21668, Sudlersville, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21668, Sudlersville, Maryland is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.64 percent of residents in 21668 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.02 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Shore Medical Ctr At Chestertown with a distance of 11.39 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Sudlersville, MD (ZIP Code 21668)

Relocating to a new community is a significant life change, and ensuring access to quality healthcare is paramount. For residents of Sudlersville, Maryland (ZIP Code 21668), this is especially crucial when considering the potential need for specialized care, such as treatment for lung cancer. This write-up provides a detailed analysis of the transportation landscape surrounding Sudlersville, focusing on healthcare access, and ultimately offering a "Lung Cancer Score" to help assess the ease and efficiency of reaching vital medical services.

Sudlersville, a charming town nestled in Queen Anne's County, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, its rural setting presents unique challenges when it comes to accessing specialized healthcare. The availability and efficiency of transportation become critical factors in determining the quality of life, especially for individuals facing serious health concerns. This analysis considers drive times, public transportation options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport providers to paint a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility.

The primary artery connecting Sudlersville to major healthcare hubs is Maryland Route 300. This road provides direct access to the north and south, ultimately leading to larger thoroughfares. Traveling south on Route 300, residents can connect to Maryland Route 213, which then intersects with US Route 50. This network of roads is crucial for accessing hospitals and medical facilities located in Easton, Annapolis, and the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area.

Drive times are a critical component of our "Lung Cancer Score." Driving to the closest hospitals, such as University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton, typically takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This drive involves navigating Route 300, Route 213, and potentially US Route 50. While this drive is manageable, it is important to consider the potential for delays due to accidents or seasonal traffic, particularly during peak hours or summer weekends.

For those seeking specialized lung cancer care, the drive to larger medical centers in the Baltimore-Washington area becomes necessary. Reaching Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, a renowned cancer treatment facility, requires a drive of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. This journey involves utilizing Route 300, Route 213, US Route 50, and then navigating the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) or I-97. Similarly, accessing the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, demands a drive of roughly 2 to 2.5 hours, involving the same initial routes and then utilizing the Beltway (I-495).

Public transportation options in Sudlersville are limited. Queen Anne's County does offer a public transit system, but its routes and frequency are designed primarily for local travel and do not directly serve major hospitals or cancer treatment centers. The system may provide some assistance in reaching doctor's offices or pharmacies within the county, but it is not a viable option for accessing specialized cancer care in Baltimore or Washington, D.C. ADA-compliant features are available on the public transit vehicles, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Sudlersville, but their availability can be sporadic, particularly during off-peak hours or in the early morning or late evening. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments or cancer treatments is generally not recommended due to potential delays and the unpredictable nature of service availability. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent trips to distant healthcare facilities.

Medical transport services offer a crucial alternative for individuals who are unable to drive or lack access to other transportation options. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services typically involve wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers who can assist patients with their mobility needs. However, the availability and cost of medical transport services can vary significantly depending on the provider and the distance traveled. Booking in advance is essential to secure transportation.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Sudlersville, MD (21668) reflects the challenges and opportunities in accessing lung cancer care. Considering drive times, limited public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing, the score reflects a moderate level of healthcare access. While the drive to the nearest hospitals is manageable, the longer travel times to specialized cancer centers in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., pose a significant hurdle. The reliance on personal vehicles or medical transport services adds to the complexity and cost of accessing care.

The score is influenced by the need to navigate multiple highways and roads, including Route 300, Route 213, US Route 50, I-695, and I-495. The limited public transportation options and the unpredictable nature of ride-sharing services further contribute to the challenges. The availability and cost of medical transport services are also critical factors in determining the overall score.

For individuals considering moving to Sudlersville, this "Lung Cancer Score" provides valuable insights into the realities of healthcare access. It highlights the importance of careful planning, including assessing personal transportation capabilities, exploring medical transport options, and understanding the potential costs associated with accessing specialized care. The score serves as a reminder that while Sudlersville offers a peaceful environment, its rural location necessitates proactive strategies to ensure timely and efficient access to essential healthcare services.

In conclusion, while Sudlersville offers a desirable lifestyle, prospective residents should be aware of the transportation challenges associated with accessing specialized healthcare, particularly lung cancer treatment. Careful consideration of drive times, public transportation limitations, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport options is crucial for ensuring a high quality of life and timely access to vital medical services. The "Lung Cancer Score" underscores the importance of proactive planning and the need to prioritize healthcare access when making decisions about relocating to this charming, yet geographically isolated, community.