20686, Saint Marys City, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 20686, Saint Marys City, Maryland is 7 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

84.23 percent of residents in 20686 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 24.07 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Medstar Saint Mary's Hospital with a distance of 13.47 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 20686

The decision to relocate, particularly to a new community like Saint Marys City, Maryland (ZIP Code 20686), often involves a complex evaluation of various factors. Among these, healthcare access looms large, especially for individuals concerned about their lung health. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment for 20686, focusing on transportation options to healthcare facilities capable of diagnosing and treating lung cancer. We'll examine drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing services, offering insights for those considering a move or currently residing in the area.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is a subjective assessment, not a clinical diagnosis. It considers the practical challenges of accessing specialized healthcare, recognizing that timely access to care significantly impacts patient outcomes. This score will be based on the availability and efficiency of transportation options. A higher score indicates more accessible healthcare options.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

For residents of 20686, the primary mode of transportation to healthcare is likely the personal vehicle. The closest major medical centers equipped to handle lung cancer diagnosis and treatment are in Leonardtown and Lexington Park.

Driving to MedStar St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown, the nearest comprehensive facility, typically involves navigating Route 5 (Point Lookout Road). During off-peak hours, the drive is relatively swift, clocking in around 20-30 minutes. However, peak traffic, particularly during weekday rush hours, can extend this commute considerably. Delays are common, adding up to 45 minutes or more, especially around Leonardtown's town center.

For more specialized care, including oncology services, residents often travel to the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center in La Plata, MD. The drive involves Route 5 north, connecting to Route 301. This journey is significantly longer, averaging 45-60 minutes under normal conditions. Traffic congestion, especially around the intersection of Route 5 and Route 301, can dramatically increase travel time. This is a critical consideration for patients needing frequent appointments or facing urgent medical needs.

**Public Transit Pathways:**

Public transportation options in 20686 are limited. The St. Mary's County Transit System (SMCTS) provides some service, but routes and schedules are designed primarily for local travel and are not ideally suited for frequent trips to hospitals.

SMCTS Route 1 operates in the area, connecting to Leonardtown, but its frequency is limited, and travel times can be significantly longer than driving. Furthermore, the route's schedule may not align with hospital appointment times. While SMCTS vehicles are ADA-accessible, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges, the limited service frequency remains a significant hurdle.

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) does not directly serve 20686. This lack of robust public transit options presents a challenge for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to. The absence of efficient public transportation can significantly hinder healthcare access, especially for those with limited mobility or financial constraints.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Solutions:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in 20686, offering a potential alternative to personal vehicles or public transit. However, the availability of drivers can vary, and wait times can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments or long-distance travel.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are another option. Companies like CareRide and MedRide provide specialized transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. These services often require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit. However, they offer a valuable service for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis:**

Based on the transportation landscape in 20686, the "Lung Cancer Score" is moderate. While residents have access to healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create potential barriers to access.

The drive times to Leonardtown and La Plata, while manageable, are subject to traffic delays, potentially impacting appointment punctuality and increasing patient stress. The limited public transit options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services further complicate healthcare access.

The availability of medical transportation services offers a valuable, albeit more expensive, alternative for individuals with specific needs.

**Moving to Saint Marys City: Considerations:**

For individuals considering moving to Saint Marys City, the healthcare access situation warrants careful consideration. The proximity to MedStar St. Mary's Hospital is a positive factor, but the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options should be factored into the decision-making process.

Prospective residents should assess their transportation needs, considering their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends for assistance, and the potential cost of ride-sharing or medical transportation services.

**Conclusion:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 20686 highlights the importance of understanding the transportation challenges associated with healthcare access. While the area offers access to medical facilities, the transportation infrastructure presents potential hurdles. Individuals considering a move to Saint Marys City should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and explore all available options to ensure timely and reliable access to healthcare services, especially those related to lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. Careful planning and awareness of the transportation landscape are crucial for maintaining good health and well-being in this beautiful, but geographically dispersed, part of Maryland.