02920, Cranston, Rhode Island Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 02920, Cranston, Rhode Island is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.62 percent of the residents in 02920 has some form of health insurance. 33.66 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.56 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 02920 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 7,753 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 12 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02920. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,670 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,919 health care providers accessible to residents in 02920, Cranston, Rhode Island.

The task requires a detailed analysis, focusing on breast cancer care within ZIP code 02920 (Cranston, Rhode Island), evaluating primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, and related resources. This analysis will provide a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, considering various factors impacting patient access and care quality.

Cranston, Rhode Island, a city of approximately 80,000 residents, presents a unique healthcare landscape. While the presence of major hospitals in nearby Providence offers specialized cancer care, the accessibility of primary care, a critical entry point for early detection and ongoing support, within Cranston itself is paramount. The "Breast Cancer Score" for this area will reflect the ease with which residents can access these essential services.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental metric. Ideally, a lower ratio indicates better access to care. However, simply looking at the raw numbers is insufficient. We must consider the distribution of primary care physicians (PCPs) within the ZIP code. Are they concentrated in specific areas, leaving others underserved? Are the practices accepting new patients, or are wait times excessively long? These factors significantly impact the score. Publicly available data from the Rhode Island Department of Health, combined with information from insurance providers, can help paint a picture of the current PCP landscape.

Standout practices within Cranston will be identified based on several criteria. Practices that emphasize preventative care, including regular mammograms and breast cancer screenings, will receive higher marks. Those offering comprehensive services, such as on-site diagnostic imaging or access to patient navigators, will also be favorably considered. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, promoting breast cancer awareness and early detection, will contribute positively to the overall score.

Telemedicine adoption plays a vital role in modern healthcare, particularly for follow-up appointments, consultations, and mental health support. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments for non-urgent matters, will be viewed more favorably. This can improve access for patients with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those residing in underserved areas. The availability of virtual consultations with specialists, including oncologists and breast surgeons, is also a crucial factor.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The "Breast Cancer Score" will evaluate the availability of mental health support within the practices and the community. Do the practices offer on-site counseling services, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? Are there support groups or educational programs available for patients and their families? The presence of these resources significantly impacts the overall patient experience and the score.

The proximity to major hospitals in Providence, such as Rhode Island Hospital and Women & Infants Hospital, is a significant advantage for Cranston residents. These hospitals offer comprehensive cancer centers with advanced treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, the "Breast Cancer Score" will also consider the ease of access to these facilities. Are there transportation options available for patients who cannot drive? Are there support services, such as patient navigators, to help patients navigate the complex healthcare system?

Evaluating primary care availability requires more than just counting the number of PCPs. It involves assessing appointment availability, wait times, and the acceptance of new patients. Practices that prioritize patient access, offering same-day or next-day appointments for urgent needs, will be highly regarded. The availability of evening and weekend appointments can also be a significant benefit for working individuals.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for doctors in ZIP code 02920, and primary care availability in Cranston, will be a composite score, incorporating all the factors discussed. It will not be a single number but a nuanced assessment reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. The score will be dynamic, changing as healthcare practices evolve and new resources become available.

The analysis will consider the availability of specialized breast cancer services, such as breast surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. The presence of these specialists within Cranston or nearby Providence is crucial for providing comprehensive care. The score will reflect the ease with which patients can access these specialists and the coordination of care between primary care physicians and specialists.

The quality of breast cancer screening services is another critical factor. Practices that offer state-of-the-art mammography equipment and highly trained radiologists will receive higher marks. The availability of 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) and other advanced imaging techniques will be considered. The score will also reflect the practices' adherence to national screening guidelines and their commitment to early detection.

The "Breast Cancer Score" will also assess the practices' commitment to patient education and empowerment. Practices that provide patients with information about breast cancer risk factors, prevention strategies, and treatment options will be viewed favorably. The availability of educational materials, support groups, and patient navigators will be considered.

The score will also consider the practices' use of technology to improve patient care. Practices that utilize electronic health records, patient portals, and other technologies to streamline communication and improve care coordination will be highly regarded. The ability of patients to access their medical records online, schedule appointments, and communicate with their healthcare providers electronically is becoming increasingly important.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is intended to be a helpful tool for patients seeking breast cancer care in Cranston. It is a dynamic assessment that will be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

For a comprehensive visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Cranston, Rhode Island, including physician locations, primary care availability, and proximity to specialized cancer centers, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful way to visualize and analyze healthcare data, allowing you to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.