21902, Perry Point, Maryland Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 21902, Perry Point, Maryland is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 21902 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.13 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Harford Memorial Hospital with a distance of 1.41 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 21902

Understanding the overall health of a community requires a holistic approach, one that considers not only the quality of medical facilities but also the ease with which residents can access them. This analysis focuses on the critical aspect of **transportation** and its impact on **healthcare access** for individuals residing in ZIP Code 21902, specifically considering the implications for those **moving to Perry Point**, Maryland. The overall health score will reflect the accessibility of healthcare services, factoring in drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions.

ZIP Code 21902 encompasses the area surrounding Perry Point, a location with a significant presence of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. This provides a crucial healthcare resource, but accessibility to other medical facilities is also essential for comprehensive care.

The primary challenge for residents of 21902 is the relative geographic isolation. While the VA Medical Center offers specialized services, access to a broader range of healthcare providers, including specialists and urgent care facilities, necessitates travel. The **transportation** infrastructure, therefore, becomes a critical determinant of the overall health score.

The dominant mode of **transportation** in this area is personal vehicles. Driving times to various healthcare facilities will significantly influence the score. For instance, accessing Union Hospital in Elkton, a major regional hospital, involves navigating primarily along Route 40, a major east-west thoroughfare. Traffic conditions on Route 40, particularly during peak hours, can significantly extend travel times. The drive, typically a 20-30 minute journey under normal conditions, can easily stretch to 45 minutes or more during rush hour.

Further afield, access to healthcare in Wilmington, Delaware, or Baltimore, Maryland, requires utilizing I-95, a major interstate highway. While I-95 offers faster travel, potential congestion and the distance involved can pose significant challenges for residents, especially those with mobility limitations or requiring frequent medical appointments.

Beyond the main highways, the network of secondary roads, including Route 222 and Route 7, provide alternative routes. However, these roads often have lower speed limits and may be less well-maintained, adding to travel time and potentially increasing the risk of accidents. The condition of these roads, especially during inclement weather, can further exacerbate the difficulties in accessing healthcare.

Public transit options are limited in 21902. The Cecil County Transit system offers some bus routes, but their frequency and coverage are restricted. Route 1, for example, connects Perry Point to Elkton, but the schedule may not align with all healthcare appointment times. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for individuals with disabilities. Ensuring that all routes are fully accessible is paramount to equitable **healthcare access**.

While the availability of public transit is a factor, its impact on the overall health score is diminished by its limited scope. The lack of frequent service and comprehensive coverage means that many residents, particularly those living outside the immediate vicinity of bus routes, are heavily reliant on personal vehicles.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative **transportation** solution. However, their availability in 21902 may be inconsistent, and the cost can be a significant barrier for some residents. The reliability of ride-sharing services, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, can also be a concern.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized option. Companies like MedStar Mobile Healthcare and other private medical transport providers operate in the region. These services often cater to individuals with mobility issues or those who require assistance during travel. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, potentially limiting their accessibility for lower-income residents.

The overall health score for **healthcare access** in 21902 is therefore moderately impacted by the available **transportation** options. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit and the potential cost barriers of ride-sharing and medical **transportation**, creates challenges for many residents.

The score is further influenced by the specific needs of the population. The presence of the VA Medical Center suggests a significant veteran population, many of whom may have mobility limitations or require specialized medical care. Ensuring that veterans can easily access healthcare, both at the VA and at other facilities, is a crucial consideration.

For individuals **moving to Perry Point**, understanding these **transportation** challenges is essential. While the VA Medical Center provides a vital resource, the ability to access a broader range of healthcare services is critical for maintaining overall health and well-being. Prospective residents should carefully consider the distance to other medical facilities, the availability of public transit, and the potential costs of alternative **transportation** options.

The overall health score is also influenced by the availability of preventative care services. Access to primary care physicians, dentists, and other healthcare providers is crucial for early detection and treatment of health problems. The drive times to these providers, the availability of appointments, and the acceptance of various insurance plans are all factors that influence the overall health score.

Furthermore, the overall health score is impacted by the availability of mental health services. Access to mental health professionals, including therapists and psychiatrists, is essential for addressing the mental health needs of the community. The drive times to these providers, the availability of appointments, and the acceptance of various insurance plans are all factors that influence the overall health score.

In conclusion, the overall health score for **healthcare access** in 21902 is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential cost barriers of alternative **transportation** solutions create challenges for many residents. While the presence of the VA Medical Center provides a valuable resource, the ability to access a broader range of healthcare services is critical for maintaining overall health and well-being. For those **moving to Perry Point**, a thorough understanding of these **transportation** challenges is essential for making informed decisions about their healthcare needs. Improving the overall health score requires a multifaceted approach, including expanding public transit options, supporting ride-sharing initiatives, and ensuring the availability of affordable medical **transportation** services.