21644, Ingleside, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21644, Ingleside, Maryland is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 21644 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.14 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Shore Medical Ctr At Chestertown with a distance of 13.14 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Ingleside (ZIP Code 21644)

Ingleside, Maryland (ZIP Code 21644), a charming community nestled along the Chesapeake Bay, offers a tranquil lifestyle. Yet, the serenity of this location must be balanced with the realities of healthcare access, especially for a serious diagnosis like lung cancer. This write-up assesses the "Lung Cancer Score" for residents of Ingleside, focusing on the critical factor of transportation to and from healthcare facilities. We’ll explore the available options, from driving routes to public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, painting a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities for those needing specialized care.

The Lung Cancer Score, in this context, is a composite measure reflecting the ease and efficiency of accessing lung cancer-related healthcare. It considers factors like drive times, public transportation availability, and the presence of alternative transportation options. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score highlights potential barriers. This analysis is crucial for residents, particularly those considering moving to Ingleside, as it directly impacts their ability to receive timely and appropriate care.

For Ingleside residents, the most common route to healthcare facilities involves personal vehicles. The primary thoroughfare is Maryland Route 33, which provides a direct connection to Easton, a major regional hub for medical services. The drive to University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton, a comprehensive healthcare provider, typically takes around 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic. This route utilizes Route 33, which is generally well-maintained but can experience congestion during peak hours, particularly near the town of St. Michaels.

Alternatively, residents might consider traveling to Baltimore for specialized lung cancer treatment. This journey, however, presents a significantly longer commute. The most direct route involves taking Route 33 to Route 50 West, then connecting to Interstate 97 North and eventually to I-695, the Baltimore Beltway. This drive can easily exceed 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions, especially around Annapolis and Baltimore. This extended travel time can be a significant burden for patients undergoing treatment, adding to their physical and emotional strain.

Public transportation options in Ingleside are limited. The Talbot County Transit operates a demand-response service, providing door-to-door transportation within the county. However, this service is not specifically designed for medical appointments and may require advance booking, potentially limiting its flexibility. Furthermore, the service's operating hours and availability can be restrictive, making it unsuitable for early morning appointments or late-night treatments. The lack of fixed-route public transit significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score, particularly for individuals without access to a personal vehicle.

ADA accessibility is a crucial consideration for public transportation. While the Talbot County Transit aims to be ADA-compliant, the demand-response nature of the service may present challenges for individuals with mobility limitations. The availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles and the ease of boarding and disembarking are critical factors in assessing the practicality of public transit for lung cancer patients.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation avenue. However, their availability in Ingleside and the surrounding areas can be inconsistent. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can also significantly increase the cost of transportation, adding to the financial burden of healthcare. The reliability of ride-sharing services for scheduled appointments is another concern, as delays or cancellations can disrupt treatment schedules.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, represent a specialized option. Companies like MedStar Mobile Healthcare and other private medical transport providers offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services often provide door-to-door transport, including assistance with mobility, and can accommodate medical equipment. However, these services typically require pre-booking and can be costly, particularly for frequent trips.

The Lung Cancer Score for Ingleside, therefore, is moderately low. The reliance on personal vehicles for accessing healthcare facilities, coupled with the limited public transportation options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, creates significant challenges. The extended drive times to Baltimore for specialized treatment further compound the difficulties. While medical transportation services offer a viable alternative, their cost and the need for pre-booking can be barriers.

For individuals considering moving to Ingleside, a thorough assessment of transportation needs is essential. The availability of a reliable vehicle is paramount. Exploring the cost and availability of medical transportation services is also crucial. Understanding the potential impact of transportation challenges on treatment schedules and overall well-being is vital.

Improving healthcare access in Ingleside requires a multi-pronged approach. Enhancing public transportation options, including fixed-route services with connections to regional healthcare hubs, would significantly benefit residents. Partnering with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments could alleviate some of the financial burden. Expanding the availability of medical transportation services and ensuring their affordability would also be beneficial.

Ultimately, the Lung Cancer Score reflects the complex interplay between location, transportation, and healthcare access. While Ingleside offers a desirable lifestyle, its residents must carefully consider the transportation challenges associated with accessing specialized medical care. By understanding these challenges and advocating for improvements, the community can work towards ensuring that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare they need, regardless of their location. This is especially important for those navigating the difficult journey of lung cancer treatment.