21530, Flintstone, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21530, Flintstone, Maryland is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.62 percent of residents in 21530 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.61 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Western Maryland Regional Medical Center with a distance of 10.11 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Flintstone, Maryland (ZIP Code 21530)

The crisp mountain air of Flintstone, Maryland, in ZIP Code 21530, offers a certain allure, a promise of tranquility and a slower pace of life. However, when considering a move, particularly for those concerned about healthcare access, a thorough assessment is crucial. This "Lung Cancer Score" aims to illuminate the realities of transportation and healthcare access, specifically focusing on lung cancer treatment, within and around this rural community. The score will consider drive times, public transit options, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. This analysis is designed to empower potential residents with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, should they be **moving to Flintstone**.

The very essence of healthcare access hinges on the ability to reach medical facilities. For residents of 21530, the primary healthcare hubs lie outside the immediate vicinity. The nearest comprehensive cancer care centers are located in Cumberland, Maryland, and potentially further afield in Hagerstown or even Morgantown, West Virginia. This geographical reality immediately introduces the critical factor of **transportation**.

Driving is the predominant mode of transport in this area. From the heart of Flintstone, a drive to UPMC Western Maryland in Cumberland, the closest major hospital with oncology services, is approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within the ZIP code. The primary route involves navigating **Interstate 68 (I-68)**, a vital east-west artery. This stretch is generally well-maintained, but weather conditions, particularly during the winter months, can significantly impact travel times. Secondary roads like **Maryland Route 144** and **Maryland Route 59** provide alternative, albeit slower, routes.

The journey to larger, more specialized cancer centers in Hagerstown, such as Meritus Medical Center, extends the drive time to approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic. This route also involves **I-68**, followed by **Interstate 70 (I-70)**, which can experience heavier traffic, especially during peak commuting hours. The even further drive to Morgantown, West Virginia, and its healthcare facilities could take upwards of 2 hours.

Public transportation options in 21530 are severely limited. Allegany County, where Flintstone is located, does offer a public transit system, but its reach into the more rural areas is restricted. The primary bus route serving the Cumberland area, the closest hub for healthcare, is the **Allegany County Transit (ACT) Route 1**. However, this route operates on a limited schedule, primarily during weekdays, and its frequency is low. Furthermore, the bus stops are sparsely distributed, and the service may not extend directly into all parts of the ZIP code. The availability of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible buses is a crucial consideration for individuals with mobility limitations. Prospective residents must verify the specific ADA features of the ACT buses and the accessibility of the bus stops along the route.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Cumberland area, but their reliability and availability in Flintstone are less certain. The sparse population density and the rural nature of the area mean that ride availability may be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments could prove challenging.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments, offer another potential solution. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and private ambulance services may operate in the area. These services typically provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, the cost of these services can be significant, and prior arrangements are often necessary. The availability of NEMT services in 21530 and the surrounding areas should be thoroughly investigated.

The Lung Cancer Score must also factor in the potential impact of the patient's condition on their ability to drive or utilize public transportation. Lung cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and other side effects that may impair driving ability. Therefore, the availability of reliable and accessible **transportation** becomes even more critical for patients undergoing treatment.

For individuals considering **moving to Flintstone** with a history of lung cancer or at high risk, the score reflects the challenges. The limited public transit options, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport services all contribute to a less-than-ideal healthcare access scenario. The dependence on driving, coupled with potentially long travel times to cancer centers, presents a significant hurdle.

The Score further considers the need for timely access to emergency care. In the event of a medical crisis, the drive time to the nearest emergency room, typically UPMC Western Maryland in Cumberland, is a crucial factor. The **transportation** infrastructure, including the condition of the roads and the availability of emergency medical services, directly impacts the speed and effectiveness of emergency care.

The score also acknowledges the importance of support services, such as home healthcare and hospice care. The availability of these services within the 21530 ZIP code is vital for patients who may require care at home. The ability of home healthcare providers to reach patients in this rural area, given the **transportation** challenges, is a crucial consideration.

The Lung Cancer Score is not simply a numerical value; it's a holistic assessment of the realities of healthcare access in Flintstone. The score emphasizes the importance of proactive planning. Individuals considering a move should research the availability of **transportation** options, assess their financial capacity to cover the costs of medical transport, and explore the availability of support services. They should also consider the potential impact of weather conditions on travel times and the reliability of **transportation** options.

In conclusion, while the beauty and tranquility of Flintstone, Maryland, are undeniable, the challenges related to healthcare access, particularly for those needing lung cancer treatment, are significant. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public **transportation**, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services necessitate careful consideration. For individuals with lung cancer or those at high risk, a move to 21530 requires a thorough assessment of **transportation** needs and a proactive approach to securing reliable access to healthcare. The Lung Cancer Score serves as a guide, encouraging prospective residents to thoroughly investigate all aspects of **healthcare access** before making the decision to move to this beautiful, yet geographically challenging, community. The **healthcare access** challenges require diligent planning and a realistic understanding of the **transportation** landscape.