02864, Cumberland, Rhode Island Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 02864, Cumberland, Rhode Island is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.56 percent of the residents in 02864 has some form of health insurance. 28.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.46 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 02864 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,184 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 12 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02864. An estimate of 8 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,354 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,168 health care providers accessible to residents in 02864, Cumberland, Rhode Island.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Cumberland, RI (ZIP Code 02864)

Analyzing the availability of breast cancer care and primary care resources within Cumberland, Rhode Island (ZIP Code 02864) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis, presented as a "Breast Cancer Score," will consider factors impacting patient access, quality of care, and overall well-being, specifically focusing on primary care physician availability and the broader healthcare landscape. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to women in Cumberland and highlight areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of any strong breast cancer care system is a robust primary care network. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients and play a crucial role in early detection through breast cancer screenings. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio within Cumberland is critical. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data from sources like the Rhode Island Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, combined with information from insurance providers, can help determine this ratio. Further investigation would delve into the specific practices accepting new patients and the average wait times for routine appointments.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs across Cumberland is important. Are there underserved areas with limited access to primary care? Are practices concentrated in specific neighborhoods, creating disparities in access based on location? Geographic information systems (GIS) mapping, like that offered by CartoChrome, can visually represent physician distribution, identifying potential "healthcare deserts" and informing resource allocation decisions.

The quality of primary care also influences the Breast Cancer Score. This includes the frequency with which PCPs recommend mammograms based on age and risk factors. Data on screening rates, ideally broken down by practice, provides valuable insights. Practices demonstrating consistently high screening rates, along with a commitment to patient education about breast health, would receive higher scores.

Identifying standout practices within Cumberland involves looking beyond just screening rates. Are there practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, promoting breast cancer awareness and education? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patients' schedules? Do they have multilingual staff to serve a diverse patient population? These factors contribute to patient-centered care and positively impact the Breast Cancer Score.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in recent years. The ability to offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial screenings can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, ensuring secure and user-friendly platforms, would receive higher scores. The availability of telemedicine options for breast cancer specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons, is also a crucial factor.

The emotional and psychological impact of a breast cancer diagnosis is substantial. The Breast Cancer Score must consider the availability of mental health resources within Cumberland. Are there readily accessible therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in oncology-related mental health? Do primary care practices routinely screen patients for signs of depression and anxiety, referring them to appropriate mental health services? The integration of mental health care into the overall treatment plan is critical for patient well-being.

Furthermore, the availability of support services, such as patient navigators who can guide patients through the complexities of the healthcare system, is essential. Patient navigators can assist with scheduling appointments, understanding insurance coverage, and accessing financial assistance programs. Practices that provide these services, either internally or through partnerships with external organizations, demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive patient care and would receive higher scores.

The Breast Cancer Score for Cumberland would also factor in the proximity to specialized breast cancer treatment centers, including those offering surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The availability of these services within a reasonable travel distance is crucial. The presence of multidisciplinary teams, bringing together surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists, enhances the quality of care.

To assess the overall healthcare landscape, the analysis would consider the presence of community hospitals, cancer centers, and other healthcare facilities within Cumberland and the surrounding areas. The reputation and accreditation of these facilities, along with their patient satisfaction ratings, would be factored into the score.

Finally, the Breast Cancer Score is not a static number but a dynamic assessment. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in physician availability, screening rates, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health and support services. This ongoing monitoring ensures that the score remains relevant and provides a useful tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

For a comprehensive visualization of physician distribution, practice locations, and access to healthcare resources in Cumberland, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping capabilities that can help you understand the healthcare landscape and identify areas for improvement.