20688, Solomons, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 20688, Solomons, Maryland is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

27.19 percent of residents in 20688 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.60 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Medstar Saint Mary's Hospital with a distance of 9.93 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 20688

The idyllic waterfront community of Solomons, Maryland, nestled in ZIP code 20688, offers a tranquil escape. But for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the serenity of this Southern Maryland haven can be overshadowed by the complexities of **healthcare access** and **transportation**. This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score," assessing the accessibility of lung cancer treatment facilities from various points within 20688, factoring in **transportation** options and potential challenges.

This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, painting a comprehensive picture for residents and those **moving to Solomons** seeking to understand their healthcare landscape. The goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge to navigate their healthcare journey effectively.

The foundation of our assessment lies in the drive-time analysis. The primary healthcare hub for lung cancer treatment is often located in Prince Frederick, Maryland, approximately 20 miles north of Solomons. Accessing this facility necessitates navigating the winding roads of Calvert County. A journey from the heart of Solomons, near Solomons Island Road, to the University of Maryland Calvert Health Medical Center, typically involves a drive of around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

The primary route is along Solomons Island Road (Route 2/4), a two-lane road that can experience congestion, especially during peak commuting hours and weekends. Traffic can be particularly heavy near the Solomons Bridge and the intersections with Dowell Road and H.G. Trueman Road. Alternative routes are limited, making reliance on this single thoroughfare a potential source of stress for patients needing timely medical attention.

Further afield, access to more specialized cancer centers in Annapolis and Washington, D.C., becomes a significant **transportation** challenge. Reaching Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis involves a drive of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes via Route 2/4 North and Route 50 East. The journey to Washington, D.C., and its renowned cancer centers, such as MedStar Georgetown University Hospital or the National Institutes of Health (NIH), can take upwards of 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic. This route necessitates navigating Route 2/4 North, merging onto Route 495 (the Capital Beltway), and then navigating the often-congested city streets.

Public **transportation** options present a different set of considerations. The Calvert County Transit system offers limited bus services within the county. However, these routes are infrequent and do not directly connect Solomons to major medical facilities in Prince Frederick or beyond. The lack of weekend and evening services further restricts accessibility for patients requiring appointments outside of typical business hours. The Calvert County Transit does provide ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service, albeit within its limited scope.

For those seeking to utilize public transit for appointments in Annapolis or Washington, D.C., the options are even more complicated. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) provides bus and train services, but these services are not directly accessible from Solomons. A multi-leg journey involving a combination of local buses, commuter buses, and potentially the MARC train would be required, making this a time-consuming and potentially physically demanding option, particularly for patients undergoing treatment.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Solomons area. However, the reliability and cost of these services can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Patients relying on ride-sharing must factor in potential wait times and the financial burden of frequent trips to medical appointments. The availability of drivers in the more rural areas of 20688 can also be less consistent than in more urban areas.

Medical **transportation** services offer a specialized solution for patients with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance during their journeys. Several companies, such as Firstat Nursing Services and MedStar Mobile Healthcare, provide non-emergency medical **transportation** to and from medical appointments. These services often involve wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, these services typically come at a higher cost than ride-sharing or public transit, and availability can be limited, requiring advance booking.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 20688 reflects the challenges and opportunities presented by these **transportation** and **healthcare access** factors. The score is a composite measure, taking into account drive times, public transit limitations, ride-sharing reliability, and the availability of medical **transportation**.

The score also considers the proximity of the University of Maryland Calvert Health Medical Center, which offers comprehensive cancer care, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. While the drive time to this facility is relatively manageable, the reliance on a single road and potential traffic congestion remain significant concerns.

The limitations of public transit and the reliance on private vehicles or ride-sharing services further impact the score. The lack of readily available and affordable **transportation** options can create barriers to accessing timely medical care, particularly for patients without access to a personal vehicle or those facing financial constraints.

The presence of medical **transportation** services provides a valuable option for those with mobility limitations. However, the higher cost and potential booking requirements of these services must be factored into the overall assessment.

For individuals **moving to Solomons** or already residing in the area, understanding these **transportation** and **healthcare access** dynamics is crucial. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a tool to inform decisions about healthcare choices, treatment locations, and the need for **transportation** support.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 20688 is a dynamic measure, subject to change based on evolving **transportation** infrastructure, healthcare service availability, and technological advancements. Regular updates and ongoing monitoring are essential to ensure that residents have access to the most current information and resources to navigate their healthcare journey effectively. This is a community that cares.