20650, Leonardtown, Maryland Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 20650, Leonardtown, Maryland is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.86 percent of residents in 20650 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.36 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Medstar Saint Mary's Hospital with a distance of 3.46 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Leonardtown (ZIP Code 20650)

The decision to relocate, especially when considering healthcare needs, demands meticulous research. This analysis focuses on healthcare access for individuals within ZIP Code 20650, specifically concerning prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. We will examine the available transportation options, from private vehicles to public transit, to assess the ease with which residents can access crucial medical services. This is a vital consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Leonardtown, ensuring their healthcare needs are met with minimal disruption.

Leonardtown, Maryland, a charming town nestled in St. Mary's County, offers a blend of historical character and modern amenities. However, healthcare access, particularly for specialized treatments like prostate cancer care, requires careful consideration of transportation logistics. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score" by evaluating the accessibility of healthcare facilities from various points within ZIP Code 20650.

The primary factor in this score is **drive time**. The most direct route to specialized care often involves navigating the local roadways. From the heart of Leonardtown, a drive to MedStar St. Mary's Hospital, a key healthcare provider, typically takes around 5-10 minutes. This short commute is a significant advantage for residents needing immediate medical attention or frequent appointments. Accessing the hospital is straightforward, typically requiring travel on Route 5 (Point Lookout Road) and then turning onto Route 245 (Piney Point Road).

However, specialized prostate cancer care, including advanced treatments like radiation therapy or robotic surgery, might necessitate travel to facilities outside Leonardtown. For instance, Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, a renowned center for cancer treatment, presents a considerably longer journey. The most common route involves taking Route 5 north, merging onto Route 4, and then connecting to the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295). This drive, depending on traffic, can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

Another option is to travel south on Route 5, then onto Route 235, and then onto Route 4. This route offers a shorter drive to Washington, D.C. facilities. The drive to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, for example, takes approximately 1.5 hours. These longer drive times highlight the importance of planning and considering potential delays when scheduling appointments or seeking urgent care.

Public transportation offers an alternative, although its availability and convenience are limited. The St. Mary's County Transit System (SMT) provides bus services within the county. However, these routes are primarily designed for local travel and do not offer direct, efficient connections to major hospitals outside the county. While SMT routes might offer a partial solution for reaching local medical offices, they are unlikely to be a practical option for those needing specialized prostate cancer care in Baltimore or Washington, D.C.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of SMT buses is a crucial consideration. The St. Mary's County Transit System provides accessible services, including wheelchair lifts and ramps, on all of its fixed-route buses. This is a critical factor for individuals with mobility limitations who may need to utilize public transportation for healthcare appointments. However, the infrequency of service and the need for transfers can still pose challenges.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, provide another transportation option. These services are available in Leonardtown and offer a more convenient alternative to public transit, especially for those who prefer door-to-door service. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, particularly for frequent appointments. The availability of drivers can also vary, potentially impacting the reliability of this mode of transportation.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, provide a specialized solution. These services offer non-emergency medical transport, often with trained personnel and specialized vehicles. Companies like CareRide or American Medical Response (AMR) operate in the region and can provide transport to and from medical appointments. This option is particularly valuable for individuals who cannot drive themselves or require assistance with mobility.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 20650 is not simply a numerical value but a multifaceted assessment. It weighs the ease of access to healthcare facilities, considering drive times, public transportation options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. The short drive to MedStar St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown provides a strong foundation. However, the longer travel times to specialized cancer centers in Baltimore or Washington, D.C., necessitate careful planning and consideration of alternative transportation options.

The accessibility of healthcare is a critical factor for those considering moving to Leonardtown. The "Prostate Cancer Score" provides a framework for evaluating the available transportation options and understanding the potential challenges and advantages of accessing healthcare services. This allows individuals to make informed decisions, ensuring their healthcare needs are met with minimal disruption.

The availability of various transportation options, from private vehicles to medical transport services, offers a degree of flexibility. However, the reliance on driving for accessing specialized care and the limited public transit options highlight the importance of personal vehicle ownership or the need to budget for ride-sharing or medical transportation.

The choice of where to live is deeply personal, and the ability to access quality healthcare is a fundamental consideration. By evaluating the transportation landscape and understanding the complexities of healthcare access, individuals can make informed decisions about their future, ensuring their well-being is prioritized. The "Prostate Cancer Score" is a tool designed to empower individuals in their healthcare journey, making Leonardtown a viable option for those seeking a community with a balance of charm and healthcare accessibility.