Lexington Park, with its concentration of medical offices and services, is accessible primarily via Route 5 and then onto Three Notch Road (Route 235). This trip typically takes 25-40 minutes, again influenced by traffic flow, especially during peak commuting hours. California, Maryland, a little further north, is reached via Route 5 and Three Notch Road, adding another 10-15 minutes to the journey.

These drive times, while manageable, highlight the dependence on a personal vehicle. The absence of readily available alternatives underscores the importance of reliable **transportation** for residents of Saint Inigoes, particularly those with mobility limitations or health concerns. The condition of Route 5, with its occasional congestion, can further impact these times.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transit options in St. Mary's County are limited, which directly impacts **healthcare access**. The St. Mary's County Transit System (SMCTS) offers bus services, but routes and schedules are not designed to provide comprehensive coverage to all areas. The availability of routes in and around Saint Inigoes is limited.

The primary routes serving the area are Route 1 and Route 3, which run along Route 5, offering limited service to Lexington Park and Leonardtown. These routes operate on a fixed schedule, with reduced service on weekends and holidays. The limited frequency of buses and the potential for long wait times can make relying on public transit for medical appointments challenging.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features are available on SMCTS buses, including wheelchair lifts and priority seating. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent service may still pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations, making it imperative to consider alternative **transportation** solutions.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in St. Mary's County, but their availability is less consistent than in urban areas. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can also be a factor. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments requires advance planning and the ability to schedule rides, especially for return trips.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical **transportation**, offer a more specialized solution. These services are designed to transport individuals with medical needs to and from appointments. Ambulance services are available for emergencies, while non-emergency medical **transportation** caters to those requiring assistance but not immediate medical attention.

Several medical **transportation** providers operate in the region, including MedStar Mobile Healthcare and private companies specializing in non-emergency medical **transportation**. These services require pre-booking and often have specific eligibility requirements. While providing a valuable service, they can be costly and may have limited availability, particularly for short-notice appointments.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Saint Inigoes (20684) reflects the interplay of these factors. It acknowledges the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation**.

For individuals **moving to Saint Inigoes** with potential lung cancer concerns, the score emphasizes the importance of several factors. First, having a reliable vehicle is paramount. Second, understanding the limitations of public transit and ride-sharing is crucial. Third, researching and establishing relationships with medical **transportation** providers is essential.

The score also highlights the importance of proactive planning. Scheduling appointments with sufficient lead time to accommodate **transportation** needs is critical. Exploring telehealth options for follow-up appointments and consultations can reduce the need for frequent travel.

**Implications for Healthcare Access and the Future**

The challenges in **healthcare access** for residents of Saint Inigoes underscore the need for innovative solutions. Expanding public transit routes and service frequency, particularly to healthcare facilities, would significantly improve access. Incentivizing ride-sharing services to operate more consistently in the area could also benefit residents.

Telehealth initiatives, which allow patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, offer a promising avenue for improving **healthcare access**. Expanding telehealth infrastructure and promoting its adoption can reduce the burden of travel and improve the convenience of healthcare.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Saint Inigoes serves as a starting point for understanding the complexities of **healthcare access** in this community. By acknowledging the **transportation** challenges and exploring potential solutions, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and advocate for improvements in the system. This is particularly crucial for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, where timely and consistent access to care is essential for optimal outcomes. The score provides a practical framework for evaluating the realities of **moving to Saint Inigoes** and navigating the healthcare landscape.