21520, Accident, Maryland Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 21520, Accident, Maryland is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.87 percent of residents in 21520 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Garrett Regional Medical Center with a distance of 15.51 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 21520

Understanding the ease with which residents of Accident, Maryland (ZIP code 21520) can access healthcare is critical to assessing their overall health and well-being. This analysis delves into the complexities of transportation options, scrutinizing drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport provisions. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" reflecting the challenges and opportunities in navigating the healthcare landscape within this rural community.

The primary hurdle for residents of Accident is its location. Nestled within Garrett County, the area is characterized by its remoteness and limited infrastructure. This geographical reality significantly impacts transportation and, consequently, healthcare access. The "Overall Health Score" for this ZIP code will therefore be influenced by the inherent difficulties in getting to medical appointments, pharmacies, and specialized care facilities.

**Driving the Healthcare Journey:**

For many, the automobile is the primary mode of transportation. However, the roads themselves present a challenge. The primary arteries connecting Accident to healthcare facilities are US Route 219 and Maryland Route 495. These roads, while well-maintained, can become congested during peak hours, particularly in the vicinity of Grantsville and Oakland, the county seat. Drive times can vary considerably depending on the destination and time of day. For instance, a trip to Garrett Regional Medical Center in Oakland, the closest hospital, can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Further afield, accessing specialized care in Cumberland (Allegany County) via Interstate 68 adds significant travel time, often exceeding an hour. The condition of secondary roads, like Accident-Bittinger Road and Sang Run Road, also plays a role. While offering scenic routes, these roads can be winding and, in winter, prone to hazardous conditions, adding to the risk and difficulty of travel. The "Overall Health Score" will thus reflect the dependence on private vehicles and the potential for transportation barriers due to weather and road conditions.

**Public Transit's Limited Role:**

Public transportation options in 21520 are extremely limited. Garrett County operates a small public transit system, Garrett County Transit, but its routes and schedules are not designed to specifically cater to healthcare needs. These services are primarily focused on providing transportation within the county, with limited connections to neighboring counties where more extensive medical services are available. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a positive aspect, but the infrequency of service and limited reach severely restrict its utility for healthcare access.

The "Overall Health Score" acknowledges the significant limitations of public transit in this area. The lack of frequent, reliable, and direct routes to healthcare facilities represents a major obstacle for those without personal vehicles, particularly the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with low incomes.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Garrett County, but their presence is often sporadic and dependent on driver availability. This is particularly true in rural areas like Accident, where demand is lower. The reliability of these services for scheduled medical appointments is therefore questionable. The "Overall Health Score" will reflect this uncertainty, as the reliance on ride-sharing for healthcare access is inherently fragile.

Medical transport services, designed specifically for transporting individuals to and from medical appointments, offer a more reliable solution. Several companies operate in the region, including those specializing in non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). These services, however, can be costly, and their availability may be limited. The "Overall Health Score" will consider the potential financial burden associated with medical transport, as well as the practical considerations of scheduling and availability.

**The Healthcare Access Equation:**

The "Overall Health Score" for 21520 must also consider the specific healthcare needs of the population. The presence of primary care physicians, specialists, and ancillary services like pharmacies and physical therapy clinics within a reasonable distance is crucial. The availability of these services in Accident itself, and in nearby towns like Grantsville and Oakland, directly influences the "Overall Health Score."

Factors such as the proximity of emergency medical services (EMS) and the response times of ambulances are also essential. In a rural area, timely access to emergency care can be a matter of life and death. The "Overall Health Score" will therefore incorporate an assessment of the accessibility and responsiveness of emergency medical services.

**The "Overall Health Score" Breakdown:**

The "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in ZIP code 21520 would likely be considered "Fair to Poor." This assessment is based on the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** Moderate to long drive times to access healthcare facilities, with reliance on personal vehicles.
* **Public Transit:** Extremely limited public transit options, with routes not specifically designed for healthcare access.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Sporadic availability of ride-sharing services, with potential for unreliability.
* **Medical Transport:** Availability of medical transport services, but with potential cost and scheduling limitations.
* **Healthcare Services:** Availability of primary care and some specialized services within a reasonable distance, but with the need to travel to access more comprehensive care.
* **Road Conditions and Weather:** The potential for hazardous road conditions, especially during winter months, can impact travel times and safety.

**Improving the Score: A Path Forward:**

Improving the "Overall Health Score" requires a multi-pronged approach. Enhancing public transit options, with routes specifically designed to serve healthcare facilities, is crucial. This could involve partnering with healthcare providers to establish transportation programs or subsidizing transportation costs for vulnerable populations.

Expanding the availability of ride-sharing services, potentially through incentives or partnerships, could also help. Medical transport services should be promoted and made more affordable. Investing in road infrastructure, including improvements to secondary roads, can improve safety and reduce travel times.

Furthermore, attracting more healthcare providers to the area, including specialists and ancillary services, would reduce the need for residents to travel long distances. Telehealth initiatives, providing remote access to medical consultations and services, could also play a vital role in improving healthcare access.

**Conclusion: A Call to Action for Accident:**

The "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in 21520 highlights the challenges faced by residents in accessing essential medical services. The remoteness of Accident, coupled with limited transportation options, creates significant barriers. Improving this score requires a concerted effort from local government, healthcare providers, and community organizations. By addressing the transportation challenges, expanding access to healthcare services, and promoting innovative solutions, the overall health and well-being of the residents of Accident can be significantly improved. The journey to healthcare should not be a burden, but a readily accessible right for all.