01523, Lancaster, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 01523, Lancaster, Massachusetts is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.66 percent of the residents in 01523 has some form of health insurance. 26.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.88 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 01523 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,404 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01523. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,371 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 694 health care providers accessible to residents in 01523, Lancaster, Massachusetts.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Lancaster, MA (ZIP Code 01523)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of breast cancer care within ZIP code 01523 (Lancaster, MA) and assesses primary care availability in the town, evaluating key factors influencing patient outcomes. The goal is to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, considering physician accessibility, quality of care, and supportive resources. This analysis does not provide a numerical score, but instead offers a qualitative assessment based on available data.

Lancaster, Massachusetts, a town in Worcester County, presents a unique healthcare landscape. While a smaller community, its proximity to larger metropolitan areas like Worcester provides access to specialized medical facilities. However, the availability of primary care physicians and the integration of resources for breast cancer patients are critical considerations.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Accessibility:**

Assessing physician density is paramount. The analysis begins by examining the ratio of primary care physicians (PCPs) to the population within Lancaster. This is a crucial indicator of access to initial screening and referral services. A low ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Data from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and local hospital systems are essential to determine this ratio.

Furthermore, the analysis investigates the availability of specialists, particularly oncologists and radiologists, within the immediate vicinity. While Lancaster may not house these specialists directly, the proximity to Worcester, with its established medical centers like UMass Memorial Medical Center, is a significant advantage. The ease of access to these specialists, considering travel time and appointment availability, is a critical factor in the overall score.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating the quality of care provided by both PCPs and specialists. This requires examining factors such as:

* **Adherence to Screening Guidelines:** Practices that consistently adhere to the latest guidelines from the American Cancer Society and other reputable organizations for mammography and other screening procedures receive higher marks.
* **Use of Advanced Imaging Techniques:** The availability and utilization of advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), are indicators of a commitment to early and accurate detection.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the patient experience, including communication, empathy, and overall care.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** The presence of a multidisciplinary team, including surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and nurses, is crucial for coordinated and comprehensive care.

Specific practices within Lancaster or neighboring towns are researched, focusing on their accreditation status, patient outcomes, and commitment to evidence-based medicine. This research includes reviewing publicly available data, such as physician profiles and practice websites, as well as potentially contacting practices directly for information.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially in rural or underserved areas. The analysis assesses the adoption of telemedicine by local practices, focusing on:

* **Virtual Consultations:** The availability of virtual consultations for initial screenings, follow-up appointments, and consultations with specialists.
* **Remote Monitoring:** The use of remote monitoring technologies to track patient health and provide timely interventions.
* **Patient Portal Access:** The ease of access to patient portals for accessing medical records, test results, and communicating with healthcare providers.

Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and enhance patient convenience. Practices that have embraced telemedicine receive a higher score.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's mental health. The analysis evaluates the availability of mental health resources, including:

* **On-site Counseling:** The presence of on-site counselors or therapists within medical practices.
* **Referral Networks:** The availability of strong referral networks to mental health professionals specializing in cancer care.
* **Support Groups:** The presence of support groups for breast cancer patients and their families.
* **Educational Resources:** The availability of educational materials and resources on coping with the emotional and psychological challenges of breast cancer.

Comprehensive mental health support is a critical component of holistic breast cancer care, and practices that prioritize these resources are highly valued.

**Primary Care Availability in Lancaster:**

The analysis extends to the overall availability of primary care in Lancaster. This includes:

* **Number of PCPs:** The total number of PCPs practicing within Lancaster, considering both family medicine and internal medicine physicians.
* **Appointment Availability:** The ease of scheduling appointments with PCPs, considering wait times and appointment availability.
* **Insurance Acceptance:** The acceptance of various insurance plans by local PCPs.
* **After-Hours Care:** The availability of after-hours care, such as urgent care clinics or on-call physicians.

Adequate primary care access is essential for early detection, screening, and referral to specialists.

**Overall Assessment:**

Based on the collected data, the "Breast Cancer Score" assessment for Lancaster, MA (ZIP code 01523) and its primary care availability is formed. This assessment considers the factors discussed above, providing a qualitative evaluation of the healthcare landscape. It highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identifies areas for improvement.

**Conclusion:**

This analysis provides valuable insights into the breast cancer care landscape in Lancaster, MA. The assessment highlights the importance of physician accessibility, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Understanding these factors can empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and advocate for improved services.

For a visual representation of this data, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore interactive maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and insightful view of the healthcare landscape in Lancaster and surrounding areas.