02563, Sandwich, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 02563, Sandwich, Massachusetts is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.11 percent of the residents in 02563 has some form of health insurance. 40.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.89 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 02563 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,499 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02563. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,843 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,009 health care providers accessible to residents in 02563, Sandwich, Massachusetts.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Sandwich, MA (ZIP Code 02563)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of breast cancer care accessibility and quality for residents of Sandwich, Massachusetts (ZIP code 02563). It considers factors impacting patient outcomes, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, ultimately aiming to generate a 'Breast Cancer Score' for the area. The score, though not explicitly quantified, is derived from a qualitative assessment of these key components.

**Primary Care Availability in Sandwich:**

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on robust primary care services. Early detection and preventative measures, such as regular screenings and patient education, are primarily managed by primary care physicians (PCPs). Sandwich, a town with a population of approximately 20,000, requires a sufficient number of PCPs to ensure timely access to these critical services. Evaluating the availability of PCPs necessitates examining physician-to-patient ratios. While exact figures fluctuate, a healthy ratio generally aims for one PCP per 1,000 to 1,500 residents. A higher ratio might indicate limited access, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delaying crucial screenings.

The presence of larger medical groups and practices within Sandwich can significantly impact primary care accessibility. These groups often offer a wider range of services and potentially have greater capacity to accommodate patients. Conversely, a reliance on smaller, independent practices could present challenges in terms of coverage and resources. Examining the distribution of these practices, their patient load, and their appointment availability is crucial to determine the overall primary care landscape.

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

Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio in Sandwich is a critical step. Publicly available data from sources like the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, combined with population estimates, can provide a baseline. This ratio should be compared to state and national averages to gauge Sandwich's relative standing. A below-average ratio warrants further investigation into the factors contributing to potential access limitations.

Factors such as the age and retirement plans of existing PCPs, the influx of new residents, and the availability of specialists can further influence the availability of primary care. These elements must be considered when assessing the overall access to care within the community.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout primary care practices within Sandwich is essential. These practices often demonstrate excellence in patient care, preventative services, and patient education. Factors to consider include the practice's commitment to breast cancer screening guidelines, the availability of on-site mammography services, and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate communication and care coordination.

Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs and offer patient education materials on breast cancer risk factors and early detection strategies are also noteworthy. These practices contribute to a more informed and proactive patient population, leading to earlier detection and improved outcomes.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Role:**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Examining the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Sandwich is vital. Telemedicine can improve access to care by offering virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients.

The availability of telemedicine services can be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments or who require regular check-ups. Practices that offer telemedicine options demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility.

**Mental Health Resources: An Overlooked Component:**

The emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is significant. Access to mental health resources is crucial for patients navigating this challenging journey. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within Sandwich and the surrounding areas is essential.

Examining the integration of mental health services within primary care practices is also important. Practices that offer on-site counseling or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists demonstrate a comprehensive approach to patient care. Support groups, both in-person and virtual, can provide valuable emotional support and connection for patients.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Qualitative Assessment:**

Based on the factors discussed above, a 'Breast Cancer Score' can be qualitatively assessed for Sandwich. This score reflects the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of breast cancer care within the community.

A high score would indicate a robust primary care system with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices that prioritize breast cancer screening and patient education, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, a lower score would suggest potential challenges in accessing care, such as a limited number of PCPs, a lack of telemedicine options, and inadequate mental health support.

**Conclusion:**

Sandwich, MA (ZIP code 02563) presents a unique healthcare landscape. While this analysis cannot provide a definitive, quantified 'Breast Cancer Score,' it highlights the critical factors influencing breast cancer care accessibility and quality. Understanding physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources is paramount to evaluating the community's ability to support those affected by breast cancer.

For a more detailed visual analysis of physician locations, practice characteristics, and healthcare resource distribution in Sandwich and surrounding areas, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps provide a valuable tool for understanding the geographical distribution of healthcare services and identifying potential areas for improvement.