21824, Ewell, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21824, Ewell, Maryland is 7 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

88.24 percent of residents in 21824 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 29.66 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Peninsula Regional Medical Center with a distance of 35.22 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Ewell, Maryland (ZIP Code 21824)

Considering a move to the charming community of Ewell, Maryland, nestled within ZIP code 21824? Beyond the allure of coastal living, it's crucial to assess the practicality of healthcare access, particularly concerning the potential challenges of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score," evaluating the ease of transportation to vital medical resources, focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport. This information is paramount for anyone considering Ewell, Maryland, especially those with pre-existing health concerns or a heightened risk profile.

The foundation of our assessment rests on the premise that timely access to specialized medical care is critical for lung cancer patients. Early detection, accurate diagnosis, and prompt treatment significantly improve survival rates and quality of life. Therefore, understanding the transportation landscape becomes a critical component of your overall health and well-being when **moving to Ewell**.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The primary healthcare providers for lung cancer patients in this region are likely to be located in Salisbury, Maryland, and potentially in the larger metropolitan areas of Baltimore or Washington, D.C. The journey to Salisbury Regional Hospital, a key healthcare hub, is predominantly via US-50, a major east-west artery. From Ewell, the drive typically spans approximately 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This relatively short commute represents a favorable aspect of **healthcare access** for Ewell residents.

Further specialized care, including advanced imaging and radiation therapy, might necessitate travel to the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore or the University of Maryland Medical Center. The drive to Baltimore involves navigating US-50, merging onto US-301 North, and then onto I-97 North, a journey that can take between 2 to 2.5 hours, contingent on traffic. The commute to Washington, D.C., would involve similar routes, potentially adding more time due to the increased traffic congestion around the capital. These longer distances highlight the importance of considering alternative **transportation** options.

**Public Transit Realities:**

Public transit options in the Ewell area are limited. The Wicomico County Transportation Department (WCTD) operates a bus service, but its routes are primarily focused on local travel within Wicomico County, with limited service to more distant medical centers. The frequency of buses and the routes available may not be ideal for frequent medical appointments or emergencies.

For individuals with disabilities, the WCTD provides ADA-compliant services, ensuring accessibility for those who require it. However, the reliance on public transit for lung cancer patients, especially those undergoing treatment or experiencing mobility limitations, may present significant challenges. The lack of direct routes and potential for extended travel times could negatively impact the Lung Cancer Score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Ewell area, offering a convenient alternative to driving, particularly for those unable to drive themselves. However, the availability of these services can vary, and surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather could add to the financial burden of healthcare access.

Specialized medical transport services, such as those offered by private ambulance companies or non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, are crucial for patients who require assistance with mobility or have other medical needs. These services offer door-to-door transportation, often with trained medical personnel, providing a safe and comfortable journey to medical appointments. Researching and establishing relationships with reputable NEMT providers in advance is highly recommended for those considering **moving to Ewell**.

**Lung Cancer Score Components:**

To calculate the Lung Cancer Score, we consider the following factors:

* **Drive Time to Nearest Comprehensive Cancer Center:** Shorter drive times receive a higher score.
* **Public Transit Availability and Accessibility:** The presence of reliable, ADA-compliant public transit routes enhances the score.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Options:** The availability and affordability of ride-sharing and specialized medical transport services positively impact the score.
* **Traffic Congestion:** Areas with consistently heavy traffic receive a lower score.
* **Proximity to Emergency Services:** The distance to the nearest emergency room is considered.

**Scoring Methodology:**

Each factor is assigned a weight based on its importance. Drive time to the nearest comprehensive cancer center carries the highest weight, followed by the availability of specialized medical transport. The final score is a composite number, reflecting the overall ease of access to lung cancer care.

**Applying the Score to Ewell (21824):**

Based on the analysis, Ewell (21824) receives a moderate Lung Cancer Score. The relatively short drive time to Salisbury Regional Hospital is a significant advantage. However, the limitations of public transit, the potential for longer travel times to specialized centers in Baltimore or Washington, D.C., and the reliance on ride-sharing or medical transport for those with mobility limitations temper the score.

**Recommendations:**

For individuals considering a move to Ewell, Maryland, particularly those with a history of lung cancer or a high risk profile, the following recommendations are crucial:

* **Pre-Move Assessment:** Conduct thorough research on local healthcare providers, including oncologists, pulmonologists, and radiation therapists.
* **Transportation Planning:** Develop a detailed transportation plan, outlining the best routes to healthcare facilities and identifying reliable ride-sharing or medical transport options.
* **Insurance Verification:** Confirm that your health insurance plan covers the costs of transportation to medical appointments, including ride-sharing or medical transport services.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest emergency room and establish a plan for accessing emergency medical services.
* **Community Engagement:** Connect with local support groups and organizations that provide assistance to cancer patients and their families.

**Conclusion:**

While Ewell, Maryland, offers a desirable coastal lifestyle, the practicalities of **healthcare access** must be carefully considered. The Lung Cancer Score provides a framework for evaluating the transportation landscape and assessing the ease of obtaining specialized medical care. By proactively addressing these factors, individuals can make informed decisions about their health and well-being when **moving to Ewell**. Remember, timely and convenient access to healthcare is paramount in the fight against lung cancer, and careful planning can significantly improve outcomes.