21629, Denton, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21629, Denton, Maryland is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.63 percent of residents in 21629 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.61 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Shore Medical Center At Easton with a distance of 15.06 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Denton, Maryland (ZIP Code 21629)**

The quiet charm of Denton, Maryland (ZIP Code 21629) beckons with its historic streets and close-knit community. However, for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the question of *healthcare access* takes on a profound urgency. This report explores the *transportation* landscape surrounding this ZIP code, assessing the ease with which residents can reach vital medical services. Understanding these factors is crucial, especially for individuals considering *moving to Denton* or already residing there, and provides a 'Lung Cancer Score' to guide informed decisions.

Denton's primary access point to specialized medical care relies heavily on personal vehicles. The town's central location, roughly midway between the Eastern Shore's larger hubs, dictates a dependence on roadways. The primary artery is Maryland Route 307, a vital north-south corridor. Driving north on Route 307 leads towards Easton, Maryland, a town boasting a comprehensive medical center. Southbound, Route 307 connects to the major east-west thoroughfare, U.S. Route 50, which in turn provides access to larger hospitals and oncology centers located in Annapolis and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

The drive to Easton, approximately 20 miles north, typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic flow. This journey is generally straightforward, involving a continuous drive on Route 307. The Easton hospital provides a range of services, including oncology and pulmonology, making it a crucial resource for residents. The journey to Annapolis, roughly 45 miles west, presents a longer drive, averaging 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. This involves navigating Route 307 to Route 50, which can experience congestion during peak hours.

For those without personal vehicles, the public transit options are limited. The Shore Transit system operates within Caroline County, but its routes and schedules are not designed for frequent, direct trips to specialized medical facilities. The routes are primarily focused on local travel within the county, making connections to larger hospitals challenging. Information regarding ADA accessibility is available through the Shore Transit website. The availability of accessible vehicles is essential for individuals with mobility limitations.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in the Denton area, offering a potential alternative for *transportation*. However, their availability and cost can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in response to high demand. The reliability of these services for regular medical appointments, especially for cancer treatment, needs careful consideration. The cost of frequent rides can quickly become a significant financial burden.

Medical transport services are also available, specifically designed to assist patients with medical needs. These services provide specialized *transportation*, often including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. Several medical transport companies serve the Eastern Shore, including regional and national brands. Researching specific providers, their service areas, and pricing is essential. These services offer a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot drive or utilize public transit.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' for Denton, Maryland (ZIP Code 21629) reflects the balance between these factors. The score considers the drive times to major medical centers, the limitations of public transit, the availability and cost of ride-sharing, and the presence of medical transport options. The score is not a single number but a nuanced assessment.

The relatively short drive to Easton provides a moderate level of *healthcare access*. The presence of oncology services in Easton enhances the score. However, the longer drive times to Annapolis and Washington, D.C., introduce challenges. The lack of robust public transit and the potential cost of ride-sharing services negatively impact the score. The availability of medical transport options offers a crucial safety net, improving the score for those who require it.

Considering the challenges, individuals *moving to Denton* or already residing there should carefully assess their *transportation* needs and capabilities. Those with a lung cancer diagnosis or at high risk should proactively investigate medical transport options and establish a reliable plan for attending appointments.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' is not a definitive judgment but a guide. It highlights the need for careful planning and resourcefulness in navigating the *healthcare access* landscape. The score is higher for those with access to a personal vehicle and a lower score for those reliant on public transit or ride-sharing. The score is improved by the availability of medical transport services.

The overall score for Denton, Maryland (ZIP Code 21629) reflects a moderate level of *healthcare access*. While the proximity to Easton provides a reasonable level of care, the limitations of public transit and the potential costs of ride-sharing require careful consideration. Proactive planning, including exploring medical transport options, is essential for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis.

The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. The 'Lung Cancer Score' is a general assessment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or *transportation* advice.