02780, Taunton, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 02780, Taunton, Massachusetts is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.13 percent of the residents in 02780 has some form of health insurance. 47.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.97 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 02780 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 12,112 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02780. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 7,445 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,817 health care providers accessible to residents in 02780, Taunton, Massachusetts.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Taunton, MA (ZIP Code 02780)**

This analysis examines the availability and quality of breast cancer care in Taunton, Massachusetts (ZIP code 02780), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) access, physician-to-patient ratios, notable medical practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, reflecting the overall environment for patients navigating diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on accessible and robust primary care. PCPs serve as the initial point of contact, conducting screenings, providing referrals, and coordinating care. In Taunton, assessing primary care availability involves evaluating the number of PCPs per capita and the ease with which patients can secure appointments. High patient-to-physician ratios can lead to longer wait times, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Conversely, a surplus of PCPs, coupled with efficient appointment scheduling systems, contributes positively to the overall score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes PCPs' familiarity with breast cancer risk factors, their commitment to adhering to screening guidelines (e.g., mammograms), and their ability to communicate effectively with patients about their concerns. Practices that proactively remind patients about screenings and offer comprehensive health education programs score higher.

The availability of specialists, such as oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists, is another critical factor. The proximity of these specialists to primary care practices, and the efficiency of referral processes, significantly impact patient outcomes. Practices with established relationships with specialized cancer centers, and a track record of successful patient outcomes, are highly valued.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a key metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per population, can strain the healthcare system. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, diagnostic tests, and specialist consultations. Conversely, a lower ratio, reflecting a greater availability of physicians, generally indicates better access to care. Data on physician density in Taunton, compared to state and national averages, is crucial for this assessment.

Standout practices in Taunton are those that demonstrate excellence in several areas. This includes practices with a strong emphasis on patient education, offering comprehensive support services, and utilizing advanced diagnostic technologies. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials, and offer access to cutting-edge treatments, are also highly regarded. The presence of multidisciplinary teams, involving PCPs, surgeons, oncologists, and support staff, is a major plus.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially for follow-up appointments, consultations, and providing support to patients who may have difficulty traveling. Practices that offer telemedicine options, including secure video conferencing and remote monitoring, score higher. This is especially beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, who may experience fatigue and other side effects.

Mental health resources are an integral part of breast cancer care. The emotional and psychological toll of a diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship can be substantial. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, are highly valued. This includes access to therapists, support groups, and other resources to help patients cope with stress, anxiety, and depression.

The analysis should also consider the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, financial counselors, and rehabilitation programs. Patient navigators can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, coordinating appointments, and providing emotional support. Financial counselors can assist patients with understanding their insurance coverage and accessing financial assistance programs. Rehabilitation programs can help patients recover from the physical side effects of treatment.

The overall "Breast Cancer Score" is a composite of all these factors. It reflects the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of breast cancer care in Taunton. A high score indicates a strong healthcare environment, with ample access to qualified physicians, advanced technologies, and comprehensive support services. A low score suggests potential challenges, such as limited access to care, longer wait times, and a lack of support resources.

Evaluating the data requires accessing information from multiple sources, including the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, the American Medical Association, and local hospitals and clinics. Patient reviews, online resources, and community surveys can also provide valuable insights.

The findings of this analysis can be used to identify areas for improvement. This could include increasing the number of PCPs in the area, improving access to specialists, expanding telemedicine options, and increasing the availability of mental health resources. The information can also be used to educate patients about the resources available to them and to help them make informed decisions about their care.

This analysis aims to provide a clear and concise assessment of the breast cancer care landscape in Taunton, Massachusetts. The goal is to empower patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health and to advocate for improvements in the local healthcare system.

For a deeper dive into the spatial distribution of healthcare resources in Taunton, and to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping solutions that can provide valuable insights into healthcare access and availability.