02670, West Dennis, Massachusetts Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 02670, West Dennis, Massachusetts is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.80 percent of the residents in 02670 has some form of health insurance. 59.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.93 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 02670 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 62 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02670. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 579 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 599 health care providers accessible to residents in 02670, West Dennis, Massachusetts.

Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 02670 and Primary Care Availability in West Dennis

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care physicians specializing in arthritis treatment within ZIP code 02670, encompassing West Dennis, Massachusetts, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, an "Arthritis Score," considers factors impacting patient access and care quality, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice specializations, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals managing arthritis in this specific geographic area.

Physician-to-Patient Ratios: A Critical Indicator

A fundamental element of the Arthritis Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and rheumatologists actively practicing within 02670 is the first step. This data, ideally obtained from sources like the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and insurance provider directories, is essential. The number of patients within the zip code, derived from U.S. Census Bureau data, allows for calculating a ratio. A higher ratio (more patients per physician) suggests potential access challenges, including longer wait times for appointments and increased patient loads, which could impact the time a physician can dedicate to each patient. A lower ratio, conversely, indicates potentially better access. This ratio, however, is just the starting point.

Practice Specializations and Expertise

Beyond sheer numbers, the specialization and expertise of the available physicians are crucial. The Arthritis Score must assess the number of rheumatologists, specialists specifically trained in diagnosing and treating arthritis and related conditions. The ratio of rheumatologists to the overall population, and the number of PCPs with a specific interest or experience in arthritis management, contributes significantly to the score. A higher concentration of specialists, or PCPs with a demonstrated focus on arthritis care, would positively influence the score. This involves examining physician profiles, practice websites, and potentially patient reviews to identify those with specific expertise.

Standout Practices: Evaluating Quality and Innovation

Identifying standout practices within 02670 is a key component. This requires evaluating factors beyond physician counts. Practices are assessed on their use of evidence-based treatments, their patient satisfaction ratings (derived from publicly available sources like Healthgrades or Vitals), and their adoption of innovative approaches. Practices that offer comprehensive arthritis management programs, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and patient education, receive higher scores. The presence of dedicated nurses, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals supporting the physicians also contributes to the score.

Telemedicine Adoption: Bridging the Gap

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in areas with potential access limitations. The Arthritis Score must evaluate the extent to which practices within 02670 offer telemedicine services. This includes assessing whether physicians offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients' conditions, and online access to medical records. Telemedicine can improve access for patients with mobility limitations, reduce travel time, and facilitate more frequent communication with their physicians. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, will score higher.

Mental Health Resources: A Crucial Consideration

Arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental health. The Arthritis Score must consider the availability of mental health resources within the primary care practices or in the surrounding community. This includes whether practices have integrated mental health professionals, offer referrals to therapists and psychiatrists, or provide educational materials on managing the psychological aspects of arthritis. The presence of these resources is critical for holistic patient care, addressing the emotional and psychological challenges that often accompany chronic pain and disability.

Primary Care Availability in West Dennis: A Detailed Assessment

The analysis of primary care availability in West Dennis (02670) specifically involves examining the geographic distribution of practices. Are practices clustered in certain areas, potentially creating access challenges for residents in other parts of West Dennis? The accessibility of public transportation to these practices is also considered, especially for patients who may have difficulty driving. The hours of operation of the practices, including evening and weekend availability, are also assessed. Practices with extended hours or weekend availability improve access for patients with busy schedules.

Data Sources and Methodology

The Arthritis Score relies on a combination of data sources. These include publicly available physician directories, insurance provider databases, patient review websites, practice websites, and potentially, direct contact with practices to gather information. The methodology involves assigning weighted scores to each factor (physician-to-patient ratio, specialization, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources). The weights are determined based on the relative importance of each factor in influencing patient access and care quality. The final Arthritis Score is a composite score, reflecting the overall healthcare landscape for arthritis patients in 02670.

Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape

The Arthritis Score provides a valuable framework for understanding the healthcare landscape for arthritis patients in West Dennis (02670). While this analysis offers a snapshot, the healthcare landscape is dynamic. Physician availability and practice offerings can change. The score is a tool to assess the current situation and can be updated regularly.

CartoChrome Maps: Visualize Your Healthcare Options

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in West Dennis and surrounding areas, including the location of physicians, practices, and other relevant healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a powerful way to visualize the data, helping you make informed decisions about your healthcare.