21084, Jarrettsville, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21084, Jarrettsville, Maryland is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

34.04 percent of residents in 21084 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Harford Memorial Hospital with a distance of 21.12 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Jarrettsville, MD (ZIP Code 21084) - A Transportation Analysis

Considering a move to Jarrettsville, Maryland (ZIP code 21084), and prioritizing healthcare access, particularly for potential lung cancer treatment, requires a deep dive into transportation options. This analysis, framed as a "Lung Cancer Score," assesses the ease and efficiency of reaching critical healthcare facilities from this rural community, focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport availability. This score aims to provide a clear picture of the logistical hurdles, and opportunities, associated with accessing potentially life-saving treatments.

The "Lung Cancer Score" isn't a numerical value, but a comprehensive evaluation. It weighs the practicalities of getting to hospitals and specialized cancer centers, considering the unique challenges faced by individuals needing frequent appointments, treatments, and follow-up care. The analysis focuses on facilities within a reasonable commuting distance, offering specialized lung cancer services.

Jarrettsville, nestled in northern Harford County, presents a transportation landscape primarily reliant on personal vehicles. The primary thoroughfares for accessing healthcare are Maryland Route 23 (Norrisville Road), Maryland Route 165 (Jarrettsville Road), and Maryland Route 146 (Falls Road). These roads converge and connect to major arteries like Interstate 95 (I-95) and the Baltimore Beltway (I-695), facilitating access to larger medical centers in Baltimore City and surrounding areas.

Drive times are crucial. Reaching the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health in Bel Air, a local hospital, typically takes 20-30 minutes via MD-23 and US-1. This is a relatively accessible option for initial diagnostics and some treatments. However, for specialized lung cancer care, including advanced radiation therapy or surgical oncology, the drive times increase significantly.

The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore City, a nationally recognized cancer center, is a primary destination for many seeking specialized care. The drive to Johns Hopkins, using I-95 South, can range from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on traffic conditions, particularly during peak commuting hours. The Maryland Proton Treatment Center, also in Baltimore, offers advanced radiation therapy and is accessible via the same route, with similar drive times.

The drive to the Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) in Towson, a shorter trip, usually takes 30-45 minutes, using I-83 South or MD-146. GBMC offers comprehensive cancer services, including lung cancer treatment. The drive times, while variable, highlight the dependence on personal vehicles and the potential impact of traffic on appointment schedules and treatment plans.

Public transportation options are limited in Jarrettsville. The Harford County Transit system provides bus service, but routes are infrequent and primarily serve local areas. The primary bus route that could be relevant is Route 1 (Bel Air/Fallston), which connects to the Bel Air Transit Center. From Bel Air, it's possible to connect to other regional transit options, but this significantly increases travel time and complexity.

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) in Baltimore City offers more extensive public transit. However, accessing MTA services from Jarrettsville necessitates a multi-stage journey, involving a drive to a park-and-ride facility, such as the one near the White Marsh Mall, followed by bus or light rail to the city. This adds considerable travel time, making it less practical for frequent medical appointments, especially for patients undergoing treatment who may experience fatigue or other side effects. ADA accessibility on MTA buses and light rail is available, but transfers and long travel times can still pose significant challenges.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Jarrettsville. However, availability can be variable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying solely on ride-sharing for frequent medical appointments is risky, as surge pricing and driver availability could create financial and logistical burdens. Booking rides in advance is advisable, but cancellations can still occur.

Medical transportation services offer specialized options for patients needing assistance. Companies like MedStar Mobile Healthcare and other private medical transport providers operate in the area. These services provide non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher transport, for patients unable to drive or utilize public transit. However, these services come at a cost, and insurance coverage varies.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Jarrettsville, therefore, highlights both strengths and weaknesses regarding healthcare access. The proximity to local hospitals like Upper Chesapeake Health provides a baseline level of care. However, the reliance on personal vehicles for accessing specialized lung cancer centers in Baltimore City, along with the limited public transit options, creates potential challenges.

The drive times to major cancer centers can be significant, and traffic congestion can further complicate travel. The availability of ride-sharing services offers a backup option, but their reliability and cost are factors to consider. Medical transport services provide a crucial safety net for patients with mobility limitations, but the associated costs and insurance coverage complexities must be addressed.

For individuals considering moving to Jarrettsville, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and access to healthcare is crucial. Factors like the stage of cancer, treatment requirements, and personal mobility will significantly influence the practicality of living in this location. Planning for reliable transportation, whether through personal vehicles, pre-booked ride-sharing, or medical transport services, is paramount.

The "Lung Cancer Score" underscores the importance of proactive planning. Before moving, potential residents should research the specific healthcare providers they intend to use, estimate travel times, and explore all available transportation options. Understanding the limitations of public transit and the potential costs of ride-sharing and medical transport services is essential.

Ultimately, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Jarrettsville reflects a balance between the rural charm of the community and the logistical realities of accessing specialized healthcare. While the area offers a desirable lifestyle, individuals with lung cancer or at high risk must carefully consider the transportation challenges and proactively plan for their healthcare needs.