21746, Hagerstown, Maryland Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 21746, Hagerstown, Maryland is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 21746 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.47 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Meritus Medical Center with a distance of 4.47 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 21746

Zip code 21746, encompassing a significant portion of Hagerstown, Maryland, presents a multifaceted landscape for healthcare access. Evaluating the overall health score requires a granular understanding of the transportation infrastructure, the proximity and availability of medical facilities, and the specific challenges faced by residents. This assessment considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation, providing a comprehensive picture for anyone contemplating moving to Hagerstown and seeking to understand their future healthcare access.

The primary arteries for vehicular transportation in 21746 are Interstate 70 (I-70), Interstate 81 (I-81), and U.S. Route 40. I-70 serves as a crucial east-west corridor, connecting Hagerstown to Frederick and Baltimore. I-81 facilitates north-south travel, linking the area to Pennsylvania and Virginia. U.S. Route 40, known as the National Pike, offers a more direct route to the city center and surrounding areas.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a significant factor. The Meritus Medical Center, the primary hospital in Hagerstown, is generally accessible within 10-15 minutes for residents in the central areas of 21746. However, those residing on the periphery, particularly in the western or southern sections, might experience drive times closer to 20-25 minutes, especially during peak traffic hours. The congestion on I-70 and U.S. Route 40 can significantly impact travel times, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of location when assessing healthcare access.

Beyond the major highways, several secondary roads play a vital role in healthcare transportation. Pennsylvania Avenue, Jonathan Street, and Potomac Street are crucial for navigating within the city limits and reaching various medical offices and clinics. These routes, while often less congested than the interstates, can still experience delays during rush hour. Understanding these nuanced traffic patterns is vital for anyone considering a move to Hagerstown and prioritizing healthcare accessibility.

Public transportation, while available, presents certain limitations. The Washington CountyWashington County Transit (WCT) system operates several routes within Hagerstown and surrounding areas. Route 1, Route 2, and Route 3, for example, serve various parts of 21746, providing access to the Meritus Medical Center and other healthcare facilities. However, the frequency of these routes can be limited, especially during evenings and weekends.

ADA accessibility is a crucial consideration for public transit. WCT strives to provide accessible services, with all buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and designated seating. However, the overall coverage of the WCT system is not as extensive as in larger metropolitan areas, potentially posing challenges for individuals with mobility limitations, particularly those living in areas with limited route coverage. The availability of accessible stops and the overall convenience of the public transit system require careful evaluation when assessing healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to public transportation and personal vehicles. These services are generally available in Hagerstown, providing on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities. However, the availability of drivers can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in less densely populated areas. Ride-sharing fares can also add to the overall cost of healthcare access, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services cater specifically to individuals with medical needs who require assistance with transportation. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and private ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) and emergency medical services (EMS) within the 21746 zip code. NEMT services are particularly valuable for individuals who cannot drive or use public transportation due to medical conditions. The cost of these services can vary depending on the distance, level of care required, and insurance coverage.

The availability and efficiency of these medical transportation services are crucial for ensuring timely access to healthcare. Individuals with chronic illnesses, mobility limitations, or other medical needs often rely on these services to reach appointments, treatments, and other medical care. Understanding the range of medical transport options and their associated costs is essential for a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access in 21746.

Healthcare access extends beyond the physical transportation to medical facilities. The proximity of urgent care centers, specialty clinics, and pharmacies significantly impacts the overall health score. Several urgent care facilities are located within the 21746 zip code, providing convenient access to immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions. The presence of various specialty clinics, such as cardiology, dermatology, and physical therapy, further enhances the healthcare landscape.

Pharmacies, including national chains and independent pharmacies, are readily accessible throughout the area, ensuring convenient access to medications. The availability of these ancillary services contributes to the overall convenience and efficiency of healthcare access. However, the specific location of these facilities and their proximity to residential areas should be considered when evaluating the health score.

When considering moving to Hagerstown, a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape is paramount. The overall health score for 21746 reflects a blend of factors, including drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transportation services. While the area benefits from the presence of Meritus Medical Center and various healthcare facilities, the limitations of public transportation and the potential for traffic congestion should be carefully considered.

The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation options provides additional avenues for healthcare access, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those without personal vehicles. The proximity of urgent care centers, specialty clinics, and pharmacies further enhances the overall healthcare environment.

The overall health score for 21746 is therefore a nuanced assessment. While the area offers reasonable access to healthcare, the specific challenges related to transportation and the need for careful planning, especially for those relying on public transit or medical transport, must be acknowledged. The health score is not static; it’s a dynamic measure influenced by individual circumstances, location within the zip code, and the evolving landscape of transportation and healthcare services. For anyone moving to Hagerstown, a thorough evaluation of these factors is essential to ensure access to quality healthcare.