20611, Bel Alton, Maryland Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 20611, Bel Alton, Maryland is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.88 percent of residents in 20611 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.76 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Charles Regional Medical Center with a distance of 4.43 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 20611 (Bel Alton, MD)

Embarking on a journey to assess the overall health score for residents of Bel Alton, Maryland (ZIP Code 20611) requires a deep dive into the accessibility of healthcare services. A critical factor influencing this score is the ease with which individuals can *transport* themselves to medical appointments, pharmacies, and emergency facilities. This write-up will meticulously examine the *transportation* landscape, encompassing drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport providers, painting a comprehensive picture of *healthcare access* in this community. For those *moving to Bel Alton*, this analysis offers crucial insights into the practicalities of maintaining their well-being.

The primary mode of *transportation* for most Bel Alton residents is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. Navigating the local road network is generally straightforward, but travel times to healthcare facilities can vary significantly depending on location and time of day. The major arteries serving the area are Maryland Route 210 (Indian Head Highway) and Maryland Route 227 (Chaptico Road).

For routine appointments, residents can typically reach the nearest primary care physicians and specialists within a reasonable timeframe. However, access to specialized care, such as cardiology or oncology, often necessitates travel to larger medical centers located further afield.

The drive to the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center in La Plata, a major healthcare hub, is a benchmark. Taking Route 210 to US-301 S, the journey is approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This is a crucial consideration, as it provides access to a wide range of specialized services and emergency care.

Public *transportation* options in Bel Alton are limited, which can significantly impact *healthcare access* for those without personal vehicles. The Charles County *Transportation* System (CCTS) provides bus service, but routes and schedules are often infrequent, especially during evenings and weekends.

The primary CCTS route serving the Bel Alton area is Route 22, which operates along Route 210. While this route offers some connection to La Plata and other key destinations, it is not specifically designed to prioritize *healthcare access*. The CCTS website provides detailed information on routes, schedules, and fares, including ADA-accessible features.

The availability of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offers an alternative *transportation* option, particularly for those who cannot drive or lack access to public transit. However, the reliability and cost of these services can vary depending on demand and time of day. Booking a ride-share to a medical appointment requires careful planning, especially for early morning or late evening appointments.

Medical *transportation* services, such as non-emergency medical *transportation* (NEMT) providers, cater specifically to individuals who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services often offer door-to-door service and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. Several NEMT providers operate in the Southern Maryland region, including, but not limited to, MedStar Mobile Healthcare and TransCare.

These services are crucial for individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or those recovering from surgery. Researching and securing a reliable NEMT provider is an essential step for anyone *moving to Bel Alton* with specific *transportation* needs.

The overall health score for Bel Alton residents is influenced by the interplay of these factors. While the area benefits from relatively easy access to primary care and the presence of a major medical center within a reasonable drive, the limitations of public *transportation* and the reliance on personal vehicles create challenges for some residents.

For those relying on public transit, the infrequency of bus routes and the potential for long wait times can hinder timely access to care. The availability and cost of ride-sharing services also need to be considered.

The overall health score for Bel Alton residents is moderately impacted by the available *transportation* options. While the presence of a major medical center within a reasonable drive time is a positive factor, the limitations of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles create challenges for some residents.

The availability and cost of ride-sharing services also need to be considered. Medical *transportation* services, such as non-emergency medical *transportation* (NEMT) providers, cater specifically to individuals who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments.

For those *moving to Bel Alton*, a thorough assessment of their *transportation* needs is paramount. This includes evaluating their ability to drive, accessing public transit, and the potential cost of ride-sharing or medical *transportation*.

The proximity of the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center is a significant advantage, offering a comprehensive range of services. However, residents should also be aware of the need to travel to larger medical centers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for highly specialized care.

The overall health score for Bel Alton is, therefore, a nuanced one. While the community benefits from its location within a reasonable distance of comprehensive medical facilities, the *transportation* infrastructure presents challenges that can impact *healthcare access* for certain segments of the population.

The availability of ride-sharing services and medical *transportation* providers offers solutions, but these options often come with additional costs. The CCTS provides a basic public transit network, but its limited frequency and coverage can be a barrier for some residents.

In conclusion, the overall health score for Bel Alton (ZIP Code 20611) is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. While the community benefits from proximity to healthcare facilities and the availability of ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services, limitations in public *transportation* and the reliance on personal vehicles create challenges for some residents.

For those *moving to Bel Alton*, a thorough understanding of the *transportation* landscape is essential for ensuring *healthcare access*. Careful planning and consideration of individual needs are crucial for maintaining a high quality of life and overall well-being. The future of the health score depends on how the community addresses these challenges and strives to improve *transportation* options for all residents.