20667, Park Hall, Maryland Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 20667, Park Hall, Maryland is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 20667 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.30 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Medstar Saint Mary's Hospital with a distance of 12.15 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 20667 (Park Hall, Maryland)

The Overall Health Score for residents of ZIP Code 20667, encompassing the Park Hall community in St. Mary's County, hinges significantly on the ease and efficiency with which individuals can access necessary healthcare services. This analysis considers the multifaceted nature of transportation, meticulously examining drive times, public transit options, and alternative mobility solutions. We aim to provide a comprehensive picture of healthcare access, crucial for anyone considering moving to Park Hall or residing there currently.

The cornerstone of transportation in this region is the personal vehicle. Driving remains the primary mode of accessing healthcare facilities. For residents of Park Hall, the most direct routes to hospitals and clinics involve navigating the network of roadways. The primary artery is Maryland Route 5 (Point Lookout Road), which provides the most direct access to major healthcare providers.

A typical drive to MedStar St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown, the nearest full-service hospital, from Park Hall, usually takes between 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This timeframe assumes clear sailing along Route 5. However, peak hours and incidents can significantly extend travel times.

Other healthcare options, such as urgent care clinics and specialist offices, are scattered throughout the county, with varying drive times. Accessing these facilities often requires navigating a combination of Route 5, Maryland Route 235 (Three Notch Road), and local roads. For example, reaching a specialist in Lexington Park might take 20-30 minutes, involving a combination of Route 5 and local roads like Great Mills Road.

Public transportation options are limited in St. Mary's County, and this presents a significant challenge to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The St. Mary's County Transit System (SMT) offers some routes, but their coverage is sparse, and frequency is limited. Currently, there are no direct routes that specifically connect Park Hall with major healthcare facilities.

Residents relying on public transit would likely need to transfer between multiple routes, significantly increasing travel time. The lack of dedicated routes and limited frequency makes public transportation a less viable option for many, especially those with mobility limitations or urgent medical needs. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access the existing public transit options. However, the extent of ADA-compliant infrastructure across all routes requires further investigation.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, their availability in the Park Hall area can be inconsistent, and surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can make them expensive. The reliability of ride-sharing services, particularly during inclement weather or late at night, also needs consideration.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients requiring assistance, are available but come with their own set of considerations. Companies like Firstat Nursing Services offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services require advance booking and may have limited availability, particularly for urgent appointments. The cost of these services can also be a barrier for some residents.

The geographical layout of St. Mary's County, with its rural character and dispersed population, presents inherent challenges to healthcare access. The distance between Park Hall and major healthcare providers, coupled with the limited public transportation infrastructure, contributes to a less-than-ideal Overall Health Score.

The reliance on personal vehicles places a burden on residents, particularly those who are elderly, disabled, or low-income. The cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle, along with the price of fuel, can create financial barriers to healthcare access. Furthermore, the potential for traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can add stress and anxiety to the process of seeking medical care.

The lack of readily available public transportation options exacerbates these challenges. Individuals without access to a personal vehicle are significantly disadvantaged, facing longer travel times and potentially missing appointments. The limited frequency of existing routes further restricts accessibility.

While ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers offer alternative solutions, their availability, cost, and reliability are not always guaranteed. These services may not be accessible to everyone, and the need for advance booking can be problematic in emergency situations.

Improving the Overall Health Score for Park Hall requires a multi-pronged approach. Enhancing public transportation infrastructure is paramount. This could involve expanding the SMT network, introducing new routes that directly connect Park Hall with healthcare facilities, and increasing the frequency of service. Investing in ADA-compliant buses and infrastructure is also crucial.

Encouraging the adoption of ride-sharing services through subsidies or partnerships could also improve access. Furthermore, promoting the availability of medical transportation services and ensuring their affordability would benefit vulnerable populations.

Addressing the geographical challenges requires strategic planning. This could involve the strategic placement of healthcare facilities, such as urgent care clinics or specialist offices, closer to Park Hall. Telemedicine services, which allow patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, could also play a vital role in improving access.

The Overall Health Score for Park Hall is a complex metric, reflecting the interplay of transportation, healthcare access, and the unique characteristics of the community. While the current situation presents challenges, there are opportunities to improve the health and well-being of residents. By investing in transportation infrastructure, promoting alternative mobility solutions, and strategically planning healthcare services, the community can create a more accessible and equitable healthcare system. For those considering moving to Park Hall, understanding these transportation challenges is crucial.