21538, Kitzmiller, Maryland Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 21538, Kitzmiller, Maryland is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

17.48 percent of residents in 21538 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Garrett Regional Medical Center with a distance of 11.34 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 21538

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Kitzmiller, Maryland (ZIP Code 21538) necessitates a deep dive into the accessibility of healthcare services, a critical component of community well-being. This analysis considers various modes of **transportation**, from personal vehicles to public transit, evaluating their impact on **healthcare access**. The geographical isolation of Kitzmiller, nestled within Garrett County, presents unique challenges and opportunities for those **moving to Kitzmiller**, making this a crucial assessment.

The primary determinant of healthcare accessibility in 21538 is the reliance on personal vehicles. Residents typically navigate the winding roads and mountainous terrain to reach medical facilities. The closest significant medical center is Garrett Regional Medical Center in Oakland, Maryland, roughly a 30-to-45-minute drive, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The primary route to Oakland involves traveling on US Route 219, a two-lane highway that can experience congestion, especially during peak hours or inclement weather. This highway is the lifeline connecting Kitzmiller to the broader region.

Additional routes involve utilizing local roads such as Kitzmiller Road, which eventually merges onto US 219. These roads, while offering alternative paths, are often narrow and can be affected by seasonal conditions like snow and ice. The drive to Cumberland, Maryland, a larger city with more extensive healthcare options, requires a journey of approximately an hour and a half, primarily via US Route 219 and Interstate 68. This longer drive significantly impacts the overall health score.

Public transportation options in 21538 are limited. Garrett County Transit operates a demand-response system, providing door-to-door service within the county. However, the service is not specifically designed for medical appointments and requires advance booking. The availability of this service depends on factors like scheduling and operational capacity, which can be a challenge for urgent medical needs. The accessibility features of the county transit vehicles, including wheelchair lifts, adhere to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards, offering some degree of accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the overall impact on healthcare access is constrained by the limited frequency and scope of the service.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader Garrett County area, but their presence in Kitzmiller itself is inconsistent. The availability of these services depends on driver density and demand, which can be unpredictable in a rural area. Relying on ride-sharing for healthcare appointments is therefore unreliable, particularly for those with urgent needs or limited financial resources. This variability significantly impacts the overall health score.

Specialized medical transportation services, such as those offered by ambulance companies and non-emergency medical transport providers, are available in the region. These services are typically reserved for individuals with specific medical needs or those requiring assistance with mobility. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, posing a financial barrier to **healthcare access** for some residents. The availability of medical transport also depends on the severity of the medical condition and the availability of resources.

The overall health score for **healthcare access** in 21538 is negatively impacted by several factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, while providing the most direct route to healthcare, is subject to weather conditions, traffic, and the financial burden of vehicle ownership and maintenance. The limited public transportation options, coupled with the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services, create significant challenges for individuals without access to a personal vehicle. The geographical isolation of Kitzmiller further exacerbates these challenges, increasing travel times and potentially delaying access to critical medical care.

The impact of these factors on the health score is further compounded by the demographics of the area. Garrett County has a higher proportion of elderly residents and individuals with disabilities, who may face greater challenges in accessing healthcare. The financial constraints faced by some residents can also limit their ability to afford transportation costs or the cost of specialized medical transport. These factors contribute to health disparities within the community.

The overall health score also reflects the availability of healthcare providers within the community. While Kitzmiller itself may have limited medical facilities, residents can access a range of healthcare services in nearby towns and cities. However, the accessibility of these services depends on the factors discussed above, including the availability of transportation and the financial resources of the residents.

The lack of readily available **transportation** options, coupled with the distance to medical facilities, directly impacts the ability of residents to receive timely and appropriate medical care. This can lead to delayed diagnoses, poorer health outcomes, and increased healthcare costs. The overall health score for Kitzmiller is therefore a reflection of the complex interplay between geographic location, transportation infrastructure, and the availability of healthcare resources.

Improving the overall health score for residents of 21538 requires a multi-faceted approach. Enhancing public transportation options, potentially by increasing the frequency and scope of the Garrett County Transit system, would be beneficial. Promoting the availability of ride-sharing services, perhaps through community partnerships or incentives, could also improve access. Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as road maintenance and snow removal, can also help.

Furthermore, exploring opportunities to bring healthcare services closer to the community, such as through mobile clinics or telehealth initiatives, would be invaluable. These initiatives could help reduce travel times and improve access to preventative care, ultimately improving the health and well-being of the residents. The ultimate goal is to create a community where everyone has equitable access to the healthcare they need, regardless of their location or **transportation** limitations. This is a critical consideration for those **moving to Kitzmiller**, and the long-term health of the community depends on it.