21673, Trappe, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21673, Trappe, Maryland is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.34 percent of residents in 21673 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.78 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Shore Medical Center At Easton with a distance of 8.01 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Trappe, Maryland (ZIP Code 21673)

Considering a move to the charming town of Trappe, Maryland (ZIP Code 21673), and concerned about healthcare access, particularly for a disease as serious as lung cancer? This analysis provides a “Lung Cancer Score,” assessing the accessibility of diagnostic and treatment options from your potential new home. The score considers transportation options, drive times, and the availability of medical facilities, offering a comprehensive picture for informed decision-making.

Trappe, nestled in Talbot County, presents a unique challenge. While offering a tranquil lifestyle, it's a rural area, meaning healthcare access depends heavily on **transportation**. The ability to quickly reach specialized care is critical, especially when facing a potential lung cancer diagnosis. This score evaluates the ease with which you can access the necessary medical resources, considering the potential urgency.

The core of the Lung Cancer Score lies in evaluating the time and effort required to reach key healthcare providers. This involves understanding the **transportation** infrastructure, including highways, roads, and public transit, along with ride-sharing and medical transport options. The score considers the proximity of hospitals, oncology centers, and diagnostic facilities, crucial for early detection and effective treatment.

### Drive Time Dynamics: The Road to Recovery

The primary mode of **transportation** for most Trappe residents is the personal vehicle. The major thoroughfare serving the area is Route 50, a vital artery connecting the Eastern Shore to the Western Shore and beyond. Driving east on Route 50 offers relatively quick access to Easton, the county seat, and the primary hub for healthcare services.

From Trappe, a drive to the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton (UM Shore Medical Center) typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. This hospital offers comprehensive medical services, including diagnostic imaging, oncology, and surgical care, vital for lung cancer treatment. The drive is generally straightforward, primarily along Route 50.

However, specialized care might necessitate travel further afield. For instance, the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, a renowned center for cancer treatment, is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive, primarily via Route 50 West, transitioning to the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295) or Interstate 97. This longer drive time underscores the importance of early detection and prompt referral, emphasizing the need for efficient **transportation** to specialized facilities.

Another option is the Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, about a 1-hour to 1.5-hour drive, again primarily via Route 50 West. This hospital also offers comprehensive cancer care. The drive, while manageable, still necessitates planning and consideration of traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours.

### Public Transit: Limited Options, Critical Considerations

Public transit options in Talbot County are limited, presenting a significant challenge to **healthcare access**. The Talbot County Transit provides bus services, but routes and schedules are restricted, and they may not directly serve all medical facilities or offer the flexibility required for cancer treatment.

The primary bus route relevant to **healthcare access** is the Talbot County Transit Route 1, which travels through Easton. However, it is not designed for frequent trips to distant hospitals. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a critical factor for individuals with mobility limitations, ensuring equitable access to care. Information on ADA accessibility can be found on the Talbot County Transit website.

The lack of robust public transit underscores the reliance on personal vehicles or alternative **transportation** methods for accessing specialized lung cancer care. This limitation is a significant factor in the Lung Cancer Score.

### Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Trappe area, offering an alternative to driving, especially for appointments when driving is not possible. However, availability can be variable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Costs can also be a factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, such as MedStar Mobile Healthcare, are available to transport patients to and from medical appointments. These services are often covered by insurance and can be a valuable resource for individuals unable to drive or utilize public transit. Booking these services requires advance planning, and availability may be limited.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services improves the Lung Cancer Score, offering alternative **transportation** options, but their limitations in terms of availability and cost must be carefully considered.

### Healthcare Facilities: Proximity and Specialization

The proximity of healthcare facilities is a critical factor in the Lung Cancer Score. As mentioned, UM Shore Medical Center at Easton is the primary hospital serving Trappe residents. It offers a range of services, including diagnostic imaging (CT scans, X-rays), laboratory services, and oncology consultations.

However, specialized care, such as radiation therapy or complex surgical procedures, may require referral to larger hospitals like Johns Hopkins Hospital or Anne Arundel Medical Center. The distance to these specialized centers is a significant consideration in the Lung Cancer Score.

The availability of oncology specialists, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, is crucial for lung cancer treatment. The presence of these specialists at UM Shore Medical Center, along with the ability to access specialists at larger hospitals, directly impacts the Lung Cancer Score.

### The Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment

The Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 21673 is a composite assessment considering drive times, public transit limitations, ride-sharing and medical transport availability, and the proximity of healthcare facilities. The score is dynamic, reflecting the importance of early detection, prompt referral, and efficient access to specialized care.

The score will be lower than in areas with greater healthcare density and superior **transportation** infrastructure. The dependence on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options are significant factors. The score is also affected by the travel time to specialized cancer centers.

However, the presence of a local hospital with diagnostic and oncology services, combined with the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport, provides a degree of **healthcare access**. The score is enhanced by the relatively short drive to UM Shore Medical Center.

### Moving to Trappe: Planning for Healthcare

For individuals considering moving to Trappe, Maryland, and concerned about lung cancer **healthcare access**, careful planning is essential. This includes:

* **Understanding Drive Times:** Familiarize yourself with the drive times to UM Shore Medical Center and specialized cancer centers like Johns Hopkins Hospital and Anne Arundel Medical Center.
* **Exploring Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Options:** Identify reliable ride-sharing services and medical transport providers in the area.
* **Establishing a Primary Care Physician:** Select a primary care physician in the area who can provide regular check-ups, order necessary screenings, and facilitate referrals to specialists.
* **Considering Insurance Coverage:** Ensure your health insurance plan covers the costs of **transportation** to medical appointments and treatment at various facilities.
* **Building a Support Network:** Having family or friends in the area who can provide **transportation** assistance can be invaluable.

The Lung Cancer Score serves as a valuable tool for assessing **healthcare access** in Trappe, Maryland. While the area offers a peaceful lifestyle, the rural nature of the community presents challenges in accessing specialized medical care. By understanding the **transportation** landscape and planning accordingly, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.