21035, Davidsonville, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21035, Davidsonville, Maryland is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.35 percent of residents in 21035 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.81 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Luminis Health J Kent Mcnew Family Medical Center with a distance of 5.00 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Davidsonville (ZIP Code 21035)

The specter of lung cancer hangs heavy, a health concern demanding swift and effective care. For residents of Davidsonville, Maryland (ZIP Code 21035), the journey to quality healthcare, particularly for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, is a critical factor. This "Lung Cancer Score" delves into the complexities of transportation and healthcare access within and around this community, offering insights for residents and those considering moving to Davidsonville.

The score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities in accessing vital healthcare resources. This analysis is crucial because early detection and timely treatment significantly impact survival rates for lung cancer. A community's ability to facilitate prompt access to these services is paramount.

Davidsonville, a primarily suburban area, offers a unique landscape for healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles is high, and the availability of public transit is limited. This geographical reality significantly influences the "Lung Cancer Score," underscoring the importance of understanding transportation options.

**Drive Times: The Paved Paths to Care**

For residents of Davidsonville, the primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities is the personal vehicle. The major thoroughfares, the arteries of this community, are crucial for understanding drive times. The journey to Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) in Annapolis, a major healthcare provider with oncology services, typically involves navigating Maryland Route 2 (Solomons Island Road) or Route 50.

The drive to AAMC, a crucial destination for lung cancer care, usually takes between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Rush hour, particularly weekday mornings and evenings, can significantly extend this travel time, potentially delaying access to critical appointments or emergency care. This variability in drive time directly impacts the "Lung Cancer Score," emphasizing the need for residents to factor in potential delays when planning healthcare visits.

Other healthcare facilities, such as the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UM BWMC) in Glen Burnie, are accessible via Route 50 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295). This journey can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, again depending on traffic. The further distance and the potential for congestion on the Parkway contribute to a slightly lower score for this option.

The availability of parking at these facilities is another critical consideration. Both AAMC and UM BWMC offer parking garages, but demand can be high, especially during peak hours. This adds another layer of complexity to the transportation equation, potentially increasing the overall time and stress associated with healthcare access.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public transportation options in Davidsonville are limited, presenting a significant challenge for residents who do not drive or prefer not to drive. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) operates bus routes in the broader Annapolis area, but these routes are not extensive within Davidsonville itself.

The primary bus route serving the area is Route 21, which runs along Route 2, providing access to Annapolis and some connection points to other bus routes. However, this route's frequency is limited, and the travel time to medical facilities via public transit can be significantly longer than driving. This reliance on bus schedules and potential transfers further complicates healthcare access.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration for public transit. The MTA strives to ensure that its buses are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. However, the availability of accessible stops and the potential for delays can still pose challenges.

For individuals with lung cancer, the physical demands of navigating public transit, including walking to bus stops, waiting in inclement weather, and transferring between routes, can be particularly difficult. This limitation significantly impacts the "Lung Cancer Score," highlighting the need for alternative transportation options.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a valuable alternative to driving and public transit. These services are generally available in Davidsonville, providing on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities. The convenience of ride-sharing can be a significant benefit, particularly for individuals who are unable to drive or prefer not to.

However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some residents, especially for frequent trips to medical appointments. The availability of ride-sharing services can also be affected by factors such as driver availability and surge pricing, which can further complicate healthcare access.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by private companies, provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often include wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist with patient care. These services can be particularly beneficial for individuals with lung cancer who require assistance with mobility or other medical needs.

The cost of medical transport services can be substantial, and insurance coverage may vary. Understanding the availability and cost of these services is crucial for residents of Davidsonville.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **MedStar Mobile Healthcare:** Provides ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Offers ambulance and medical transport services.
* **CareRide:** Specializes in non-emergency medical transportation.
* **First Call Transportation:** Provides medical transportation services.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" and the Decision to Move**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Davidsonville, considering the factors above, reveals a mixed picture. While the community offers relatively convenient access to healthcare facilities by personal vehicle, the limitations of public transit and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transport services create challenges.

For individuals considering moving to Davidsonville, the "Lung Cancer Score" highlights the importance of assessing their transportation needs and healthcare access requirements. Those who rely on public transit or require specialized medical transport may face greater challenges. The score also underscores the importance of considering proximity to healthcare facilities and the potential impact of traffic congestion on travel times.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not just a numerical value; it is a reflection of the community's ability to support its residents' healthcare needs. By understanding the complexities of transportation and healthcare access, residents of Davidsonville and those considering moving to the area can make informed decisions about their health and well-being. The score serves as a reminder that access to timely and effective healthcare is a fundamental right, and a community's commitment to facilitating that access is a measure of its overall health and vitality.