21658, Queenstown, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21658, Queenstown, Maryland is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.57 percent of residents in 21658 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.65 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Shore Medical Center At Easton with a distance of 12.80 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Queenstown, Maryland (ZIP Code 21658)**

The insidious shadow of lung cancer necessitates swift and dependable healthcare access. This analysis, tailored for residents of Queenstown, Maryland (ZIP Code 21658), evaluates the transportation landscape impacting lung cancer patients. It considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, painting a picture of healthcare accessibility. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score," a qualitative assessment of the ease with which individuals can reach crucial medical appointments and treatments. This information becomes paramount for those considering moving to Queenstown, especially with pre-existing health concerns.

Queenstown, a charming community nestled in Queen Anne's County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. Its relative isolation, coupled with limited public transit, demands careful consideration of how patients will navigate the healthcare system. The "Lung Cancer Score" reflects these complexities, aiming to empower residents with the knowledge to make informed decisions.

**Drive Times and Highway Navigation**

The primary mode of transportation for many Queenstown residents is the personal vehicle. The reliance on cars highlights the importance of understanding drive times to various healthcare facilities. The closest major medical center is the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton, approximately 25 miles away.

The journey to Easton typically involves navigating Route 50, a major east-west artery. During peak hours, traffic congestion on Route 50 can significantly extend travel times. Expect a drive of 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.

Another option, though further afield, is the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, roughly 60 miles away. This trip involves traversing Route 50 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295). The drive can take upwards of 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic, especially during rush hour.

For those seeking specialized cancer care, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins offers comprehensive services. The extended travel time, however, poses a significant challenge for frequent appointments, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

The drive to the Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, approximately 40 miles, provides another option. Route 50 is the primary route, with potential for delays. This facility provides cancer care, but the commute requires careful planning.

**Public Transit Limitations**

Public transit options in Queenstown are limited. The Queen Anne's County Department of Transportation (QACDOT) operates a demand-response service. This service requires advance booking and may not be ideal for urgent medical needs.

The lack of a robust public transit network presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles. The absence of fixed-route buses and the reliance on a reservation-based system can create delays and logistical hurdles.

The QACDOT service may offer limited ADA-accessible vehicles, but availability and scheduling constraints remain. This is a crucial consideration for patients with mobility limitations. The reliance on public transit, therefore, presents a considerable challenge for lung cancer patients.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Queenstown. However, the availability of these services can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also accumulate, becoming a significant financial burden for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized option. Companies like MedStar Mobile Healthcare and American Medical Response (AMR) provide non-emergency medical transport. These services typically require pre-booking and may be covered by insurance. However, the availability of these services can vary, and the cost can be substantial without adequate insurance coverage.

The reliability of ride-sharing and medical transport services is critical for lung cancer patients. The need for timely transportation to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other crucial appointments underscores the importance of dependable options.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" Assessment**

Based on the analysis of transportation options, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Queenstown, Maryland (ZIP Code 21658) is assessed as "Moderate." This score reflects the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** Moderate drive times to major medical centers, with potential for delays due to traffic on Route 50.
* **Public Transit:** Limited public transit options, with a demand-response service that requires advance booking.
* **Ride-Sharing/Medical Transport:** Availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, but with potential for cost and availability constraints.

The "Moderate" score indicates that while healthcare access is possible, it requires careful planning and consideration of transportation challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the potential cost and availability issues of ride-sharing and medical transport services create barriers for some residents.

**Implications for Moving to Queenstown**

For individuals considering moving to Queenstown, particularly those with lung cancer or other health concerns, the "Lung Cancer Score" provides crucial insights. The assessment highlights the importance of having reliable transportation, whether a personal vehicle or access to dependable ride-sharing or medical transport.

Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and assess the availability and affordability of various options. Proximity to healthcare facilities and the potential for traffic delays should be factored into the decision-making process.

The limited public transit underscores the importance of having a personal vehicle or access to reliable ride-sharing or medical transport. For those without such options, the challenges of accessing healthcare could be significant.

The financial implications of transportation costs should also be considered. Frequent medical appointments can lead to substantial expenses for ride-sharing or medical transport services.

**Conclusion**

Navigating the healthcare landscape in Queenstown, Maryland, requires a comprehensive understanding of transportation options. The "Lung Cancer Score" provides a framework for assessing healthcare access, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for residents. The "Moderate" score emphasizes the need for careful planning, reliable transportation, and awareness of the potential costs and logistical hurdles. For those considering moving to Queenstown, this information is essential for making informed decisions about healthcare access and overall well-being. The ability to reach medical appointments and treatments efficiently is paramount for lung cancer patients, making transportation a critical component of their care.