21746, Hagerstown, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21746, Hagerstown, Maryland is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 21746 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.47 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Meritus Medical Center with a distance of 4.47 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Hagerstown (ZIP Code 21746)

The insidious nature of lung cancer demands swift and efficient healthcare access. In the context of ZIP Code 21746, Hagerstown, Maryland, this write-up delves into the intricate web of transportation options, meticulously evaluating their impact on a hypothetical patient's journey to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. We will quantify the ease, or difficulty, of navigating this landscape, culminating in a 'Lung Cancer Score' that reflects the realities of healthcare access in this specific location. Considering a potential move to Hagerstown, this assessment becomes crucial.

The cornerstone of our analysis is the drive time to the primary healthcare providers. Meritus Medical Center, the largest hospital in the region, serves as the central hub. From various points within 21746, the drive to Meritus, located at 13600 Pennsylvania Avenue, dictates much of the healthcare experience. Residents in the eastern portions of the ZIP code, near I-70, likely face the shortest commutes, typically around 10-15 minutes, assuming moderate traffic conditions. This journey involves navigating I-70 West, exiting onto MD-64 (Lappans Road), and then turning onto Pennsylvania Avenue.

Those residing in the western areas, especially near the Pennsylvania border, might face a slightly longer commute. The route often involves using US-40 (National Pike) or MD-68 (Greencastle Pike), which then connects to Pennsylvania Avenue. Drive times here could extend to 20-25 minutes, particularly during peak hours. Traffic congestion, especially around the intersection of US-40 and I-81, can significantly impact these times.

Further complicating matters, the availability of public transportation is limited. The Washington CountyWashington County Transit (WCT) system offers bus routes, but their frequency and coverage are not extensive. Route 1, for instance, travels along Pennsylvania Avenue, offering a direct, albeit slower, connection to Meritus Medical Center. However, the schedule might not align with the urgent needs of a patient undergoing cancer treatment. ADA accessibility is a key consideration, and WCT buses are equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. However, wait times and the overall time spent on the bus can be substantial, potentially adding an hour or more to the journey.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, provide an alternative, offering on-demand transportation. Their availability in Hagerstown is generally good, but surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather could significantly increase costs. For patients requiring frequent trips to the hospital, the financial burden can be considerable. Moreover, the reliance on a smartphone and internet access is a barrier for some.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility challenges, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like MedStar Mobile Healthcare and private providers offer non-emergency medical transport, often with wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. While these services provide a crucial link for individuals unable to drive or use public transportation, they typically require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit.

Evaluating the transportation landscape, we must acknowledge the impact of individual circumstances. A patient with a driver's license and access to a car will likely experience a significantly less stressful healthcare journey than someone relying solely on public transit or ride-sharing. The distance from the patient's home to Meritus Medical Center, the time of day, and the patient's physical condition all contribute to the overall experience.

The absence of a dedicated cancer center within Hagerstown also influences the healthcare access equation. While Meritus Medical Center offers oncology services, patients may need to travel to specialized centers in Baltimore or Washington, D.C., for certain treatments or clinical trials. This introduces additional complexities, including longer travel times, increased costs, and the need for overnight stays. The journey to these out-of-town facilities often involves navigating I-70 East towards Baltimore or using I-270 South towards Washington, D.C.

Considering all these factors, we can now calculate the 'Lung Cancer Score' for ZIP Code 21746. The score will be based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing the most challenging access and 10 representing the easiest.

**Scoring Criteria:**

* **Drive Time to Meritus Medical Center:** (Weight: 40%)
* Under 15 minutes: 10 points
* 15-20 minutes: 8 points
* 20-25 minutes: 6 points
* Over 25 minutes: 4 points
* **Public Transportation Availability:** (Weight: 20%)
* Frequent routes, short wait times, excellent ADA accessibility: 8 points
* Limited routes, longer wait times, good ADA accessibility: 6 points
* Infrequent routes, long wait times, adequate ADA accessibility: 4 points
* Very limited or no service: 2 points
* **Ride-Sharing/Medical Transport Availability & Cost:** (Weight: 20%)
* Readily available, affordable: 8 points
* Generally available, moderate cost: 6 points
* Limited availability, higher cost: 4 points
* Very limited or unavailable, very high cost: 2 points
* **Availability of Specialized Cancer Care:** (Weight: 20%)
* Comprehensive care within Hagerstown: 10 points
* Good care within Hagerstown, some travel required: 8 points
* Limited care within Hagerstown, frequent travel required: 6 points
* No specialized care within Hagerstown, extensive travel required: 4 points

**Applying the Scoring:**

Based on the above analysis, the 'Lung Cancer Score' for ZIP Code 21746 is estimated to be **6.5**.

This score reflects a mixed picture. The relatively short drive times to Meritus Medical Center are a positive factor. However, the limitations of public transportation, the potential cost of ride-sharing, and the need for travel to specialized cancer centers for some treatments detract from the overall score.

**Conclusion:**

For individuals considering a move to Hagerstown, ZIP Code 21746, this 'Lung Cancer Score' provides a valuable assessment of healthcare access. While the area offers reasonable access to basic medical services, the limitations in public transportation and the potential need for travel to specialized cancer centers should be carefully considered. Understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access is crucial for making informed decisions, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions or a higher risk of developing lung cancer. Careful planning, including assessing transportation options and understanding the availability of medical services, is essential for navigating the healthcare system effectively. The presence of I-70, I-81, US-40, and MD-68, while offering transportation options, also contribute to traffic congestion, which can impact healthcare access.