01062, Florence, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 01062, Florence, Massachusetts is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.88 percent of the residents in 01062 has some form of health insurance. 37.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.26 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 01062 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,953 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01062. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,257 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,383 health care providers accessible to residents in 01062, Florence, Massachusetts.

The analysis below focuses on evaluating breast cancer care within ZIP code 01062 (Florence, Massachusetts) and the availability of primary care, aiming to create a "Breast Cancer Score" that considers several factors impacting patient access and quality of care. This score, however, is not a definitive ranking. It is a framework for understanding the landscape of care and identifying areas of strength and potential improvement.

The foundation of a good Breast Cancer Score begins with primary care. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts early detection. Regular check-ups and screenings, including mammograms, are often initiated by PCPs. Assessing primary care availability in Florence involves examining physician-to-patient ratios. A higher ratio, meaning fewer patients per doctor, generally indicates better access. Publicly available data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the US Census Bureau can provide estimates of these ratios. However, these figures alone are insufficient. The analysis must also account for the distribution of PCPs across the community. Are they concentrated in one area, or are they spread throughout the town, ensuring accessibility for all residents, including those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges?

Furthermore, the Breast Cancer Score considers the integration of specialists. Access to oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons is crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. The proximity of these specialists to primary care practices is a key factor. A coordinated care system, where PCPs can easily refer patients to specialists and receive timely feedback, improves patient outcomes. This level of coordination can be assessed by looking at the electronic health record (EHR) systems used by the practices and their interoperability.

Standout practices within Florence, if any, would be identified by their proactive approach to breast cancer screening and patient education. Practices that consistently remind patients of their screening appointments, provide educational materials on breast health, and offer support groups for patients and their families would score higher. Reviewing online patient testimonials and ratings can provide insights into the patient experience and the perceived quality of care. Practices that actively solicit and respond to patient feedback demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in the Breast Cancer Score. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that offer telemedicine options for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations would receive a higher score. This is particularly relevant in the context of breast cancer, where frequent follow-up appointments are common. The availability of telehealth can reduce the burden on patients and improve adherence to treatment plans.

Mental health resources are an integral part of the Breast Cancer Score. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, is essential for supporting patients' well-being. The analysis would evaluate the availability of mental health services within Florence and the extent to which primary care practices and oncology specialists refer patients to these resources. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care plans, either through in-house therapists or partnerships with external providers, would be viewed favorably.

The Breast Cancer Score also considers the use of technology. Practices that utilize patient portals for communication, appointment scheduling, and access to medical records would score higher. The ability to access information and communicate with healthcare providers electronically can improve patient engagement and satisfaction. The use of technology also facilitates the sharing of information between different healthcare providers, leading to better coordination of care.

The analysis would also assess the availability of support services. These services include patient navigators, financial assistance programs, and support groups. Patient navigators help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, ensuring they receive the necessary care and support. Financial assistance programs can help patients cover the costs of treatment and medications. Support groups provide a valuable opportunity for patients to connect with others who have similar experiences. Practices that offer these services or partner with organizations that provide them would receive a higher score.

The evaluation of breast cancer care in Florence is a complex process. It requires a holistic approach that considers various factors, from the availability of primary care physicians to the integration of mental health services. The "Breast Cancer Score" is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that can be updated as the healthcare landscape evolves. It is a tool for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

The data gathering process for this analysis would involve a combination of public data sources, surveys of healthcare providers, and patient interviews. This data would be analyzed to generate the Breast Cancer Score, which would then be used to identify areas for improvement. The goal is to provide patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their care.

The final score, however, is only as good as the data used to create it. It’s important to note the limitations of this type of analysis. Data availability and accuracy can vary. The score is an approximation and not a definitive ranking. It is a snapshot in time and may not reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

To visualize and analyze the data used to create this "Breast Cancer Score," and to gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data, making it easier to identify patterns and trends. They can be used to identify areas where access to care is limited and to highlight areas where resources are concentrated. Visit CartoChrome to explore how mapping technology can enhance your understanding of healthcare access and quality in your community.