21757, Keymar, Maryland Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 21757, Keymar, Maryland is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.24 percent of residents in 21757 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.03 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Meritus Medical Center with a distance of 22.04 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 21757 (Keymar, Maryland)**

The quaint community of Keymar, nestled within ZIP Code 21757, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering overall health and access to healthcare. This assessment delves into the transportation landscape, a critical factor influencing residents' ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care. We will explore drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, ultimately formulating an "Overall Health Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of navigating the healthcare system from this rural Maryland location.

The "Overall Health Score" for Keymar, Maryland, is a complex calculation, heavily weighted by transportation options. A community’s health is inextricably linked to its ability to access essential services, and healthcare sits at the apex of that pyramid. The score will consider proximity to medical facilities, the efficiency of available transportation methods, and the overall cost and convenience of reaching medical appointments.

**Driving Times and Roadways**

For many Keymar residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. The drive to healthcare facilities in the surrounding areas often necessitates navigating a network of highways and local roads. The major arteries serving the region include Maryland Route 194, a critical north-south connector, and Maryland Route 97, which facilitates east-west travel. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, potentially impacting drive times to urgent care or scheduled appointments.

Traveling south on Route 194, residents can reach Westminster, a hub for healthcare services. The drive, typically taking 15-20 minutes, offers access to Carroll Hospital, a comprehensive medical center. Heading east on Route 97, residents can reach the Frederick area, where they can access Frederick Health Hospital, and a variety of specialty clinics. This journey can take approximately 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

The presence of these highways is a boon, but the rural nature of the area means that public transit options are limited. The time spent traveling is a crucial factor in the overall health score. Longer commutes can lead to missed appointments, increased stress, and potentially delayed medical interventions.

**Public Transit Options**

Public transportation options in and around Keymar are limited. The Carroll Transit System (CTS) provides some bus services, but the frequency and routes may not always align with the needs of residents seeking healthcare. CTS primarily operates within Carroll County, and service to Keymar may be infrequent, requiring careful planning and potentially long wait times.

Furthermore, accessibility is a key consideration. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public transit systems offer accessible services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, even with these provisions, the practical application of these services can be challenging in a rural setting. The limited frequency of routes and the potential for long travel times can pose significant barriers for individuals with mobility limitations or other disabilities.

The lack of robust public transportation significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score." The reliance on personal vehicles or the potential for lengthy wait times and limited routes for public transit users can hinder healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. However, the availability of these services in Keymar can be inconsistent, and the cost can be a significant barrier for some residents. Surge pricing, common during peak hours or periods of high demand, can further exacerbate the financial burden of accessing healthcare.

Medical transport services, designed specifically for individuals with medical needs, provide another avenue for reaching healthcare facilities. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and MedStar offer ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation. These services are often used for individuals who require assistance with mobility or have other medical conditions that make it difficult to travel independently.

The availability of these services is a positive factor, but their cost can be substantial, and they may require advance booking. The reliability of these services is also a consideration, as delays or cancellations can disrupt medical appointments.

**Healthcare Access and the "Overall Health Score"**

The "Overall Health Score" for Keymar, Maryland, is moderately impacted by the transportation landscape. While the presence of major highways provides access to healthcare facilities, the limited public transit options, the potential cost and availability issues of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport services all contribute to a lower score.

The score also reflects the importance of preventative care and the ability of residents to access routine checkups and screenings. The difficulty in reaching healthcare providers can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment, ultimately impacting overall health outcomes.

**Moving to Keymar: Considerations for Healthcare Access**

For individuals considering moving to Keymar, understanding the transportation challenges and the potential impact on healthcare access is crucial. Prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and consider the availability of personal vehicles, the reliability of public transit, and the cost and availability of ride-sharing or medical transport services.

Those with chronic health conditions or mobility limitations should pay particular attention to the accessibility of transportation options. Researching the locations of healthcare providers, the drive times, and the availability of specialized transportation services is essential.

**Conclusion**

The "Overall Health Score" for Keymar, Maryland, is influenced by the transportation landscape. While the presence of major highways provides access to healthcare facilities, the limited public transit options, and the potential cost and availability issues of ride-sharing services contribute to a moderate score. Residents should carefully consider their transportation needs and plan accordingly to ensure timely and convenient access to healthcare. The community's health is directly tied to its ability to navigate these transportation challenges.