01007, Belchertown, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 01007, Belchertown, Massachusetts is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.21 percent of the residents in 01007 has some form of health insurance. 26.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 86.51 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 01007 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,245 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01007. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,527 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,093 health care providers accessible to residents in 01007, Belchertown, Massachusetts.

## Breast Cancer Score: A Belchertown (01007) Analysis

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of breast cancer care accessibility and related resources within the Belchertown, Massachusetts (ZIP code 01007) area. We aim to assess the quality of care, availability of services, and overall support systems for individuals facing breast cancer, focusing on the performance of local primary care physicians and the broader healthcare landscape. This assessment is structured around a 'Breast Cancer Score,' a composite measure considering various factors crucial to effective breast cancer management.

The primary focus of this analysis revolves around primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 01007 ZIP code. These physicians serve as the initial point of contact for patients, playing a vital role in early detection through screening and referral to specialists. Our analysis considers the availability of PCPs, their adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines, their referral patterns to specialists, and the integration of mental health resources within their practices.

One of the most critical aspects of this analysis is the physician-to-patient ratio within Belchertown. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and a less personalized approach to patient management. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater availability of care and potentially more comprehensive support systems. Understanding the physician-to-patient ratio provides a fundamental understanding of the healthcare capacity within the community. The data available for this analysis allows us to assess this critical metric.

Standout practices within Belchertown are those demonstrating exceptional performance in breast cancer care. This includes practices with high rates of adherence to screening guidelines, proactive patient education programs, and strong referral networks to specialists. These practices often exhibit a patient-centered approach, emphasizing clear communication, empathy, and a commitment to providing comprehensive care. Identifying these practices is crucial for patients seeking the best possible care and for other providers looking to improve their own practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another important factor in our Breast Cancer Score. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, offers several advantages in breast cancer care. It can facilitate virtual consultations, provide access to specialists who may not be readily available locally, and improve patient convenience. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are often better positioned to provide timely care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those residing in remote areas. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption within Belchertown's primary care practices is a key component of our analysis.

Mental health resources are an integral part of breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. Access to mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services is crucial for patients to cope with the stress, anxiety, and depression that often accompany this disease. Our Breast Cancer Score assesses the availability of these resources within the primary care practices and the broader community. We evaluate whether practices have integrated mental health services, offer referrals to mental health specialists, and provide educational materials on coping strategies.

The Breast Cancer Score considers the overall healthcare ecosystem within Belchertown. This includes the availability of diagnostic imaging services, such as mammography and ultrasound, as well as access to oncologists, surgeons, and radiation therapists. The proximity of these specialists and the efficiency of the referral process are vital for timely diagnosis and treatment. We assess the integration of these services within the primary care practices and the ease with which patients can access them.

This analysis also examines the availability of patient education materials and resources. Informed patients are empowered patients. Practices that provide clear, concise, and accessible information on breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship are better equipped to support their patients. We evaluate the availability of educational materials, both in print and online, and the extent to which practices actively engage patients in their care.

Furthermore, we analyze the patient experience. This includes assessing patient satisfaction with their primary care physicians, their perceptions of the quality of care they receive, and their ability to navigate the healthcare system. Patient feedback is a critical indicator of the effectiveness of the healthcare services provided. We consider patient reviews, surveys, and other sources of information to gain insights into the patient experience within Belchertown.

The data suggests a need for improvement in several areas. While some practices demonstrate a strong commitment to breast cancer care, others may lag behind in terms of screening rates, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources. The physician-to-patient ratio appears adequate, but further analysis is needed to determine if this translates to timely access to care. The availability of specialists and diagnostic services seems to be sufficient, but the efficiency of the referral process could be enhanced.

The overall Breast Cancer Score for Belchertown, 01007, reflects a mixed picture. While the community benefits from the presence of dedicated primary care physicians and a reasonable physician-to-patient ratio, there is room for improvement in several areas. Increased emphasis on screening guidelines, wider adoption of telemedicine, and enhanced integration of mental health resources would significantly improve the overall quality of care.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Belchertown and other areas, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a visual representation of healthcare resources, physician locations, and other relevant data. By using CartoChrome maps, you can identify the best practices, assess the availability of services, and make informed decisions about your healthcare.