02648, Marstons Mills, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 02648, Marstons Mills, Massachusetts is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.91 percent of the residents in 02648 has some form of health insurance. 29.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 87.27 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 02648 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,108 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02648. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,448 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 829 health care providers accessible to residents in 02648, Marstons Mills, Massachusetts.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Marstons Mills, MA (ZIP Code 02648)

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of breast cancer care within the Marstons Mills, MA (ZIP Code 02648) area, focusing on primary care physicians, their practices, and the resources available to patients. The goal is to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and support. This score is not a single number but a holistic understanding of the healthcare landscape.

**Primary Care Physician Landscape & Physician-to-Patient Ratio:**

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in accessible primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio within 02648 is a critical starting point. Publicly available data, such as that from the US Census Bureau and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, can be used to estimate this ratio. However, it's essential to acknowledge that these figures offer a general overview. The actual accessibility of a physician depends on several factors: insurance acceptance, patient panel size (how many patients each doctor sees), and appointment availability.

Marstons Mills, being a relatively small community, might face challenges in physician density compared to more urban areas. A lower physician-to-patient ratio could indicate a greater demand for primary care services, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments. This impacts the timeliness of screenings and follow-up care.

**Standout Practices and Their Attributes:**

Identifying standout primary care practices requires examining their practices’ specific attributes. This involves considering several factors. First, the availability of female physicians is a significant factor for many patients, particularly for sensitive health concerns like breast cancer. Second, the practice's integration of preventative care protocols is crucial. Do they actively remind patients about mammogram screenings? Do they offer patient education materials about breast cancer risk factors and self-examination techniques? Third, the practice's commitment to patient communication is vital. How readily do they respond to patient inquiries? Do they offer after-hours access or virtual consultations?

Practices that excel in these areas, such as those with a strong focus on preventative care, patient education, and clear communication, will receive higher scores. These practices act as a cornerstone for early detection and informed decision-making.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in modern healthcare, particularly for follow-up appointments, consultations, and educational sessions. The adoption rate of telemedicine within primary care practices in 02648 is a critical component of the Breast Cancer Score. Practices that embrace telemedicine can offer greater convenience and accessibility, particularly for patients who have mobility issues, live far from the practice, or have transportation difficulties.

Telemedicine's impact extends beyond convenience. It can facilitate quicker access to specialists for consultations, allowing for faster diagnosis and treatment planning. It can also be used to deliver mental health support, which is crucial for patients navigating the emotional challenges associated with a breast cancer diagnosis.

**Mental Health Resources and Support:**

A breast cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event, often accompanied by significant emotional and psychological distress. The availability of mental health resources within the 02648 area is, therefore, a critical aspect of the Breast Cancer Score. This includes the availability of therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in oncology or women's health.

Assessing mental health resource availability requires looking beyond the number of providers. It involves evaluating the types of services offered (individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy), the insurance plans accepted, and the wait times for appointments. Practices that have established referral pathways to mental health professionals and actively screen patients for signs of distress will receive higher scores.

**Specific Considerations for Marstons Mills:**

Marstons Mills, as a community, may have specific characteristics that influence the Breast Cancer Score. The demographics of the population, including age distribution and socioeconomic factors, can impact the prevalence of breast cancer risk factors and the ability of patients to access care. For example, a higher proportion of older adults might increase the demand for mammogram screenings.

The presence of community organizations or support networks dedicated to breast cancer awareness and patient support is also a significant factor. These organizations can provide valuable resources, such as financial assistance, transportation to appointments, and emotional support.

**Overall Assessment and Scoring Methodology:**

The Breast Cancer Score for 02648 will be determined by a weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weighting of each factor will reflect its relative importance in the overall patient experience. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the presence of standout practices might receive a higher weighting than telemedicine adoption, although all factors are essential.

The methodology involves gathering data from various sources: publicly available databases, insurance provider directories, and potentially, direct outreach to primary care practices. Data will be analyzed to generate a composite score reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of breast cancer care in the area.

**Conclusion:**

The Breast Cancer Score provides a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Marstons Mills, MA (02648). It highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, offering insights that can inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. By understanding the availability of primary care physicians, the attributes of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, we can gain a comprehensive view of the support available to those impacted by breast cancer.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in your area, including physician locations, practice details, and resource availability, explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides a powerful tool for analyzing healthcare data and making informed decisions about your health.