01342, Deerfield, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 01342, Deerfield, Massachusetts is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.33 percent of the residents in 01342 has some form of health insurance. 26.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.94 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 01342 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 257 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01342. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 162 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 308 health care providers accessible to residents in 01342, Deerfield, Massachusetts.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Deerfield, MA (ZIP Code 01342)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of breast cancer care resources within ZIP code 01342 (Deerfield, Massachusetts), focusing on primary care physician availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health support services. The goal is to offer a nuanced "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, providing insights for residents and healthcare stakeholders alike.

Deerfield, a historically significant town in the Pioneer Valley, presents a unique healthcare landscape. While it benefits from its proximity to larger regional medical centers, access to primary care physicians and specialized breast cancer services within the immediate vicinity is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in robust primary care. Regular screenings, early detection efforts, and referrals to specialists are all initiated by primary care physicians. Assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of practicing physicians within the ZIP code, considering factors like age, experience, and specialization.

Calculating a precise physician-to-patient ratio is essential. This ratio indicates the availability of primary care physicians relative to the population. A higher ratio, indicating more physicians per resident, generally translates to better access and shorter wait times for appointments. Data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, combined with information from local healthcare providers, is necessary to determine this ratio accurately. The analysis should also consider the distribution of physicians across different age groups, ensuring a sustainable workforce for the future.

**Standout Practices and Specialized Services:**

Identifying standout medical practices within Deerfield is a key component of the Breast Cancer Score. This involves evaluating the quality of care provided, patient satisfaction levels, and the availability of specialized services. Practices that offer comprehensive breast health programs, including mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy services on-site, receive higher scores.

The presence of certified breast health navigators is another critical factor. These navigators guide patients through the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, offering emotional support and practical assistance. Practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems, such as Baystate Health or UMass Memorial Health, often have access to a wider range of resources and specialized expertise, potentially influencing their score.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has rapidly transformed healthcare delivery, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Its adoption within Deerfield is a significant factor in the Breast Cancer Score. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations receive higher scores.

Telemedicine can improve access to care for patients who may face transportation challenges or have mobility issues. It can also facilitate communication between patients and their healthcare providers, leading to better adherence to treatment plans and improved outcomes. The analysis must assess the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of use for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care pathway.

**Mental Health Resources and Support:**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. The availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the Breast Cancer Score. The analysis must evaluate the presence of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, who specialize in supporting cancer patients.

The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, is also essential. These groups provide a safe space for patients to share their experiences, receive emotional support, and connect with others who understand their challenges. The analysis should consider the accessibility of these resources, including their cost, location, and availability of services for diverse populations.

**Creating the Breast Cancer Score:**

The Breast Cancer Score is not a single metric but a composite assessment based on the factors discussed above. Each factor is assigned a weight based on its importance in providing comprehensive breast cancer care. The scores are then combined to produce an overall score, reflecting the quality and accessibility of breast cancer resources within Deerfield.

The score would be presented on a scale, allowing residents to easily understand the overall quality of care available in their community. The analysis should also provide specific recommendations for improving the Breast Cancer Score, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, or enhancing mental health support resources.

**Conclusion:**

Assessing the breast cancer care landscape in Deerfield, MA (01342) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considered primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The resulting "Breast Cancer Score" provides a valuable tool for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

For a visual representation of healthcare access, physician locations, and other relevant data, explore the power of spatial analysis with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can help you understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and identify areas with unmet needs. Visit CartoChrome maps to visualize the Deerfield healthcare landscape and gain a deeper understanding of the resources available in your community.