21791, Union Bridge, Maryland Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 21791, Union Bridge, Maryland is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.47 percent of residents in 21791 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Carroll Hospital Center with a distance of 10.57 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Union Bridge, MD (ZIP Code 21791)

This analysis evaluates the ease of accessing healthcare for residents of Union Bridge, Maryland (ZIP Code 21791), considering transportation options, drive times, and the availability of public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" reflecting the community's ability to connect with essential medical services. For those *moving to Union Bridge*, this score provides a critical insight into the practicalities of maintaining good health.

The "Overall Health Score" will be assessed across several key areas: drive-time accessibility to various healthcare facilities, the availability and efficiency of public transportation, the presence and reliability of ride-sharing services, and the availability of specialized medical transport. Each factor will be weighed to provide a holistic understanding of the healthcare access landscape within and around Union Bridge.

**Drive-Time Accessibility:**

Union Bridge's location in Carroll County, Maryland, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. The primary arteries for accessing healthcare facilities are US Route 140, Maryland Route 75, and Maryland Route 31. The drive times to various healthcare providers are a significant factor in determining the "Overall Health Score."

Carroll Hospital, located in Westminster, is a major healthcare hub for the region. Traveling to Carroll Hospital from Union Bridge via US Route 140 typically takes between 15 and 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This drive time is generally considered acceptable, particularly for emergency situations. However, the potential for traffic congestion during peak hours, particularly on US Route 140, could impact this drive time.

Specialist appointments and access to more specialized care often necessitate travel to Baltimore or Frederick. Reaching the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, a major tertiary care center, requires a drive of approximately 45 to 60 minutes via Maryland Route 75 and I-795. This longer commute time can pose challenges for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent follow-up appointments. Similarly, accessing Frederick Health Hospital in Frederick, Maryland, typically takes 30 to 45 minutes via Maryland Route 31.

The drive-time accessibility to primary care physicians and urgent care facilities within Union Bridge and the surrounding areas is crucial. While Union Bridge itself may have limited healthcare facilities, the proximity to Westminster and Frederick, with their broader range of services, mitigates this concern. However, the reliance on personal vehicles for these commutes can be a barrier for individuals without access to a car.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation in Union Bridge is limited, posing a significant challenge to healthcare access for those who do not drive. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) does not operate fixed-route bus services directly within Union Bridge. This lack of public *transportation* significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score" for residents who rely on public transit.

The Carroll Area Transit System (CATS) provides some limited demand-response transportation services within Carroll County. These services require advance booking and may not be readily available for immediate healthcare needs. CATS offers ADA-accessible vehicles, which is crucial for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited service area and the need for pre-scheduling can create significant barriers to accessing healthcare.

The absence of robust public *transportation* options in Union Bridge necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transport for accessing healthcare. This is a significant drawback for those who cannot drive, have limited mobility, or cannot afford the costs associated with these alternative options.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Union Bridge, offering an alternative to personal vehicles for accessing healthcare. However, the availability of these services can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some individuals, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Several medical transport providers operate in the region, offering specialized transportation services for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. These services, such as MedStar Mobile Healthcare and other private companies, provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to healthcare appointments. However, these services often require pre-booking and may have associated costs, which can impact the affordability of healthcare access.

The reliability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services are critical components of the "Overall Health Score." While these services provide valuable alternatives to personal vehicles, their availability, cost, and accessibility for all residents need to be carefully considered.

**Overall Health Score Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for accessing healthcare in Union Bridge (ZIP Code 21791) is moderately positive. While the proximity to healthcare facilities in Westminster and Frederick provides access to a range of services, the limited public *transportation* options and the reliance on personal vehicles pose challenges for some residents.

The drive-time accessibility to Carroll Hospital is generally acceptable, but longer commutes to Baltimore and Frederick for specialized care can be a burden. The absence of a robust public transit system necessitates reliance on ride-sharing, medical transport, or personal vehicles. The availability and affordability of these alternative *transportation* options are crucial factors in determining the overall accessibility of healthcare.

For individuals *moving to Union Bridge*, the "Overall Health Score" highlights the importance of considering *transportation* needs and access to a personal vehicle. While the community offers a relatively safe and affordable living environment, the limitations in public *transportation* necessitate careful planning for healthcare appointments. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides valuable alternatives, but their cost and reliability should be carefully evaluated.

The "Overall Health Score" for Union Bridge could be improved by enhancing public transit options, increasing the availability of affordable ride-sharing services, and ensuring the accessibility of medical transport for all residents. Addressing these *healthcare access* gaps would significantly improve the community's ability to connect with essential medical services and enhance the overall health and well-being of its residents. The community's future development should prioritize these critical needs, thereby supporting the health and wellness of those *moving to Union Bridge*.