21671, Tilghman, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21671, Tilghman, Maryland is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.05 percent of residents in 21671 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Shore Medical Center At Easton with a distance of 14.53 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Tilghman, Maryland (ZIP Code 21671)

The salty air whispers through the quaint streets of Tilghman Island, Maryland (ZIP code 21671), a haven of maritime heritage and natural beauty. But for residents facing the specter of lung cancer, the idyllic setting can mask a complex reality: **healthcare access**. This write-up assesses the "Lung Cancer Score" for Tilghman, focusing on **transportation** options to essential medical services, crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport availability.

The journey to quality lung cancer care from Tilghman hinges on bridging the geographical gap to specialized medical facilities. The island's isolation presents a significant challenge, demanding careful consideration of the **transportation** landscape. The primary hurdle is the absence of hospitals or comprehensive cancer centers directly on the island. This necessitates travel to the mainland, primarily Easton and Annapolis, for advanced diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up care.

The most common route involves traversing the iconic Tilghman Island Bridge, a scenic passage offering panoramic views. Once across, the primary thoroughfare is Maryland Route 33, a two-lane road that winds its way towards the larger towns. Heading west, Route 33 intersects with U.S. Route 50, a major east-west artery that provides access to Easton (approximately 20-30 minutes) and Annapolis (approximately 60-75 minutes), the closest hubs for specialized medical care.

The drive times are subject to traffic fluctuations, especially during peak hours and weekends, when the island’s popularity draws visitors. Accidents or road closures on Route 50 can significantly extend travel times, impacting the ability to receive timely medical attention. This underscores the importance of planning for contingencies and considering alternative routes when possible.

Public **transportation** options in Tilghman are limited. Talbot County, where Tilghman is located, offers a demand-response public transit system, Talbot County Transit (TCT). However, TCT's service to and from Tilghman is infrequent and primarily designed for local errands. It is unlikely to be a viable option for regular trips to cancer treatment centers in Easton or Annapolis.

The TCT system, while providing some level of **transportation** access, is not designed for the specific needs of cancer patients. The limited schedule, lack of direct routes to medical facilities, and potential for long wait times make it an impractical choice for many. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant vehicles is essential, but the frequency of such vehicles and the overall accessibility of the system need to be carefully considered.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Easton and Annapolis areas, but their presence on Tilghman is less consistent. Securing a ride on short notice, particularly during off-peak hours or for appointments at specific times, can be challenging. The cost of ride-sharing can also accumulate quickly, adding a financial burden to the emotional and physical strain of a cancer diagnosis.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a more reliable option. Companies like MedStar Mobile Healthcare and various private ambulance services operate in the region. These services provide non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, their availability and cost vary, and prior arrangements are often necessary.

The availability of medical **transportation** services is a critical factor in the "Lung Cancer Score." These services can provide safe and reliable transport to appointments, but their cost and the need for advance booking can be a significant barrier for some patients. The distance to the mainland and the potential for unpredictable delays further emphasize the importance of readily available medical transport options.

For individuals **moving to Tilghman** or considering a relocation, understanding the **healthcare access** landscape is paramount. The Lung Cancer Score for Tilghman is negatively impacted by the island's remoteness and the limited **transportation** options. While the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere are undeniable, the practicalities of accessing specialized medical care must be carefully weighed.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Tilghman is influenced by several factors. Drive times to Easton and Annapolis, the primary locations for cancer care, range from 20 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic. Public transit options are extremely limited, making them an impractical choice for most patients. Ride-sharing services are available but may be unreliable, and medical **transportation** services are an option, but they come with associated costs and require advance planning.

The overall score reflects the challenges of accessing timely and convenient **healthcare access** in Tilghman. The remoteness of the island, coupled with the limited **transportation** infrastructure, presents significant hurdles for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. Residents and those considering **moving to Tilghman** must proactively plan for their medical needs, considering the potential for extended travel times, the reliance on private **transportation**, and the financial implications of these choices.

In conclusion, while Tilghman Island offers a unique and desirable lifestyle, its isolation significantly impacts its "Lung Cancer Score." The limited **transportation** options and the need for travel to access specialized medical care create challenges for residents facing this serious illness. Careful planning, awareness of available resources, and proactive engagement with medical providers are crucial for ensuring timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and the best possible outcomes for those affected by lung cancer in this beautiful but geographically isolated community.