20866, Burtonsville, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 20866, Burtonsville, Maryland is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

36.46 percent of residents in 20866 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.97 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Medstar Montgomery Medical Center with a distance of 6.91 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Burtonsville (ZIP Code 20866)

The specter of a lung cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding swift and efficient access to specialized care. For residents of Burtonsville, Maryland (ZIP Code 20866), understanding the landscape of **transportation** options to **healthcare access** is paramount. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score," evaluating the ease with which individuals can reach critical medical facilities, considering various modes of travel. This information is particularly relevant for those **moving to Burtonsville**, seeking to understand the practicalities of healthcare delivery in their new community.

Burtonsville, a vibrant suburban community, enjoys a strategic location, yet healthcare access is not always a given. The Lung Cancer Score considers drive times, public transit availability, and alternative transportation options, painting a comprehensive picture for patients and their families. Our analysis focuses on the major hospitals and cancer centers within a reasonable radius, recognizing the urgency that accompanies a cancer diagnosis.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The primary arteries serving Burtonsville are the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295), the Intercounty Connector (MD-200), and US-29 (Columbia Pike). These roadways are vital, yet their efficiency fluctuates with traffic congestion. The drive to MedStar Washington Hospital Center, a major cancer treatment facility, typically takes 30-45 minutes via the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, contingent on the time of day. Morning and evening commutes can significantly extend this journey.

The Intercounty Connector, a toll road, offers a faster route to facilities like Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, potentially shaving off precious minutes. However, the toll fees add to the overall cost of **transportation**. US-29 provides a more direct route to facilities in Silver Spring and Columbia, offering alternatives depending on the specific medical needs.

The drive to the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, another prominent cancer center, is approximately 45-60 minutes, primarily via the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. This journey highlights the importance of planning, especially for regular treatments or urgent appointments. Delays are inevitable; therefore, anticipating potential traffic snarls is critical.

**Public Transit Pathways:**

Public transit offers an alternative, though it can be less direct. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) operates several bus routes serving Burtonsville. The 101, 102, and 103 routes provide connections to the Glenmont Metro station (Red Line), offering access to hospitals and medical facilities within the District of Columbia. The Red Line itself provides access to MedStar Washington Hospital Center, and other medical facilities.

The 101 and 103 routes also connect to the Columbia Pike corridor, offering access to medical offices and facilities along the way. While the bus network offers a cost-effective **transportation** solution, travel times are often significantly longer than driving. Transfers and potential delays can add considerable stress, particularly for patients undergoing treatment.

ADA accessibility is a critical factor. All MTA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and ramps, ensuring access for individuals with mobility challenges. However, navigating the Metro can be more complex, requiring careful planning and awareness of elevator and escalator locations. The availability of accessible routes is vital for patients who may experience physical limitations due to their illness or treatment.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient, on-demand **transportation** option. They can be particularly valuable for patients who are unable to drive or lack access to a personal vehicle. However, the cost of ride-sharing can accumulate, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, like Logisticare and AccessRide, cater specifically to individuals with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey. They can be particularly helpful for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, where fatigue and other side effects can make travel challenging.

These medical **transportation** services typically require pre-booking and may have eligibility requirements. While they offer a valuable service, the availability and coverage areas vary. Investigating these options early in the process is crucial to ensure access to reliable **transportation** when needed.

**Scoring and Considerations:**

The Lung Cancer Score for Burtonsville (ZIP Code 20866) is influenced by the interplay of these factors. While the area benefits from proximity to major medical centers, the reliance on roadways susceptible to congestion and the limitations of public transit necessitate careful planning.

The score is moderately favorable. Residents have access to multiple healthcare facilities within a reasonable distance. However, the variability in drive times, the potential for delays, and the limitations of public transit suggest that individuals should proactively explore all available **transportation** options.

For those **moving to Burtonsville**, understanding the **healthcare access** landscape is essential. Proximity to quality medical facilities is a significant advantage, but the challenges of **transportation** must be carefully considered. Researching specific treatment centers, understanding insurance coverage for **transportation** services, and exploring alternative **transportation** options are all critical steps.

The Lung Cancer Score is not a static number but a dynamic assessment. It emphasizes the importance of proactive planning, considering individual needs, and adapting to the ever-changing conditions of **transportation** in the Burtonsville area. The availability of multiple **transportation** methods, coupled with the presence of reputable medical facilities, offers a reasonable level of **healthcare access**.