02717, East Freetown, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 02717, East Freetown, Massachusetts is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.85 percent of the residents in 02717 has some form of health insurance. 33.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.11 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 02717 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 921 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02717. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 926 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,729 health care providers accessible to residents in 02717, East Freetown, Massachusetts.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: East Freetown, MA (ZIP Code 02717)**

Analyzing the landscape of breast cancer care in East Freetown, Massachusetts, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, the quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial components for a comprehensive Breast Cancer Score. We will focus on the specific parameters within ZIP code 02717, aiming to provide a clear picture of the resources available to residents.

The initial assessment centers on physician-to-patient ratios. Determining the exact number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, particularly oncologists and radiologists, practicing within the 02717 ZIP code is paramount. Publicly available data from sources like the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, combined with information from insurance provider directories, can help establish these ratios. A low physician-to-patient ratio, especially for specialists, can indicate potential access challenges for timely diagnosis and treatment. The analysis must also consider the proximity of specialists in neighboring towns, such as Fall River and New Bedford, as many residents may seek care outside of their immediate ZIP code. This broader geographical context is essential.

Primary care availability is another critical factor. Primary care physicians serve as the initial point of contact for patients, providing crucial screenings and referrals. Assessing the availability of PCPs involves examining appointment wait times, the acceptance of new patients, and the types of insurance accepted. Practices that offer same-day or next-day appointments, and that accept a wide range of insurance plans, contribute positively to the Breast Cancer Score. Furthermore, the presence of a dedicated patient navigator within a primary care practice can significantly improve the patient experience, guiding individuals through the complexities of breast cancer care.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. This involves examining patient reviews, surveying patient satisfaction scores, and researching the specific services offered. Practices that emphasize preventative care, offer comprehensive breast cancer screening programs (including mammograms and potentially advanced imaging), and have established referral pathways to oncology specialists would be considered high-performing. Practices that offer on-site mammography services provide a significant advantage by streamlining the diagnostic process. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to breast cancer treatment and prevention would also receive a higher score.

Telemedicine adoption is rapidly changing healthcare delivery. The availability of telehealth consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health support, can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. Practices that offer telehealth options, along with clear instructions on how to access and utilize these services, are scoring higher. Assessing the quality of the telehealth experience, including the ease of use of the platform and the availability of technical support, is also essential.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are a critical component of breast cancer care. The emotional and psychological impact of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be significant. The Breast Cancer Score must assess the availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, within the community. Practices that have integrated mental health professionals into their care teams, or that have established referral pathways to mental health providers, are contributing positively to the overall score. The availability of support groups specifically for breast cancer patients, both in-person and online, also enhances the score.

In addition to these factors, the analysis must consider the overall quality of care provided. This includes evaluating the qualifications and experience of the physicians, the accreditation status of the hospitals and imaging centers, and the availability of advanced treatment options, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The presence of a multidisciplinary team approach, where physicians from different specialties collaborate to provide comprehensive care, is also crucial. This team might include surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and nurses.

The Breast Cancer Score, therefore, is not a single number but a composite of various factors. The weight assigned to each factor depends on its relative importance in determining the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care. The final score should reflect the overall strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in East Freetown, MA (02717). This includes the availability of primary care, the presence of specialized services, the adoption of telehealth, and the integration of mental health resources.

To further enhance the analysis, it is important to consider the demographic characteristics of the population in 02717. Factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and access to transportation can significantly impact access to care. The analysis should also consider any disparities in care based on race or ethnicity. Identifying and addressing these disparities is crucial for ensuring equitable access to breast cancer care for all residents.

The analysis also requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and best practices emerging regularly. The Breast Cancer Score should be updated periodically to reflect these changes and to ensure that it remains an accurate and relevant assessment of the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care in East Freetown. This will involve reviewing and updating the data sources, refining the scoring methodology, and incorporating new information as it becomes available.

Finally, the analysis must be presented in a clear and concise manner, using readily understandable language. The findings should be easily accessible to residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the breast cancer care landscape in East Freetown, MA (02717), and to identify areas for improvement. This will ultimately help to improve the health outcomes for residents affected by breast cancer.

Ready to visualize the data and explore the healthcare landscape in East Freetown and beyond? **Click here to explore interactive maps and gain deeper insights using CartoChrome!**