21773, Myersville, Maryland Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 21773, Myersville, Maryland is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.49 percent of residents in 21773 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Meritus Medical Center with a distance of 9.44 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 21773 (Myersville, MD)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Myersville, Maryland (ZIP Code 21773) requires a deep dive into the accessibility of healthcare services. This encompasses not only the availability of medical facilities but also the practicality and efficiency of **transportation** options. The ability to readily access medical care is a fundamental determinant of overall health, and the ease or difficulty of doing so significantly impacts the well-being of the community. This report analyzes various modes of **transportation**, drive times, public transit, and ride-sharing services, ultimately painting a picture of **healthcare access** for those living in and potentially **moving to Myersville**.

Myersville, nestled in Frederick County, offers a charming, rural atmosphere. However, this idyllic setting presents challenges when it comes to healthcare accessibility. The town's relative isolation means residents often rely on surrounding areas for medical care. The primary routes connecting Myersville to healthcare facilities are the major highways and roads: Interstate 70 (I-70), U.S. Route 40 (National Pike), and Maryland Route 17.

Driving remains the dominant mode of **transportation** for accessing healthcare. The drive time to the nearest hospitals, urgent care facilities, and specialist offices is a crucial factor in determining the overall health score. Frederick Health Hospital, located in Frederick, is a major healthcare provider. The drive from Myersville to Frederick Health Hospital typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions on I-70 and the local roads.

Another important healthcare provider is Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown. The drive to Hagerstown, primarily via I-70 West and then I-81 North, is considerably longer, averaging 45 minutes to an hour. This longer commute can be a significant barrier, particularly for those requiring urgent care or facing chronic health conditions.

U.S. Route 40, a historic thoroughfare, provides an alternative route to Frederick, but it is generally slower than I-70 due to traffic lights and lower speed limits. Maryland Route 17, which runs through Myersville, offers access to local roads and can be used to reach Frederick, but it is not a direct route to major healthcare facilities. The condition of these roads, especially during inclement weather, can further impact travel times and safety.

Public **transportation** options are limited in Myersville. Frederick County Transit provides bus services, but routes are infrequent and may not directly connect to all healthcare facilities. The primary route serving Myersville is Route 80, which travels between Frederick and Middletown. While this route offers a connection to Frederick, it may require multiple transfers to reach specific medical offices or hospitals.

The frequency of Route 80 is a concern, with limited service on weekends and evenings. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a positive aspect, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. However, the overall lack of comprehensive public transit significantly limits **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. This is a critical factor to consider when evaluating the overall health score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another **transportation** option. While available in the area, their reliability and cost can vary. Ride-sharing services may be more readily available during peak hours but can be challenging to secure during off-peak times or in emergencies. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant burden for some residents, particularly those with fixed incomes or frequent medical appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are available. Companies like CareRide and MedStar Mobile Healthcare provide non-emergency medical **transportation**. These services are often used by individuals who cannot drive themselves or rely on public transit. However, these services typically require advance booking and can be expensive, potentially adding to the financial burden of healthcare.

The availability of these services is a positive aspect, but their cost and the need for advance planning can still create challenges for some residents. These services are vital for those with mobility issues or other health conditions that make driving or using public transit difficult.

The overall health score for Myersville (ZIP Code 21773) reflects a mixed picture. While the town offers a desirable living environment, the limited **transportation** options to healthcare facilities pose a challenge. Drive times to major hospitals are reasonable, but the reliance on personal vehicles and the lack of robust public transit or readily available ride-sharing services can create barriers to **healthcare access**, especially for those with limited mobility, financial constraints, or those who cannot drive.

The drive to Frederick Health Hospital is relatively manageable, but the longer commute to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown could be a significant concern. The infrequent public transit and the potential cost of ride-sharing services further complicate the situation.

For those considering **moving to Myersville**, the availability of reliable **transportation** to healthcare facilities should be a primary consideration. Assessing the potential impact on their healthcare needs is crucial. Individuals with chronic health conditions or those who require frequent medical appointments may find the lack of convenient **transportation** a significant disadvantage.

The overall health score is affected by the availability of healthcare facilities within a reasonable driving distance, but the limited **transportation** options negatively impact the score. The community would benefit from increased public transit frequency, improved ride-sharing services, and initiatives to support medical **transportation** for those in need. Addressing these **transportation** challenges is essential to improving the overall health and well-being of the residents of Myersville. The lack of readily available and affordable **transportation** options to healthcare facilities is a significant factor in determining the overall health score.