21714, Braddock Heights, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21714, Braddock Heights, Maryland is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.48 percent of residents in 21714 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.09 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Frederick Health Hospital with a distance of 4.84 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Braddock Heights (ZIP Code 21714)

Considering a move to the charming community of Braddock Heights (ZIP Code 21714)? Beyond the picturesque landscapes and close-knit atmosphere, it’s crucial to assess your access to healthcare, particularly if you have concerns about lung cancer. This write-up provides a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access, enabling informed decisions regarding your health and relocation.

The cornerstone of this evaluation lies in understanding the critical need for timely access to specialized care. Lung cancer treatment often necessitates frequent appointments, including diagnostic scans, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up consultations. Delays in accessing these services can significantly impact treatment outcomes and overall prognosis. Therefore, the efficiency and reliability of transportation options become paramount.

**Drive-Time Dynamics: The Road to Recovery**

For residents of Braddock Heights, the most direct route to healthcare facilities typically involves driving. The primary arteries for transportation are US-15, a major north-south highway, and MD-180, a more local east-west thoroughfare. The drive to Frederick Health Hospital, the closest comprehensive medical center, is generally a straightforward 15-20 minute journey via US-15 South. This drive time, however, can be significantly impacted by traffic, particularly during peak commuting hours.

Beyond Frederick Health Hospital, specialized lung cancer care might necessitate travel to facilities in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. This involves navigating a more complex network of highways, including I-70 East, I-270 South, and the Capital Beltway (I-495). Drive times to hospitals like MedStar Georgetown University Hospital or the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda can range from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic congestion. The reliability of these drive times is a crucial factor in the Lung Cancer Score.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options within and around Braddock Heights are limited, presenting a significant challenge for individuals relying on this mode of transport. The Frederick County Transit (The Free Ride) provides bus services, but routes are infrequent and primarily serve Frederick City. The primary routes for accessing Frederick City from Braddock Heights are Route 80 (Braddock Heights to Frederick) and Route 81 (Braddock Heights to Frederick). These routes do not operate on Sundays.

Accessing specialized lung cancer care in the D.C. area via public transit is even more complicated. This would require a combination of local bus routes, potentially connecting with MARC commuter rail services at the Frederick Station, and then transferring to the Washington MetroMetropolitan Area TransitWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metro system. This multi-step journey can be time-consuming, potentially taking several hours, and requires careful planning. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible features on all legs of the journey is critical for individuals with mobility limitations.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. However, the availability and cost of these services can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with limited demand. For individuals with lung cancer, the financial burden of frequent ride-share trips can be substantial.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several companies operate in the region, providing wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, these services often require advance booking and may not be readily available for emergency situations. Researching and establishing a relationship with a reliable medical transport provider is essential for those considering a move to Braddock Heights.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Braddock Heights (ZIP Code 21714) is not a single number but a holistic evaluation of transportation options and their implications for healthcare access. It considers the following factors:

* **Drive-time reliability:** The consistency of drive times to key healthcare facilities, considering traffic patterns and road conditions.
* **Public transit accessibility:** The frequency, route coverage, and ADA accessibility of public transportation options.
* **Ride-share availability and cost:** The reliability and affordability of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical transport options:** The availability, accessibility, and cost of medical transportation services.
* **Proximity to specialized care:** The distance and travel time to facilities offering specialized lung cancer treatment, such as oncology centers and radiation therapy facilities.

**Improving Healthcare Access: Considerations for Moving to Braddock Heights**

For individuals with lung cancer or those at high risk, carefully evaluating these factors is crucial before making a move to Braddock Heights. Consider the following:

* **Proximity to healthcare facilities:** Prioritize locations with convenient access to Frederick Health Hospital or other comprehensive medical centers.
* **Transportation planning:** Develop a comprehensive transportation plan, including backup options, to ensure reliable access to appointments.
* **Financial planning:** Factor in the potential costs of transportation, including gas, ride-sharing services, or medical transport.
* **Research and pre-planning:** Investigate local public transit routes, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport options before relocating.
* **Support networks:** Build a support network of family, friends, or community organizations to assist with transportation needs.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision**

Moving to Braddock Heights offers a desirable lifestyle for many. However, for individuals concerned about lung cancer, a thorough assessment of transportation options and healthcare access is essential. The "Lung Cancer Score" framework provides a valuable tool for evaluating these factors, enabling informed decisions about relocation and ensuring access to timely and effective care. By carefully considering the drive times, public transit limitations, ride-share availability, and medical transport options, individuals can make a well-informed decision that prioritizes their health and well-being.