21718, Burkittsville, Maryland Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 21718, Burkittsville, Maryland is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.13 percent of residents in 21718 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.65 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Frederick Health Hospital with a distance of 11.63 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 21718 (Burkittsville, Maryland)

This assessment provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 21718, focusing on the critical aspect of healthcare access. The analysis considers the ease and efficiency of transportation options available to reach medical facilities, ultimately influencing the well-being of individuals living in and considering moving to Burkittsville. This evaluation is crucial because timely access to healthcare is a fundamental determinant of health outcomes.

Burkittsville, a charming town nestled in Frederick County, Maryland, presents a unique challenge in healthcare access due to its rural setting. The town's location, while offering scenic beauty, necessitates careful consideration of transportation options when assessing the overall health score. The score reflects the accessibility of various healthcare services, encompassing primary care physicians, specialists, emergency care, and pharmacies.

The primary mode of transportation for residents of Burkittsville is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. Driving times to healthcare facilities are a significant factor in the overall health score. The main roadways serving the area are crucial. Route 17, a major thoroughfare, provides a direct route to Frederick, where a wider range of healthcare services are available. The drive to Frederick can take approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Commuting to healthcare facilities located in Hagerstown, which is another option, requires navigating Route 40 and I-70. This journey can take around 45 minutes to an hour, again, contingent on traffic. During peak hours, the commute can be considerably longer, impacting the ability to seek prompt medical attention. The condition of these roads and the potential for accidents also play a role in the overall health score, as they can disrupt access to care.

Public transportation options are limited in Burkittsville. The availability of public transit significantly impacts the overall health score for those without personal vehicles or who prefer not to drive. The Frederick County Transit system (TransIT) offers some service, but routes and schedules are not designed for frequent trips to medical facilities. The frequency of service on these routes is generally low, and the routes themselves may not directly serve all healthcare locations.

The TransIT buses do have ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair accessibility. However, the limited service frequency and route coverage can present challenges for individuals with mobility issues or those who rely on public transit for their healthcare needs. This is a critical factor when considering the overall health score, especially for vulnerable populations.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, offering an alternative to driving or public transit. However, the reliability and cost of these services can vary. Availability might be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in adverse weather conditions. The overall health score is affected by the potential for delays or unavailability, which can impede timely access to medical care.

Medical transportation services are another option, particularly for individuals with specific needs. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. However, these services may require pre-booking and can be costly. The availability and cost of these services are factored into the overall health score.

The location of pharmacies is also a consideration. Access to prescription medications is essential for maintaining health. While Burkittsville itself may not have a pharmacy, pharmacies are readily accessible in nearby towns like Middletown and Frederick. This accessibility impacts the overall health score, as it determines how easily residents can obtain necessary medications.

The presence of urgent care facilities and emergency rooms is another important aspect of healthcare access. The closest emergency room is located in Frederick. The drive time to this facility is a critical factor in the overall health score, as it determines how quickly residents can access emergency care. The availability of urgent care facilities in the surrounding areas also contributes to the overall health score, providing an alternative for non-life-threatening medical needs.

The overall health score also considers the availability of specialist care. Residents of Burkittsville may need to travel to Frederick, Hagerstown, or even Baltimore or Washington, D.C., to access specialized medical services. The drive times and the availability of transportation options to these locations significantly impact the overall health score.

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 21718 reflects a mixed picture. While the town offers a peaceful and scenic environment, the rural location presents challenges in accessing healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options can create barriers to care, particularly for those without a car or who have mobility issues.

The drive times to healthcare facilities, the reliability of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical transportation services all contribute to the overall health score. The score also considers the accessibility of pharmacies, urgent care facilities, and specialist care.

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 21718 is moderate. While residents have access to healthcare services, the transportation challenges and potential for delays can impact the timeliness and ease of access. Individuals considering moving to Burkittsville should carefully consider these transportation factors when evaluating the overall health score and the impact on their well-being. The need for improved public transit options and increased availability of ride-sharing services could significantly improve the overall health score for residents of Burkittsville.