21779, Rohrersville, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21779, Rohrersville, Maryland is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.06 percent of residents in 21779 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.29 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Frederick Health Hospital with a distance of 13.13 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rohrersville, MD (ZIP Code 21779)**

The shadow of a lung cancer diagnosis can cast a long pall, extending far beyond the immediate medical concerns. For residents of Rohrersville, Maryland (ZIP Code 21779), the ability to access timely and effective healthcare is paramount. This write-up provides a comprehensive assessment of the transportation landscape impacting healthcare access for individuals in this community, offering a "Lung Cancer Score" that considers the practical realities of getting to essential medical appointments. This score reflects the challenges and opportunities inherent in navigating the local transportation infrastructure.

Rohrersville, nestled in the rolling hills of Washington County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. The community’s relative isolation necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for most journeys. This dependence underscores the importance of understanding drive times, road conditions, and the availability of alternative transportation options. This is especially critical for individuals facing the physical and emotional burdens of a lung cancer diagnosis. The ability to get to appointments, chemotherapy sessions, radiation treatments, and follow-up care is a key determinant of patient outcomes and quality of life.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary arteries connecting Rohrersville to healthcare facilities are US Route 340 and Maryland Route 67. Driving to the nearest major healthcare provider, Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. This drive involves navigating rural roads and sections of US Route 40, particularly during peak hours. The journey to Frederick Health Hospital in Frederick, another significant healthcare hub, stretches to approximately 45 minutes to an hour, requiring travel on US Route 340, often congested during commuter times.

The condition of these roads is generally good, but weather events, such as snow and ice, can significantly impact travel times, especially on the more rural sections of Route 67. The presence of heavy trucks on US Route 40 can also contribute to delays. For individuals with lung cancer, these delays can exacerbate fatigue and anxiety, potentially impacting their ability to adhere to treatment schedules. The Lung Cancer Score considers these factors, assigning a lower score to the drive-time component due to the potential for delays and the physical toll on patients.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Rohrersville are limited. The Washington County Transit (WCT) system provides some service, but its routes are infrequent and primarily focused on serving the larger municipalities of Hagerstown and Frederick. The availability of routes directly serving Rohrersville is minimal, and the schedules may not align with the needs of patients requiring frequent medical appointments.

The WCT buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts and priority seating. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent service make public transit a less viable option for many residents, especially those with mobility limitations or undergoing cancer treatment. The Lung Cancer Score reflects this limitation, assigning a low score to the public transit component due to its limited accessibility and potential inconvenience for patients.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and affordability can vary. Availability is generally better in Hagerstown and Frederick, but may be less consistent in Rohrersville, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for patients, especially those with limited financial resources.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like MedStar Health and various local private providers operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transport. These services often offer door-to-door assistance, including assistance with boarding and disembarking, and can accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids. However, the availability of these services can be limited, and the cost can be substantial, particularly for frequent trips. The Lung Cancer Score considers the availability, cost, and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transportation options, factoring in their potential impact on healthcare access.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" and its Implications:**

Based on the analysis of transportation options, the Lung Cancer Score for Rohrersville (ZIP Code 21779) is moderate. While the drive times to major healthcare facilities are manageable, the limitations of public transit, the variability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transportation present significant challenges for individuals with lung cancer. The score reflects the need for careful planning and consideration of transportation logistics when accessing healthcare.

For individuals considering moving to Rohrersville, or for current residents seeking to improve their healthcare access, several strategies can be employed. Coordinating appointments to minimize travel time and leveraging the support of family and friends for transportation are crucial. Exploring financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of medical transportation can also be beneficial. Advocating for improved public transportation services and advocating for the expansion of medical transportation options within the community are also important steps.

The Lung Cancer Score serves as a tool to highlight the complex relationship between transportation and healthcare access. By understanding the transportation challenges and opportunities in Rohrersville, residents and healthcare providers can work together to improve the lives of individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis, ensuring they receive the timely and effective care they deserve. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape is a critical component of the overall treatment journey, directly impacting patient outcomes and quality of life. The need for accessible and reliable transportation is a fundamental aspect of healthcare access, especially for those battling a serious illness like lung cancer.