20851, Rockville, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 20851, Rockville, Maryland is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.87 percent of residents in 20851 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.20 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Adventist Healthcare Shady Grove Medical Center with a distance of 4.51 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 20851

Considering a move to Rockville, Maryland (ZIP Code 20851)? This assessment delves into the crucial aspect of healthcare access, specifically for individuals concerned about lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. We'll analyze the transportation landscape, a vital component in timely healthcare access, focusing on drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability. This “Lung Cancer Score” aims to provide a clear picture of the challenges and advantages faced when navigating the healthcare system within and around this specific area.

The ability to quickly reach medical facilities is paramount for lung cancer patients. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment significantly impact survival rates. Therefore, the time it takes to access specialized care becomes a critical factor in evaluating the suitability of a location. This analysis considers the proximity of hospitals and cancer centers, factoring in the realities of daily commutes.

For residents of 20851, the primary thoroughfares impacting healthcare access are Interstate 270 (I-270), Rockville Pike (Route 355), and Montrose Road. These roads are often congested, especially during peak hours, which can dramatically increase travel times. The efficiency of transportation becomes a significant determinant of healthcare access, influencing the overall quality of life.

Driving to the nearest major hospitals, such as Suburban Hospital in Bethesda or Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville, offers varying commute times. From central 20851, a drive to Suburban Hospital, via I-270 South and then the Beltway (I-495), can take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. However, during rush hour, this drive can easily stretch to 45 minutes or longer. Shady Grove Medical Center, located within Rockville, offers a shorter drive, typically 10-15 minutes via Rockville Pike. The ease of access to these facilities is a key factor in the "Lung Cancer Score."

Public transportation provides an alternative, though it can present its own set of challenges. The Washington MetroMetropolitan Area TransitWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates the Metro Red Line, offering service to Rockville and surrounding areas. The Rockville Metro station, located near the center of 20851, provides direct access to downtown Washington, D.C., and connections to other lines.

The Red Line offers direct access to several hospitals, including Sibley Memorial Hospital (near the Tenleytown-AU station) and the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (near the Medical Center station). However, the frequency of trains, especially during off-peak hours, and potential delays can impact healthcare access.

Furthermore, accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations is essential. WMATA provides ADA-accessible stations and buses. The Rockville Metro station is fully accessible, offering elevators and ramps. However, the distance from the station to specific medical facilities might necessitate further transportation.

Bus routes operated by WMATA and Montgomery County Ride On offer additional transportation options. Several Ride On routes serve 20851, providing connections to hospitals and medical centers. These routes, such as the 46, 47, and 55, often connect to the Metro stations, enhancing connectivity.

The Ride On buses also offer ADA accessibility. However, bus travel times can be significantly longer than driving, especially during peak hours. Therefore, careful consideration of travel times and schedules is crucial for those relying on public transportation for healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer another layer of transportation options. These services provide on-demand transportation to and from medical appointments. The availability of ride-sharing services in 20851 is generally good, with relatively short wait times.

However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments. The cost of transportation can become a barrier to healthcare access for some individuals. The "Lung Cancer Score" considers the cost-effectiveness of these services.

Medical transportation services, such as MedStar Mobile Healthcare and American Medical Response (AMR), offer specialized transportation for patients requiring medical assistance. These services are primarily for non-emergency medical transportation and may be utilized for appointments, follow-up care, and discharge from hospitals.

These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance during transport. The availability and cost of medical transportation services are essential considerations for individuals with lung cancer.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 20851 reflects the overall healthcare access based on these transportation factors. The score is not a single number but a comprehensive assessment, considering the advantages and disadvantages of each transportation option.

The proximity of hospitals and cancer centers, the efficiency of driving routes, the reliability of public transit, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of transportation are all factored into the assessment. This assessment considers the potential impact of traffic congestion, the availability of ADA-accessible transportation, and the cost of transportation.

Moving to Rockville, or any location, requires a comprehensive understanding of healthcare access. The "Lung Cancer Score" provides a starting point for individuals considering a move to 20851, focusing on the vital aspect of transportation and its impact on healthcare.