20615, Broomes Island, Maryland Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 20615, Broomes Island, Maryland is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

39.61 percent of residents in 20615 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.64 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Medstar Saint Mary's Hospital with a distance of 9.65 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 20615

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for residents of ZIP Code 20615 (Broomes Island, Maryland) regarding their access to healthcare. It considers the various transportation options available, critically examining drive times, public transit accessibility, and the presence of ride-share and medical transport services. The goal is to paint a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals seeking medical care in this specific geographic area. A lower score indicates greater difficulty in accessing healthcare.

The primary determinant of a good health score is the ease with which residents can reach essential medical services. This encompasses not only the presence of facilities but also the efficiency and affordability of transportation. Residents of 20615, a primarily rural area, face unique challenges in this regard. Proximity to healthcare facilities is a crucial factor, but the mode of *transportation* significantly impacts the overall experience.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The most common mode of *transportation* in 20615 is the personal vehicle. The primary roadways influencing healthcare access are Maryland Route 235 (Three Notch Road) and Maryland Route 4 (Patuxent River Naval Air Station Road). Driving times to the nearest hospitals and specialist clinics are significant, especially during peak traffic hours.

The closest hospitals are located in Leonardtown and Prince Frederick. Reaching MedStar St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown, a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes under ideal conditions, can easily extend to 45 minutes or more during rush hour. This is largely due to traffic bottlenecks on Route 235. CalvertHealth Medical Center in Prince Frederick, reachable via Route 4, presents a similar challenge, with drive times ranging from 30 to 45 minutes, again subject to traffic conditions.

Specialist appointments, often requiring travel to more distant locations, exacerbate these challenges. Trips to Washington, D.C., or Annapolis can easily consume several hours, especially when considering parking and potential delays. This underscores the importance of reliable *transportation* and the potential impact on appointment adherence and overall health outcomes.

**Public Transit Accessibility:**

Public *transportation* options in 20615 are limited. The St. Mary's County Transit System (SMT) provides some service, but routes and frequency are restricted, particularly for areas like Broomes Island. SMT primarily focuses on serving the more populated areas of the county, and routes to healthcare facilities are often indirect and time-consuming.

The SMT system is not designed for frequent service to healthcare facilities. The limited routes and schedules may not align with the needs of patients, especially those requiring regular appointments or emergency care. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant vehicles is a critical factor. The system must ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to healthcare *transportation*.

The lack of robust public *transportation* significantly impacts residents without personal vehicles, making healthcare access a major hurdle. This can disproportionately affect elderly individuals, low-income families, and those with disabilities. The absence of efficient public transit necessitates reliance on other options, often at a higher cost or with reduced reliability.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Services:**

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their reliability and affordability are subject to fluctuations in demand and driver availability. The rural nature of 20615 can lead to longer wait times and higher fares, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This can pose a significant barrier to healthcare access, especially for those with limited financial resources.

Medical *transportation* services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available, but they come with varying costs and limitations. Ambulance services are reserved for emergencies, while NEMT services cater to non-emergency medical appointments.

The availability of NEMT services from providers like First Transit or Logisticare is a critical factor. These services often require pre-booking and may have restrictions on the distance or type of appointment they cover. The cost of these services can be substantial, potentially creating a financial burden for patients.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Considering the factors discussed, the overall health score for residents of 20615 concerning healthcare access is **below average**. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public *transportation* options and the variable availability of ride-share and medical *transportation*, creates significant challenges.

The primary areas for improvement include:

* **Enhancing Public Transit:** Expanding SMT routes and frequency, particularly to healthcare facilities in Leonardtown and Prince Frederick, is crucial. Improving ADA-compliant services is also vital.
* **Supporting Ride-Share Programs:** Partnering with ride-share companies to offer subsidized fares for medical appointments could improve affordability.
* **Promoting Medical Transport Awareness:** Educating residents about available NEMT services and their eligibility requirements is essential.
* **Encouraging Telehealth:** Promoting telehealth services can reduce the need for in-person visits, especially for follow-up appointments or consultations.
* **Community Outreach:** Implementing outreach programs to educate the community on *transportation* options and healthcare resources.

These recommendations aim to improve healthcare access for residents of 20615. By addressing the challenges related to *transportation*, the overall health score can be elevated, fostering a healthier and more accessible community. The decision to consider *moving to Broomes Island* should be carefully weighed against the existing limitations.