Health Scores Near 01730, Bedford, Massachusetts
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The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 01730, Bedford, Massachusetts is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 97.29 percent of the residents in 01730 has some form of health insurance. 22.16 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 88.59 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 01730 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 3,671 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01730. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,187 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,110 health care providers accessible to residents in 01730, Bedford, Massachusetts.
Health Scores in 01730, Bedford, Massachusetts
| Arthritis Score | 98 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 68 |
| Provider Score | 99 |
| Hospital Score | 63 |
| Travel Score | 66 |
| 01730 | Bedford | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Arthritis Score: Bedford, MA (ZIP Code 01730) – An Analysis
This analysis assesses the accessibility and quality of arthritis care within Bedford, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 01730), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) availability, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration. The goal is to provide an "Arthritis Score" perspective, evaluating the environment for individuals managing arthritis within this specific geographic area.
Bedford, a town of approximately 14,000 residents, presents a unique demographic profile, including a significant population of older adults, making arthritis management a critical healthcare need. The "Arthritis Score" considers several factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for comprehensive arthritis care.
**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**
Assessing the availability of primary care physicians is the foundation of this analysis. A robust PCP network is essential for initial diagnosis, ongoing management, and referrals to specialists. The physician-to-patient ratio within Bedford is a crucial metric. While precise figures fluctuate, generally, the town and surrounding areas appear to have a reasonable, but not exceptional, PCP-to-patient ratio. This means that while access to a PCP is generally possible, patients might experience longer wait times for appointments, especially for new patients.
The presence of larger primary care practices, often affiliated with major healthcare systems like Lahey Hospital & Medical Center or Mass General Brigham, can positively impact access. These larger practices typically have a broader network of providers, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, which can improve appointment availability. However, even within these networks, the demand for primary care services can be high, particularly for those with chronic conditions like arthritis.
**Specialist Access and Standout Practices:**
Beyond primary care, access to rheumatologists and other specialists is vital. Rheumatologists are the cornerstone of arthritis treatment, providing diagnosis, medication management, and specialized therapies. The availability of rheumatologists within Bedford itself is limited. Patients often need to travel to neighboring towns like Concord or Lexington, or even to Boston, for specialist appointments. This travel time and potential logistical challenges can negatively impact the “Arthritis Score.”
Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive arthritis care. These practices often integrate a multidisciplinary approach, including rheumatologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and potentially pain management specialists. They might also offer on-site diagnostic services, such as X-rays and ultrasounds, streamlining the patient experience. The practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems often have access to these resources, improving the overall level of care.
**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**
Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in arthritis management, especially for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and patient education. The adoption of telemedicine within Bedford's healthcare landscape is a key factor in the "Arthritis Score." Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring, improve accessibility, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in areas with limited specialist access.
The effectiveness of telemedicine hinges on several factors: the availability of reliable internet access, patient comfort with technology, and the ability of physicians to conduct thorough virtual examinations. Practices that provide clear instructions and technical support for telemedicine appointments enhance the patient experience and improve the overall quality of care.
**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**
Arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental health. Pain, disability, and the emotional toll of managing a chronic illness can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The integration of mental health resources into arthritis care is a critical component of the "Arthritis Score."
Practices that recognize the importance of mental health often offer on-site counseling services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals. Collaboration between rheumatologists, primary care physicians, and mental health providers ensures a holistic approach to patient care. The availability of support groups and educational resources can also play a vital role in supporting patients’ mental well-being.
**Overall Assessment and "Arthritis Score" Considerations:**
Based on the factors discussed, the "Arthritis Score" for Bedford, MA (ZIP Code 01730) is moderate. While the town benefits from proximity to major healthcare systems and specialist access in neighboring areas, challenges exist regarding physician-to-patient ratios, the need for travel for specialist appointments, and the varying levels of telemedicine adoption. The integration of mental health resources appears to be an area that could benefit from further development.
To improve the "Arthritis Score," the following are recommended: increased PCP availability, improved specialist access (potentially through expanded telehealth options), wider telemedicine adoption, and enhanced integration of mental health services.
**Conclusion and Call to Action:**
Understanding the healthcare landscape is crucial for making informed decisions about your health. To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare resources available in Bedford, MA (ZIP Code 01730), and to explore physician locations, practice affiliations, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides powerful mapping tools that can help you visualize the healthcare environment and make informed decisions about your arthritis care.
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