21545, Mount Savage, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21545, Mount Savage, Maryland is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

79.62 percent of residents in 21545 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Western Maryland Regional Medical Center with a distance of 8.35 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 21545

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing a diagnosis as serious as lung cancer, is often a complex one. In the rural embrace of ZIP Code 21545, encompassing the charming community of Mount Savage, Maryland, this complexity is amplified by geographical constraints and limited transportation options. This write-up aims to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, evaluating the accessibility of vital healthcare resources for residents of 21545, focusing on transportation options, drive times, and overall healthcare access.

The score will consider factors like proximity to specialized medical facilities, availability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, all crucial elements influencing a patient's ability to receive timely and effective care. This information is particularly pertinent for individuals considering moving to Mount Savage, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**The Burden of Distance: Drive Times and Roadways**

For residents of 21545, the nearest comprehensive cancer treatment centers are primarily located in Cumberland, Maryland, a drive that often dictates the rhythm of their lives. The most direct route typically involves navigating **Maryland Route 36** south, a winding two-lane road that can be subject to seasonal weather conditions. The distance to UPMC Western Maryland in Cumberland is approximately 5-7 miles, translating to a drive time of about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic and weather.

However, the journey to more specialized facilities, such as those in Baltimore or Morgantown, West Virginia, significantly increases travel time. Reaching Baltimore, home to renowned cancer centers like Johns Hopkins, involves a drive of roughly 140 miles, a journey that can take upwards of 2.5 to 3 hours via **Interstate 68 East** and **Interstate 70 East**. This extended travel time presents a significant challenge, particularly for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, requiring frequent appointments. Similarly, the drive to Morgantown, West Virginia, a hub for healthcare, is around 70 miles, taking about 1.5 hours via **I-68 West**.

These extended drive times underscore the importance of reliable transportation and the potential strain on patients and their families. The "Lung Cancer Score" will reflect the impact of these distances on healthcare access, acknowledging the need for readily available and efficient transportation options.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in 21545 are limited, posing a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The primary public transit provider is the Allegany CountyAllegany County Transit (ACT) system. While ACT offers routes that may serve Cumberland, the frequency and accessibility of these routes to and from Mount Savage are crucial factors.

ACT operates fixed-route buses, but the availability of routes directly serving Mount Savage and connecting to medical facilities in Cumberland needs careful evaluation. The "Lung Cancer Score" will incorporate an assessment of route frequency, operating hours, and the proximity of bus stops to residential areas.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is a critical consideration. Patients with mobility limitations require accessible transportation to ensure they can attend appointments and receive necessary care. The score will evaluate the percentage of ACT's fleet equipped with accessibility features, such as ramps or lifts.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have emerged as potential solutions for transportation challenges in many areas. However, their availability in rural areas like 21545 is often inconsistent. The "Lung Cancer Score" will assess the frequency and reliability of ride-sharing services in the area, considering factors like wait times, pricing, and driver availability.

Medical transport services offer specialized transportation for patients with medical needs. Several companies specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments, providing door-to-door service and assistance with mobility. The score will evaluate the availability of medical transport services in 21545, including the types of services offered, pricing, and insurance coverage.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Several medical transport brands could be considered, though the specific availability in 21545 would require further investigation. These may include:

* **CareRide:** Offers non-emergency medical transportation, often catering to individuals needing assistance with mobility.
* **LogistiCare:** A large transportation broker that contracts with various providers to offer medical transportation services.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation, including ambulance services.

**Healthcare Access: Beyond Transportation**

The "Lung Cancer Score" will also consider broader aspects of healthcare access, including the availability of primary care physicians and specialists in the area. Access to primary care is essential for early detection and management of lung cancer, while access to specialists, such as oncologists and pulmonologists, is critical for diagnosis and treatment.

The score will evaluate the number of healthcare providers in the 21545 area, the types of services offered, and the availability of appointment slots. Furthermore, the score will consider the presence of support services, such as cancer support groups and patient navigation programs, which can provide valuable assistance to patients and their families.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" Methodology**

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be a composite score based on the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** Weighted based on the distance to key medical facilities and the frequency of appointments.
* **Public Transit:** Evaluating route frequency, accessibility features, and proximity to residential areas.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** Assessing service reliability, wait times, and pricing.
* **Medical Transport:** Evaluating the availability of specialized transport services and insurance coverage.
* **Healthcare Provider Availability:** Assessing the number and types of healthcare providers in the area.
* **Support Services:** Evaluating the presence of cancer support groups and patient navigation programs.

Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its importance in influencing healthcare access. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities for individuals facing lung cancer in 21545, offering valuable insights for those considering moving to Mount Savage and planning for their healthcare needs.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Path to Care**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 21545 will serve as a critical tool for understanding the complexities of healthcare access in this rural community. While the proximity to UPMC Western Maryland offers a degree of convenience, the extended travel times to specialized facilities, the limited public transit options, and the uncertainties surrounding ride-sharing services highlight the challenges faced by residents.

By providing a comprehensive assessment of transportation options, healthcare provider availability, and support services, the "Lung Cancer Score" will empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and navigate the path to care with greater confidence. This information is especially valuable for those considering moving to Mount Savage, ensuring they are well-prepared to address the challenges of healthcare access in this unique and beautiful community.