20871, Clarksburg, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 20871, Clarksburg, Maryland is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

38.61 percent of residents in 20871 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Holy Cross Germantown Hospital with a distance of 4.54 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 20871

Considering a move to Clarksburg, Maryland (ZIP Code 20871)? Beyond the allure of suburban tranquility, prospective residents must assess critical factors, including healthcare access, particularly for serious conditions like lung cancer. This analysis provides a “Lung Cancer Score” for 20871, evaluating the ease of transportation to essential medical facilities. This score considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing services, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility.

The Lung Cancer Score is not a numerical value but a qualitative assessment. It reflects the challenges and opportunities in navigating the transportation landscape to reach healthcare providers specializing in lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. This is particularly crucial, as timely access to these services can significantly impact patient outcomes.

**Drive Times: The Road to Treatment**

For residents of 20871, the car remains a primary mode of transportation. The journey to healthcare facilities often begins on local roads, navigating the suburban sprawl before connecting to major arteries. The primary thoroughfare is Interstate 270 (I-270), a crucial link to hospitals and medical centers in the broader Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

Traveling south on I-270, reaching Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, typically takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes during peak hours. This drive involves navigating the often-congested sections of I-270, especially around the I-270/I-495 interchange. Suburban Hospital is a major healthcare provider and offers comprehensive cancer care services, including specialized lung cancer treatment.

Alternatively, heading north on I-270, the drive to Frederick Health Hospital in Frederick, Maryland, is usually shorter, around 25 to 35 minutes. This journey, while less prone to heavy traffic, still relies on the efficiency of I-270. Frederick Health Hospital also provides cancer care, offering another option for residents.

Other routes, such as using Route 355 (Frederick Road) or traveling east towards the Washington, D.C., area, present alternative options. However, these routes are often more susceptible to traffic delays, potentially extending travel times. The presence of these alternative routes does offer a degree of flexibility, but the reliance on a personal vehicle is a significant factor in the Lung Cancer Score.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transit in 20871, while present, presents significant limitations for healthcare access. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) operates bus routes serving the area, but these routes often have limited frequency and coverage, particularly for direct access to major hospitals.

The primary bus route serving Clarksburg is the Ride On bus service, which connects to the Shady Grove Metro Station. From Shady Grove, residents can access the Washington Metropolitan Area TransitWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metro system. However, the Metro's reach to healthcare facilities is not always direct, requiring transfers and potentially lengthy travel times.

For example, reaching Suburban Hospital via public transit would involve a bus ride to the Shady Grove Metro Station, followed by a Metro ride to a station closer to the hospital, and then a final bus or taxi ride. This multi-leg journey can easily exceed an hour and a half, making it less appealing for those needing frequent medical appointments.

The Metro system does offer ADA-accessible features, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the overall travel time and the need for multiple transfers remain significant drawbacks. The limited public transit options significantly impact the Lung Cancer Score, especially for those without access to a personal vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer an alternative transportation option, particularly for those unable to drive or without access to a personal vehicle. These services provide door-to-door transportation, eliminating the need for transfers. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

The availability of ride-sharing services in 20871 is generally good, but surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can increase costs. Additionally, the reliability of these services can vary, and potential delays could impact appointment schedules.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies, cater specifically to individuals needing assistance with medical appointments. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. While medical transportation offers a valuable service, it can be more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services adds a layer of accessibility to the Lung Cancer Score. These services can mitigate some of the challenges associated with limited public transit and long drive times, but the cost and reliability factors remain important considerations.

**Healthcare Access: The Heart of the Matter**

The Lung Cancer Score for 20871 reflects a mixed picture. While the area benefits from proximity to major healthcare providers, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit pose challenges. The drive times to hospitals can be significant, especially during peak hours, potentially impacting access to timely care.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services provides valuable alternatives, but the cost and reliability factors must be considered. For individuals diagnosed with lung cancer, the ability to access specialized care quickly and efficiently is paramount.

**Moving to Clarksburg: A Balanced Perspective**

For those considering a move to Clarksburg, 20871, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. The Lung Cancer Score highlights the need to carefully assess healthcare access, particularly for those with existing health concerns or a family history of lung cancer.

While Clarksburg offers a desirable suburban lifestyle, prospective residents must weigh the advantages of the location against the challenges of navigating the transportation system to access healthcare. This includes considering the potential impact of drive times, the limitations of public transit, and the costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transportation services.

The best approach is to research the specific healthcare needs of the individual or family. Identify the preferred healthcare providers and hospitals. Evaluate the transportation options to those facilities, considering both drive times and public transit routes. Explore the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services.

By conducting thorough research and understanding the complexities of healthcare access in 20871, prospective residents can make informed decisions about their move, ensuring they can readily access the care they need. This proactive approach will help navigate the transportation challenges and secure the best possible healthcare outcomes.