21643, Hurlock, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21643, Hurlock, Maryland is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.73 percent of residents in 21643 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Shore Medical Center At Easton with a distance of 14.03 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Hurlock (ZIP Code 21643)

The specter of lung cancer casts a long shadow, demanding proactive healthcare access. This write-up, a "Lung Cancer Score" analysis, examines the transportation landscape for residents of Hurlock, Maryland (ZIP Code 21643), focusing on healthcare access. Understanding the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities is critical, especially for those needing timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This analysis considers various transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing services, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility.

The primary consideration for many Hurlock residents will be the drive time to healthcare providers. The most direct route to larger medical centers often involves navigating the major arteries. For instance, a trip to the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton, a significant regional healthcare hub, typically requires a drive along Maryland Route 331 (MD-331) and US Route 50 (US-50). This journey, covering approximately 30 miles, can take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.

Another crucial destination is the TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury, a more distant but potentially relevant option. This trip, approximately 45 miles, necessitates travel on MD-331, US-50, and US-13. Expect a drive time of approximately an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes, again contingent upon traffic. These drive times, while manageable, highlight the importance of reliable transportation for routine appointments, emergency situations, and specialized treatments.

For those without personal vehicles, public transportation offers an alternative, albeit with limitations. The Dorchester County Council on Aging (DCCA) provides demand-response transportation services, primarily for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This service, while valuable, requires advance booking and may have limited availability, especially during peak hours. The DCCA service can be a lifeline for some, but it is not a comprehensive public transit system.

The absence of a robust public transit system presents a challenge for healthcare access in Hurlock. The lack of frequent, scheduled bus routes necessitates reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or specialized transportation programs. This situation underscores the need for residents to carefully consider transportation options when evaluating healthcare needs, particularly for those without readily available personal transportation.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another avenue for accessing healthcare. While these services provide on-demand transportation, their availability and cost can fluctuate. In rural areas like Hurlock, the availability of drivers might be limited, and surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather could make these options expensive. However, they can be invaluable for those needing transportation at non-traditional hours or for urgent care visits.

Medical transportation services, specializing in transporting patients to and from medical appointments, represent a niche but important segment of the transportation ecosystem. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized medical equipment. They can be a critical resource for patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments requiring frequent visits to healthcare facilities.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Hurlock, therefore, reflects a nuanced picture. While the drive times to major medical centers are reasonable, the lack of robust public transportation and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services create challenges. Residents must carefully consider their transportation options when planning for healthcare needs. This is particularly important for those diagnosed with lung cancer, who require frequent and often time-sensitive medical care.

For individuals considering moving to Hurlock, a thorough assessment of healthcare access is crucial. Prospective residents should factor in the drive times to hospitals and specialists, the availability of public transportation options, and the potential costs of ride-sharing or medical transportation services. Understanding these factors will empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensure they can access the care they require.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a static metric but a dynamic assessment. It is essential to regularly evaluate and adapt transportation strategies based on individual needs and changing circumstances. This includes staying informed about available resources, such as the DCCA transportation services, and exploring the potential for carpooling or other collaborative transportation arrangements.

Furthermore, the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. New medical facilities may open, existing facilities may expand their services, and transportation options may change. Staying abreast of these developments is crucial for ensuring continued healthcare access. This proactive approach is particularly vital for lung cancer patients, who require consistent and timely access to medical care.

The journey to healthcare in Hurlock is a multifaceted one. While the drive times to major medical centers are manageable, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit and ride-sharing services present challenges. The "Lung Cancer Score" highlights the importance of careful planning, proactive resource utilization, and ongoing awareness of the evolving transportation landscape. By understanding these factors, residents of Hurlock can navigate the healthcare system effectively and ensure they receive the care they need.