21902, Perry Point, Maryland Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 21902, Perry Point, Maryland is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 21902 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.13 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Harford Memorial Hospital with a distance of 1.41 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 21902

The specter of a lung cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding swift and decisive action. For residents of ZIP Code 21902, located in the heart of Maryland, the journey to quality healthcare is a critical factor in the fight. This analysis assesses the accessibility of lung cancer treatment options, focusing on **transportation** challenges and opportunities within the region, ultimately informing a “Lung Cancer Score” for this community. The primary focus is on **healthcare access** and the unique considerations for those **moving to Perry Point**, home to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

The foundation of our assessment rests on the understanding that timely access to specialized care is paramount. Lung cancer treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiation therapists, and supportive care professionals. The ability to reach these specialists quickly and reliably can significantly impact patient outcomes. This write-up considers the practicalities of navigating the region, evaluating drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options.

**Driving the Distance: Highways and Byways**

For many residents of 21902, the personal vehicle remains the primary mode of **transportation**. The proximity to major roadways is a double-edged sword. Interstate 95 (I-95), the major artery, offers relatively quick access to Baltimore and Philadelphia, both home to comprehensive cancer centers. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly extend travel times. A drive to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, for instance, could take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour and a half, depending on traffic.

US Route 40, a parallel east-west thoroughfare, provides an alternative route, though it is generally slower due to more traffic lights and local traffic. The journey to ChristianaCare in Newark, Delaware, a well-regarded cancer center, via US Route 40 and Delaware Route 1, typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, offering another important **healthcare access** point. Local roads, such as MD Route 22 and MD Route 272, offer access to smaller hospitals and clinics, but these facilities may not have the specialized resources required for advanced lung cancer treatment.

The location of Perry Point, while offering specialized care for veterans, presents its own **transportation** challenges. Access to the VA Medical Center is primarily via MD Route 22. While the drive is relatively short for many 21902 residents, the availability of specialized lung cancer treatment within the VA system needs to be considered. The VA system often requires referrals and can have longer wait times compared to private healthcare facilities.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public **transportation** options in 21902 are limited, presenting a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) does offer bus service in the area, but the routes are infrequent and may not directly serve major cancer centers. Bus routes 1, 2, and 3, while providing local connections, often require transfers, significantly increasing travel times. The lack of dedicated express routes to Baltimore or Wilmington further complicates matters.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial factor. While the MTA is legally obligated to provide accessible services, the reality can be challenging. Bus stops may not always have ramps or level boarding, and the availability of wheelchair-accessible buses on every route cannot be guaranteed. For individuals undergoing cancer treatment, which can cause mobility issues, the reliance on public transit can be particularly burdensome. The absence of a robust public transit network underscores the importance of alternative **transportation** solutions.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible **transportation** alternative, particularly for those unable to drive or lacking access to a personal vehicle. However, the availability of these services in 21902 can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in more rural areas. Surge pricing, which increases fares during periods of high demand, can also make ride-sharing an expensive option, particularly for frequent appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, like MedStar Mobile Healthcare or First Call Medical Transportation, specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services offer door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. While they provide a valuable service, they often come at a higher cost than ride-sharing or public transit. The availability of these services and the associated costs need to be considered when evaluating **healthcare access**.

**The Perry Point Factor: A Veteran’s Perspective**

For those **moving to Perry Point**, the VA Medical Center is a significant **healthcare access** point. The center offers specialized care for veterans, including oncology services. However, the VA system can have its own set of **transportation** challenges. While the center provides some internal **transportation** options, such as shuttle services, these may not be sufficient to meet all patient needs. The need to travel to other VA facilities or private healthcare providers for specialized treatments or second opinions is a possibility.

The VA system's reliance on referrals and the potential for longer wait times can also impact the timeliness of care. Veterans may need to navigate the complexities of the VA system while simultaneously dealing with the physical and emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis. The VA Medical Center's location, while accessible to many 21902 residents, still requires careful consideration of **transportation** needs.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Composite Assessment**

Based on the factors discussed, a "Lung Cancer Score" for 21902 would reflect a mixed picture. The proximity to major highways offers access to comprehensive cancer centers in Baltimore and Wilmington, but the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for traffic congestion are significant drawbacks. The limited public transit options and the variability of ride-sharing services further complicate **healthcare access**.

The presence of the VA Medical Center in Perry Point provides a crucial resource for veterans, but the VA system's limitations and the need for **transportation** to other facilities must be considered. The cost and availability of medical **transportation** services add another layer of complexity.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 21902, therefore, would likely be a moderate score, indicating a need for improvement in **transportation** options and a focus on ensuring equitable **healthcare access** for all residents, particularly those facing the challenges of a lung cancer diagnosis. This score highlights the importance of proactive measures, such as advocating for improved public transit, expanding ride-sharing availability, and providing financial assistance for medical **transportation** services, to support the community in its fight against lung cancer.