21790, Tuscarora, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21790, Tuscarora, Maryland is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 21790 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.66 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Frederick Health Hospital with a distance of 11.56 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 21790

The crisp air of western Maryland, particularly in ZIP Code 21790, whispers promises of scenic beauty and a slower pace of life. Nestled near the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains, the area, encompassing the town of Thurmont and surrounding communities, offers a tranquil escape. Yet, beneath this idyllic surface lies a critical consideration for potential residents: healthcare access, especially for those vulnerable to lung cancer. This write-up provides a detailed 'Lung Cancer Score' assessment, focusing on transportation options to medical facilities, crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. It’s a critical component for anyone considering moving to Tuscarora or any community within 21790.

The primary challenge in 21790 is its relative isolation. While offering peace and quiet, this remoteness translates to longer travel times for healthcare. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are located in Frederick, Maryland, and Hagerstown, Maryland, both requiring careful transportation planning. The 'Lung Cancer Score' will evaluate the accessibility of these facilities via various transportation modalities, factoring in drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options.

**Driving Times: The Backbone of Healthcare Access**

For most residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The journey to Frederick, home to Frederick Health Hospital, typically involves navigating the winding roads and highways. From Thurmont, the most direct route is generally via US-15 South. The drive, spanning approximately 20 miles, can take anywhere from 25 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, especially during peak commuting hours. This time frame is crucial; early detection and treatment are paramount in lung cancer management. Delays can significantly impact patient outcomes.

Alternatively, reaching Hagerstown, where Meritus Medical Center provides oncology services, requires a drive of about 30 miles, usually via US-15 North and I-70 West. This journey could take 40 to 60 minutes. The I-70 corridor is prone to congestion, potentially adding significant delays, particularly during rush hour or due to accidents. These extended travel times necessitate proactive planning and consideration of alternative routes.

Smaller, local medical practices, like the Thurmont Medical Center, offer primary care services and may provide initial screenings or referrals. However, they lack the specialized resources of larger cancer centers. Accessing these local facilities, primarily via local roads like MD-806 (Catoctin Furnace Road) and MD-800 (Emmitsburg Road), is usually straightforward, with drive times of under 10 minutes from most parts of 21790. These local options are vital for routine check-ups and initial assessments, but the ultimate care often necessitates the longer journeys.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in 21790 is limited, presenting a significant hurdle for those without personal vehicles or unable to drive. The Frederick County Transit (The FRED) operates a bus service, but its routes and schedules are not specifically designed for convenient healthcare access. The routes, which may include Route 80, have limited frequency and may not directly serve cancer centers.

Furthermore, the FRED service may not be fully ADA-compliant across all routes, posing challenges for individuals with mobility impairments. The lack of direct routes and the potential for lengthy travel times, involving transfers and waiting periods, make public transit a less-than-ideal option for patients requiring frequent medical appointments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The reliance on public transportation, therefore, significantly diminishes the 'Lung Cancer Score' for this demographic.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option, particularly for those unable to drive. However, the availability of these services in 21790 can be inconsistent, and surge pricing during peak hours or times of high demand can make them expensive. The cost of frequent rides to cancer centers can quickly become a financial burden.

Medical transportation services, like those offered by MedStar Mobile Healthcare or local private companies, provide specialized transport for patients with medical needs. These services often offer door-to-door service and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, these services can be costly, and their availability may require advance booking, which is not always feasible in urgent situations. Their utilization, while a valuable resource, requires careful planning and financial consideration, influencing the overall 'Lung Cancer Score'.

**The 'Lung Cancer Score' Implications**

The 'Lung Cancer Score' for 21790 reflects the interplay of these transportation factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the potential for long drive times, particularly during peak hours, presents a significant challenge. The limited public transit options and the cost and availability constraints of ride-sharing and medical transport further complicate healthcare access.

For individuals considering moving to Tuscarora or any part of 21790, this assessment highlights the importance of proactive planning. Potential residents, especially those with a history of lung cancer or other respiratory ailments, should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and access to healthcare services. This includes assessing their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation, and the financial feasibility of utilizing ride-sharing or medical transport services.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' is not just about distance; it's about the ability to overcome the barriers to healthcare access. The combination of longer drive times, limited public transportation, and the potential cost of alternative transportation options creates a less-than-ideal environment for those needing prompt and consistent medical care.

**Conclusion: Prioritizing Transportation and Healthcare Access**

In conclusion, the 'Lung Cancer Score' for 21790 reveals a need for careful consideration of transportation and healthcare access. While the area offers a desirable lifestyle, the challenges of navigating the roadways and the limited availability of alternative transportation options can impact the ability to receive timely medical care. Prospective residents, especially those with healthcare concerns, should prioritize these factors when making their decision.

The assessment underscores the importance of advocating for improved public transportation options, particularly routes designed to connect residents with cancer centers and other healthcare facilities. It also highlights the need for increased awareness of ride-sharing and medical transport services and the potential for community initiatives to support patients in need of transportation assistance. Ultimately, improving transportation infrastructure and access to healthcare services will enhance the quality of life for all residents of 21790, particularly those facing the challenges of lung cancer.