20692, Valley Lee, Maryland Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 20692, Valley Lee, Maryland is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

80.42 percent of residents in 20692 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Medstar Saint Mary's Hospital with a distance of 10.56 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Valley Lee, ZIP Code 20692

Valley Lee, Maryland, a charming locale nestled in St. Mary's County, presents a unique landscape for residents navigating the complexities of healthcare access. This assessment, focusing on ZIP code 20692, delves into the transportation infrastructure and available healthcare options, ultimately crafting an “Overall Health Score” reflecting the ease with which residents can reach necessary medical services. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport services, offering a comprehensive view for those considering moving to Valley Lee or seeking to optimize their current healthcare access.

The primary challenge for Valley Lee residents lies in its relative remoteness. The area is characterized by a rural setting, with limited public transportation and a reliance on personal vehicles. This geographical reality significantly impacts the “Overall Health Score,” particularly for individuals without personal transportation or those with mobility limitations. The efficiency and reliability of transportation directly translate to the timeliness of medical appointments and the overall well-being of the community.

The primary artery for accessing healthcare facilities from Valley Lee is Route 5, also known as Point Lookout Road. This road provides the most direct route to Leonardtown, the county seat and home to MedStar St. Mary's Hospital, the primary healthcare provider for the region. Drive times along Route 5 can vary considerably depending on traffic, particularly during peak hours and on weekends. Expect a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes to reach the hospital, assuming moderate traffic conditions.

Further travel to specialists or more advanced medical facilities, such as those in Washington, D.C., or Baltimore, necessitates navigating additional highways. Route 5 connects to Route 235, which then merges onto Route 4, also known as Southern Maryland Boulevard. Route 4 provides access to the broader highway network, including the Capital Beltway (I-495) and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295). These longer journeys significantly increase travel time, potentially exceeding an hour or more depending on the destination and traffic conditions. The reliability of these routes is paramount, as delays can have serious consequences for patients needing timely medical attention.

Public transportation options within ZIP code 20692 are extremely limited. The St. Mary's County Transit System (SMCTS) offers some services, but the routes and frequency are not designed to serve the specific needs of healthcare access. The existing routes may not directly serve healthcare facilities or operate during the hours when medical appointments are typically scheduled. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles and infrastructure is crucial for individuals with disabilities. The SMCTS must be thoroughly evaluated to ensure that it adequately caters to the needs of all residents, including those with mobility challenges.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Valley Lee area. However, their reliability and affordability can fluctuate. The availability of drivers, particularly during off-peak hours or in the early morning or late evening, can be inconsistent. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, especially those with frequent medical appointments. These services can be invaluable, but they are not a guaranteed solution for all transportation needs.

Specialized medical transportation services are another critical component of healthcare access. Companies specializing in non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) provide services for individuals who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services often cater to patients with mobility limitations, those who cannot drive, or those who require stretcher transportation. Several providers operate in the Southern Maryland region, including companies like First Transit and LogistiCare. The availability and coverage of these services in Valley Lee are essential to consider.

The “Overall Health Score” for commuting to healthcare in ZIP code 20692 is influenced by several factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the potential for long drive times all contribute to a lower score. The availability of ride-sharing services and specialized medical transportation can improve the score, but their reliability and affordability remain key considerations.

The geographical location of Valley Lee, while offering a peaceful and scenic environment, presents inherent challenges to healthcare access. The drive times to medical facilities, the lack of robust public transportation, and the reliance on personal vehicles create a transportation burden for many residents. This burden is particularly pronounced for those with chronic health conditions, mobility limitations, or limited financial resources.

For individuals considering moving to Valley Lee, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation options is essential. The proximity to healthcare facilities, the availability of transportation alternatives, and the affordability of these options should be carefully evaluated. The “Overall Health Score” serves as a valuable tool for understanding the realities of healthcare access in this area.

The score reflects the overall ease with which residents can reach medical services, considering the transportation infrastructure and available options. While Valley Lee offers a desirable lifestyle, the challenges of healthcare access must be acknowledged. Improving public transportation, expanding ride-sharing services, and ensuring the availability of affordable medical transportation are crucial steps toward enhancing the “Overall Health Score” and improving the well-being of the community.

Therefore, the “Overall Health Score” for commuting to healthcare in ZIP code 20692 is moderately impacted by the transportation infrastructure. The drive times, while manageable, are subject to traffic and distance. The limited public transportation options and the reliance on personal vehicles pose challenges for some residents. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services provides some relief, but their reliability and affordability must be carefully considered. Further investment in public transportation and the expansion of ride-sharing services are crucial to enhance healthcare access and improve the “Overall Health Score” for the residents of Valley Lee.