02134, Allston, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 02134, Allston, Massachusetts is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.59 percent of the residents in 02134 has some form of health insurance. 18.89 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.75 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 02134 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,293 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 65 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02134. An estimate of 29 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,087 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 11,822 health care providers accessible to residents in 02134, Allston, Massachusetts.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Allston, MA (ZIP Code 02134)

This analysis provides a Breast Cancer Score ranking for primary care physicians (PCPs) within Allston, Massachusetts (ZIP code 02134), considering factors crucial to breast cancer prevention, early detection, and patient support. The goal is to assess the overall quality of care accessible to residents, focusing on elements relevant to breast cancer management. This analysis is based on publicly available data and reasonable assumptions regarding healthcare practices.

The core of this assessment lies in evaluating the accessibility and quality of primary care, as PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for patients. Their proactive approach to screening, referral, and patient education significantly impacts breast cancer outcomes. The analysis will evaluate physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Access to Care:**

One of the most fundamental aspects of healthcare access is the availability of PCPs. A high physician-to-patient ratio can indicate a shortage of doctors, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced opportunities for preventative care. While precise, real-time physician-to-patient ratios for a specific ZIP code are often difficult to obtain, data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can offer insights. The analysis will consider the number of PCPs practicing within 02134, as well as the surrounding areas, to gauge the overall accessibility. Areas with a higher density of PCPs, especially those accepting new patients, will receive higher scores. The presence of urgent care clinics and walk-in facilities that can address initial health concerns will also be considered.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Beyond simple availability, the quality of care provided by individual practices is crucial. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to breast cancer prevention and early detection will be prioritized. This includes factors such as:

* **Adherence to Screening Guidelines:** Practices that actively follow and promote current breast cancer screening guidelines, including mammograms and clinical breast exams, will be highly rated. This involves assessing how frequently they recommend screenings based on age and risk factors.
* **Patient Education:** Practices that offer comprehensive patient education materials about breast cancer risk factors, self-exams, and the importance of early detection will be given higher scores. This includes providing resources in multiple languages, reflecting the diverse population of Allston.
* **Referral Networks:** The strength of a practice's referral network is critical. Practices that have established relationships with reputable radiologists, oncologists, and surgeons will receive higher scores. This ensures patients receive timely and appropriate specialist care if needed.
* **Proactive Outreach:** Practices that proactively reach out to patients to schedule screenings and follow-up appointments will be considered exemplary. This demonstrates a commitment to preventative care and patient engagement.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Remote Accessibility:**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly for patients with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those seeking convenient access to care. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations for routine check-ups, follow-up appointments, and educational sessions will be viewed favorably. This allows patients to receive care remotely, reducing the burden of travel and potentially improving adherence to preventative care recommendations. The analysis will consider the availability of virtual consultations, the ease of use of telemedicine platforms, and the types of services offered via telemedicine.

**Mental Health Resources and Supportive Care:**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. Access to mental health resources is essential for patients navigating this experience. Practices that offer or refer patients to mental health professionals, support groups, and other supportive services will receive higher scores. This includes assessing the availability of on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health organizations, and the provision of information about support groups and counseling services. The analysis will consider the integration of mental health services into the overall care plan, recognizing the importance of holistic patient support.

**Specific Considerations for Allston (02134):**

Allston is a vibrant and diverse community. The analysis will consider the specific needs of the population, including:

* **Language Accessibility:** The availability of multilingual staff and resources is crucial to ensure all residents can access and understand healthcare information. Practices that offer services in multiple languages will be prioritized.
* **Cultural Sensitivity:** Practices that demonstrate cultural sensitivity and awareness of diverse cultural beliefs and practices related to healthcare will be given higher scores.
* **Proximity to Major Medical Centers:** Allston is located near several major medical centers, such as Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital. The analysis will consider the ease of access to these centers for specialized care and treatment.

**Overall Scoring and Ranking:**

Based on the factors described above, each practice will be assigned a Breast Cancer Score. The score will be based on a weighted average of the factors, with preventative care and access to specialists given the highest weight. Practices will then be ranked based on their scores, providing a comparative assessment of the quality of breast cancer-related care available in Allston. This ranking is intended to serve as a guide for residents seeking primary care and to highlight practices that are excelling in breast cancer prevention and management.

**Conclusion:**

This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the quality of breast cancer-related care available in Allston, MA (02134). By considering physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, this assessment aims to empower residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

**For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Allston, including physician locations, access to care, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive maps that can help you visualize and understand the healthcare resources available in your community.**