21813, Bishopville, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21813, Bishopville, Maryland is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

76.17 percent of residents in 21813 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Atlantic General Hospital with a distance of 6.42 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Bishopville, MD (ZIP Code 21813)

The air hangs heavy with the scent of salt and summer in Bishopville, Maryland, a small community nestled near the Atlantic coast. For those considering a move to this charming locale, the promise of tranquil living often overshadows a crucial consideration: healthcare access. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, evaluating the complexities of transportation and healthcare access for individuals diagnosed with or at risk of lung cancer in ZIP Code 21813. The goal is to illuminate the practical realities of navigating the healthcare landscape, from initial diagnosis to ongoing treatment, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities of this coastal community.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a formal medical metric. Instead, it's a qualitative assessment, a framework for understanding the transportation and logistical hurdles faced by those seeking lung cancer care. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, all vital components of healthcare access. The score aims to provide a realistic picture, helping potential residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

The primary healthcare hub for Bishopville residents is located in Salisbury, Maryland, approximately 25 miles west. This distance is a significant factor, particularly for patients undergoing treatment that may cause fatigue, nausea, or mobility limitations. The journey to Salisbury's Peninsula Regional Medical Center (PRMC), the region's primary hospital, is typically made via Route 589, a local road that connects to US-50, a major east-west artery. The drive itself, under ideal conditions, can take around 30 to 45 minutes.

However, this time can be drastically extended by traffic, especially during peak hours, summer weekends, and holidays when the coastal region experiences a surge in tourism. Accidents on US-50, a common occurrence, can create significant delays. These delays can be particularly stressful for patients requiring timely appointments for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or follow-up consultations. The unpredictable nature of travel time necessitates careful planning and a margin for error.

Public transportation options are limited in this region. The Shore Transit system provides bus service, but its routes and schedules are not designed to meet the specific needs of cancer patients. While Shore Transit does operate routes that connect Ocean City, near Bishopville, to Salisbury, these routes are infrequent and often require multiple transfers. The travel time by bus can easily exceed two hours, a considerable burden for individuals undergoing treatment.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant features on Shore Transit buses is crucial for patients with mobility issues. While the system strives to provide accessible services, the reliability of these features and the potential for delays due to mechanical issues must be considered. The absence of readily available, convenient, and reliable public transit significantly impacts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles.

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Bishopville and the surrounding areas, offering a potentially more convenient alternative to public transit. However, the availability of drivers can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-share services can also accumulate rapidly, particularly for frequent appointments. For individuals with limited financial resources, the cost of transportation can become a significant barrier to accessing necessary care.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), provide a crucial lifeline for patients who are unable to drive themselves or rely on family or friends. These services are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. However, the availability and cost of these services vary. The need for pre-booking and the potential for delays due to high demand are important considerations.

For patients undergoing radiation therapy, the daily commute to Salisbury can be particularly challenging. Radiation therapy often requires treatments five days a week for several weeks. The cumulative effect of daily travel, combined with the physical and emotional toll of treatment, can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. The "Lung Cancer Score" would reflect the added burden of this frequent and demanding transportation requirement.

The availability of specialized lung cancer care in Bishopville is limited. While primary care physicians in the area can provide initial screenings and referrals, specialized care, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, is primarily located in Salisbury or further afield. This necessitates longer travel times for consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures. The lack of local specialized care underscores the importance of reliable transportation.

The "Lung Cancer Score" would also consider the availability of support services, such as cancer support groups, counseling, and palliative care, in the Bishopville area. The presence of these services can significantly improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families. The ability to access these services locally reduces the need for additional travel and provides a vital source of emotional and practical support.

Moving to Bishopville presents a lifestyle choice with undeniable appeal. However, individuals considering a move, especially those with a history of lung cancer or those at high risk, must carefully evaluate the transportation challenges. The "Lung Cancer Score" highlights the importance of proactive planning, considering the potential impact of transportation on healthcare access.

This planning should include assessing the availability of reliable transportation, exploring the feasibility of ride-share services, and researching medical transport options. It is also essential to identify local resources, such as support groups and community health programs, that can provide assistance and guidance.

The "Lung Cancer Score" emphasizes that healthcare access is not solely about the availability of medical facilities. It is also about the ability to get there. For residents of Bishopville, the journey to healthcare requires careful consideration of transportation challenges, a crucial element in navigating the complexities of lung cancer care. The scenic beauty of the area should not obscure the practical realities of healthcare access, making informed decisions paramount.