21634, Fishing Creek, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21634, Fishing Creek, Maryland is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

32.00 percent of residents in 21634 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 27.76 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Medstar Saint Mary's Hospital with a distance of 23.08 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 21634

The picturesque community of Fishing Creek, nestled within ZIP code 21634, offers a tranquil escape. However, when considering a move, particularly for individuals concerned about lung cancer risk or treatment, the accessibility of quality healthcare becomes paramount. This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessing transportation options and healthcare access, crucial factors impacting patient outcomes. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, painting a detailed picture of the healthcare landscape.

The foundation of this assessment lies in understanding the geographical realities of 21634. Fishing Creek, a relatively rural area, is primarily served by the Chesapeake Bay and its surrounding waterways. This impacts transportation, making reliance on personal vehicles and potentially limited public transit options a reality. The nearest major medical facilities are located outside the immediate vicinity, necessitating careful consideration of travel times and available routes.

**Drive Times and Highway Navigation:**

The primary arteries connecting Fishing Creek to healthcare are US Route 50 and Maryland Route 33. US Route 50, a major east-west thoroughfare, provides access to hospitals in Easton and Annapolis. The drive to University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton, the closest major hospital, typically takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. This journey involves navigating US Route 50, often experiencing moderate congestion during peak commuting hours.

Maryland Route 33 offers a more direct route to the eastern shore and other medical facilities. However, this road is generally less traveled, potentially leading to a more scenic but slower commute. For residents of Fishing Creek, the drive to Baltimore, with its renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital, is significantly longer, often exceeding 1.5 to 2 hours via US Route 50 and I-97. This longer travel time underscores the importance of local healthcare access.

**Public Transit Challenges:**

Public transportation options within 21634 are limited. The Dorchester County Department of Transportation (DCDOT) provides bus services, but routes and schedules are infrequent, often tailored to specific needs like senior citizen transportation. These routes are unlikely to be a viable option for regular trips to medical appointments, especially for those undergoing lung cancer treatment, which often requires frequent visits.

The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a critical consideration for individuals with mobility limitations. While DCDOT strives to provide accessible transportation, the limited service frequency and potential for long wait times pose significant challenges. For patients with lung cancer, the physical demands of navigating public transit, combined with potential side effects of treatment, make this a less-than-ideal option.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their reliability and availability can vary, particularly in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments. Furthermore, the availability of drivers in Fishing Creek may be limited, requiring longer wait times and potentially impacting appointment schedules.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution for patients requiring assistance. Companies like MedStar and others provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher services. These services often require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing, but they offer a more reliable and comfortable option for patients with mobility limitations or those undergoing treatment.

**Healthcare Access and the Lung Cancer Score:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 21634 considers the factors discussed above. A high score indicates excellent healthcare access, while a low score reflects significant challenges. The score is based on a combination of factors, including drive times to major hospitals, public transit availability, ride-sharing reliability, and medical transport options.

In the context of lung cancer, the score considers the importance of timely access to specialists, diagnostic imaging, and treatment facilities. The 21634 score is impacted by the distance to hospitals and the limited public transit options. The reliance on personal vehicles or potentially costly ride-sharing services contributes to a lower score than areas with readily available and efficient public transportation.

**Impact on Patients and Families:**

The transportation challenges in 21634 can significantly impact lung cancer patients and their families. Frequent trips to medical appointments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up visits, can be physically and emotionally draining. The longer travel times and potential for delays can exacerbate these challenges, impacting treatment adherence and overall quality of life.

Families often bear the burden of providing transportation, requiring them to take time off work or rearrange their schedules. This can lead to financial strain and increased stress. The availability of reliable transportation options, including medical transport services, becomes essential for ensuring patients receive the care they need.

**Considerations for Moving to Fishing Creek:**

For individuals considering moving to Fishing Creek, a thorough assessment of healthcare access is crucial. Prospective residents, particularly those with a history of lung cancer or at increased risk, should carefully evaluate the transportation options and the proximity to medical facilities. Researching local hospitals, specialists, and support services is essential.

Understanding the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport options is also critical. Planning for potential transportation challenges and budgeting for associated costs is advisable. Considering the impact of transportation on treatment adherence and overall well-being is paramount.

**Conclusion:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 21634 reflects the realities of healthcare access in a rural setting. While the community offers a peaceful and attractive environment, the transportation challenges pose significant considerations for those affected by lung cancer. Careful planning, awareness of available resources, and proactive measures are essential for ensuring access to quality healthcare and supporting patients throughout their journey. The decision to move to Fishing Creek should be made with a clear understanding of these factors, ensuring that healthcare needs are adequately addressed.