21626, Crapo, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21626, Crapo, Maryland is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.84 percent of residents in 21626 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 28.82 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Peninsula Regional Medical Center with a distance of 26.19 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Crapo, Maryland (ZIP Code 21626)

The specter of lung cancer casts a long shadow, demanding proactive healthcare access. For residents of Crapo, Maryland (ZIP Code 21626), a rural community nestled along the Choptank River, the journey to vital medical services, particularly those specializing in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. This analysis, a "Lung Cancer Score" if you will, assesses the accessibility of healthcare within and beyond this ZIP code, focusing on transportation options and their impact on timely care. We will examine drive times, public transit limitations, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture for individuals considering moving to Crapo or currently residing there, seeking to understand their healthcare access landscape.

The primary hurdle for Crapo residents is the limited presence of specialized medical facilities within the immediate vicinity. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are located in larger towns and cities, necessitating travel. The most direct route to larger medical hubs often involves navigating the rural network of roads. A drive to Easton, Maryland, the county seat, typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination. This journey primarily utilizes Maryland Route 335, a winding two-lane road, and then intersects with US Route 50, a major east-west artery.

Further afield, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., offer more extensive treatment options, including specialized lung cancer clinics and research hospitals. However, these destinations require significantly longer commutes. Reaching Baltimore, approximately 80 miles away, typically takes between 1.5 to 2 hours, involving travel on US Route 50, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and then onto Interstate 97 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Washington, D.C., a similar distance, may take even longer, given the potential for congestion on US Route 50, the Capital Beltway (I-495), and other major thoroughfares.

Public transportation options in Crapo are severely limited. The Dorchester County Department of Transportation (DCDOT) provides a demand-response service, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This service, while offering door-to-door transportation within the county, is not specifically designed for medical appointments and may not be ideal for urgent needs. Furthermore, the availability of DCDOT service to destinations outside of Dorchester County is limited and requires careful planning. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is available, but it is essential to confirm ADA-compliant features when booking a ride. The lack of a fixed-route bus system or rail service significantly restricts transportation choices for those without personal vehicles.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have a presence in the area, but their availability is not guaranteed, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The rural nature of Crapo means that wait times can be longer than in urban areas, and surge pricing during periods of high demand could significantly increase the cost of transportation. Relying solely on ride-sharing for frequent medical appointments, particularly those requiring timely arrival, is not a dependable strategy.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and private ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) for individuals requiring assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services are designed to accommodate patients with mobility limitations or other medical needs. However, they can be costly, and availability may be limited, especially for same-day appointments. The cost of medical transportation, whether through NEMT or private ambulance, can be a significant financial burden for individuals facing a cancer diagnosis.

For those considering moving to Crapo, the "Lung Cancer Score" highlights the critical importance of transportation planning. Individuals with a history of lung cancer or those at high risk should carefully evaluate their ability to access specialized medical care. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for long drive times, and the limitations of public transit and ride-sharing services create significant challenges.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a simple numerical value but a holistic assessment of the transportation landscape. It underscores the need for proactive planning. Individuals considering relocation to Crapo should research the availability of local medical providers, assess their ability to drive or arrange for transportation, and explore the potential costs of medical transport services. Furthermore, they should investigate the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, who can assist with coordinating transportation and navigating the healthcare system.

The location of Crapo, while offering the tranquility of rural living, presents a complex interplay between healthcare access and transportation. The journey to specialized care, including lung cancer treatment, is often a long one. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a reminder that healthcare access is not just about the quality of medical services but also about the ability to reach them. For residents of Crapo, and those contemplating a move, a careful evaluation of transportation options is crucial for ensuring timely access to the care they need.