20855, Derwood, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 20855, Derwood, Maryland is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.65 percent of residents in 20855 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Adventist Healthcare Shady Grove Medical Center with a distance of 3.81 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Derwood, MD (ZIP Code 20855)

Considering a move to Derwood, Maryland (ZIP Code 20855)? Beyond the charm of suburban living and the promise of excellent schools, a crucial factor in your decision-making process should be healthcare access. This is especially true if you are at risk for, or have a family history of, lung cancer. This write-up provides a detailed ‘Lung Cancer Score’ analysis, focusing on transportation options to healthcare facilities capable of diagnosing and treating this complex disease. We will delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, painting a vivid picture of your healthcare access landscape.

Derwood, a tranquil enclave in Montgomery County, presents a unique challenge. While offering a peaceful environment, its relative distance from major medical centers necessitates careful consideration of transportation options. Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment often involve frequent appointments, including scans, biopsies, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Reliable and efficient transportation is therefore paramount.

The ‘Lung Cancer Score’ is not a numerical value but a comprehensive assessment of the transportation ecosystem. It aims to provide a realistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities you might face in accessing specialized lung cancer care.

**Driving Your Way to Wellness:**

For many residents, the car remains the primary mode of transportation. The ability to drive yourself or be driven to appointments offers unparalleled flexibility. However, rush-hour traffic in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area can significantly impact drive times.

From Derwood, the most direct route to major hospitals is typically via **Interstate 270 (I-270)**, a major artery connecting the suburbs to the city. **Interstate 370 (I-370)** offers a shorter route to the **Shady Grove Adventist Hospital**, a facility in Rockville.

The drive to **MedStar Washington Hospital Center** in Washington, D.C., a renowned cancer treatment center, can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Similarly, **Suburban Hospital** in Bethesda, another prominent cancer care provider, is accessible within 20 to 45 minutes. These times are estimates and can be considerably longer during peak commuting hours.

Consider the potential for unexpected delays due to accidents or road closures. Furthermore, parking at hospitals can be expensive and challenging, adding another layer of complexity to the process. The ability to drive, or have a trusted driver, is crucial for managing the demands of lung cancer care.

**Public Transit: A Viable Alternative?**

Public transportation in the Derwood area offers an alternative to driving, but it comes with its own set of considerations. The **Washington MetroMetropolitan Area TransitWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)**, commonly known as Metro, provides bus and rail service throughout the region.

The **Red Line** of the Metro rail system offers access to several hospitals in the city. The closest Metro station to Derwood is the **Shady Grove station**. From there, you can connect to hospitals in D.C. via the Red Line.

However, the Metro has limitations. Service frequency can be less frequent during off-peak hours and on weekends. Transfers between the Red Line and other lines can add significant travel time. Furthermore, the Metro can be crowded, especially during rush hour, which can be challenging for patients undergoing treatment.

**Metro Bus** routes, such as the **C2**, **C4**, and **C13** offer connections to the Shady Grove Metro Station. Bus routes provide local service and can be useful for reaching medical offices and facilities closer to Derwood.

ADA accessibility is a crucial factor for patients with mobility limitations. All Metro rail stations are ADA-compliant, with elevators and ramps. However, not all bus routes have fully accessible buses, so it is important to confirm accessibility before relying on bus service.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gaps:**

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, have become increasingly popular as a transportation option. They offer on-demand transportation and can be a convenient alternative to driving or public transit.

Ride-sharing can be particularly useful for appointments when you are unable to drive yourself or when public transit is not a viable option. However, ride-sharing fares can be expensive, especially during peak hours. It is also important to factor in potential wait times, especially during periods of high demand.

Medical transport services specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door service and can accommodate patients with mobility limitations.

Several medical transport providers operate in the Derwood area, including **CareRide**, **LogistiCare**, and **American Medical Response (AMR)**. These services typically require pre-booking and may have specific eligibility requirements. The cost of medical transport can vary depending on the distance, the type of service required, and the patient's insurance coverage.

**Healthcare Access: A Holistic Perspective**

The ‘Lung Cancer Score’ is not just about transportation; it's about healthcare access. It's about considering the availability of specialized lung cancer care within a reasonable distance.

The **Shady Grove Adventist Hospital** offers comprehensive cancer care, including diagnosis, treatment, and support services. **MedStar Washington Hospital Center** and **Suburban Hospital** provide specialized lung cancer treatment options.

Before moving to Derwood, research the specific lung cancer specialists and treatment options available at these hospitals. Consider the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and palliative care.

**Moving to Derwood: A Calculated Decision**

Moving to Derwood offers a peaceful lifestyle. However, a thorough assessment of healthcare access is essential. The ‘Lung Cancer Score’ highlights the need to carefully consider transportation options, including driving, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport.

The drive times to major hospitals, the reliability of public transit, the cost of ride-sharing, and the availability of medical transport services all play a role in your healthcare access.

By carefully weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether Derwood is the right place for you, especially if you have concerns about lung cancer care. The goal is to ensure that you have access to the best possible care, should you need it.