The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 02720, Fall River, Massachusetts is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 92.54 percent of the residents in 02720 has some form of health insurance. 47.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.44 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 02720 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 5,802 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02720. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,588 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,961 health care providers accessible to residents in 02720, Fall River, Massachusetts.
Health Scores in 02720, Fall River, Massachusetts
Breast Cancer Score | 17 |
---|---|
People Score | 6 |
Provider Score | 47 |
Hospital Score | 20 |
Travel Score | 66 |
02720 | Fall River | Massachusetts | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Fall River, MA (ZIP Code 02720)
Analyzing the landscape of breast cancer care within Fall River, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02720) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis aims to provide a "Breast Cancer Score," though it's important to acknowledge that such a score is inherently complex and represents a snapshot based on available data. We'll examine physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of comprehensive breast cancer care.
The physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) in Fall River is a foundational element. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per resident, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and referrals. Accurate data on this ratio requires accessing up-to-date information from sources like the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and the U.S. Census Bureau. The specific ratio directly impacts the accessibility of preventative care, a cornerstone of early breast cancer detection.
Beyond the overall ratio, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is important. Are there underserved areas? Are certain practices overloaded? These questions require examining the geographic distribution of practices and patient demographics. This is where tools that visualize data can be invaluable, allowing for a more granular understanding of access disparities.
Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. These include the availability of on-site mammography services, the presence of dedicated breast health specialists (surgeons, oncologists), and the practice's adherence to national screening guidelines. Practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems, such as Charlton Memorial Hospital, often have access to more resources and specialized expertise. Furthermore, patient reviews and testimonials provide valuable insights into the patient experience, including communication, empathy, and overall satisfaction.
Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly significant, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ability to conduct virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, discuss test results, and provide emotional support can significantly improve patient convenience and reduce travel burdens, particularly for those undergoing treatment. Assessing telemedicine adoption requires looking at the practices' websites, patient portals, and information gathered from local healthcare providers. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are better positioned to offer accessible and convenient care.
The availability of mental health resources is a critical, often overlooked, aspect of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have profound psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Therefore, access to mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services is essential. This involves examining the presence of mental health providers within the practices themselves, as well as the availability of referrals to external mental health services within the community. Collaboration between primary care physicians, oncologists, and mental health professionals is crucial for providing holistic care.
Primary care availability is another critical component. The ability to secure timely appointments with a PCP is essential for early detection and referral. This means assessing the ease of scheduling appointments, the availability of same-day or urgent care appointments, and the overall responsiveness of the practices. Practices that prioritize patient communication and offer flexible scheduling options are more likely to facilitate timely care.
The specific practices within Fall River require individual evaluation. For example, practices associated with larger healthcare systems may have a more robust infrastructure for breast cancer care, including dedicated breast health centers and access to specialized services. Smaller, independent practices may offer a more personalized approach, with a greater emphasis on patient-physician relationships.
The "Breast Cancer Score" would be a composite of these factors, weighted according to their importance. A higher score would indicate better access to care, a greater emphasis on early detection and treatment, and a more supportive environment for patients. This score would be a dynamic measure, subject to change based on evolving healthcare practices and available resources.
The analysis would also consider the demographics of Fall River. The city has a diverse population, and healthcare providers must be sensitive to the needs of different cultural and linguistic groups. This includes offering culturally competent care, providing translation services, and ensuring that educational materials are available in multiple languages.
Furthermore, the analysis must account for the financial aspects of care. The cost of mammograms, biopsies, and other diagnostic procedures can be a significant barrier to access. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans and offer financial assistance programs are better positioned to serve all members of the community.
In conclusion, assessing the breast cancer care landscape in Fall River (ZIP Code 02720) is a complex undertaking. It requires a thorough examination of physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of individual practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The "Breast Cancer Score" derived from this analysis provides a valuable snapshot of the current state of care and highlights areas for improvement.
The availability of resources is a crucial factor, and the data is constantly changing.
Are you interested in a more detailed, visually-driven analysis of breast cancer care in Fall River? CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful way to visualize the data, identify patterns, and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape. Explore the possibilities with CartoChrome maps today.
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