01072, Shutesbury, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 01072, Shutesbury, Massachusetts is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.94 percent of the residents in 01072 has some form of health insurance. 47.16 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.05 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 01072 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 197 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01072. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 347 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,549 health care providers accessible to residents in 01072, Shutesbury, Massachusetts.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 01072 and Primary Care Availability in Shutesbury**

This analysis delves into the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 01072 (primarily encompassing Sunderland, Massachusetts) and the primary care accessibility within the town of Shutesbury, Massachusetts. The goal is to create a "Lung Cancer Score" framework, indirectly assessing the quality and accessibility of care relevant to lung cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. While a direct "Lung Cancer Score" is not feasible without granular clinical data, this analysis utilizes publicly available information to gauge the environment supporting lung cancer care, including physician availability, technological integration, and mental health support.

The core of this analysis examines the physician-to-patient ratio within the target areas. A higher ratio of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists, the specialists most directly involved in lung cancer care, generally indicates better access. However, simply counting doctors isn't enough. The distribution of those physicians matters. Are they clustered in one area, leaving others underserved? This geographical distribution significantly impacts the "score."

Within 01072, the concentration of medical professionals is likely influenced by its proximity to larger towns and cities like Amherst and Northampton. These areas often house hospitals, specialty clinics, and a greater density of physicians. Shutesbury, being a more rural community, may face different challenges, potentially relying on nearby towns for primary care services. The distance patients must travel to see a doctor directly impacts their access to early detection screenings, crucial for improving lung cancer outcomes.

Standout practices are identified by their commitment to patient care and technological integration. Practices that have embraced electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals are likely to be more efficient, allowing for better communication and coordination of care. These technologies also facilitate the sharing of patient data, which is critical for referrals to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, when lung cancer is suspected. Practices actively participating in value-based care models, focusing on patient outcomes rather than volume, are also indicators of quality.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in the "Lung Cancer Score." Telemedicine offers several advantages, especially in rural areas. It reduces travel time and costs, making it easier for patients to access consultations with specialists. For lung cancer patients, this can be particularly valuable for follow-up appointments, remote monitoring, and access to support groups. Practices that offer telemedicine options, especially for pulmonary consultations, will receive a higher score.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but crucial component of lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, is essential for providing comprehensive care. Practices that integrate mental health services, either directly or through referrals, demonstrate a commitment to addressing the holistic needs of their patients. The proximity of mental health facilities and the availability of support groups also contribute to the score.

The "Lung Cancer Score" considers the presence of lung cancer screening programs. These programs, usually involving low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, are vital for early detection. Practices that actively promote and facilitate lung cancer screening for eligible patients demonstrate a proactive approach to prevention. The score will be elevated for practices that follow the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for lung cancer screening.

Another important element is the presence of smoking cessation programs. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and effective cessation programs are crucial for prevention. Practices offering counseling, medication, and other resources to help patients quit smoking contribute positively to the score. This includes access to nicotine replacement therapy and other proven interventions.

The overall assessment of primary care availability in Shutesbury requires a nuanced approach. While Shutesbury may have a limited number of physicians directly within its borders, its proximity to larger towns and cities with more extensive healthcare infrastructure is a key factor. The "Lung Cancer Score" will consider the travel time to access primary care, the availability of transportation options, and the presence of any community health initiatives that address healthcare access challenges.

The analysis will also consider the age and demographics of the population in both areas. Older populations, and those with a history of smoking, are at higher risk for lung cancer. The score will be adjusted to reflect the specific needs of the populations served. This includes considering the prevalence of smoking and other risk factors.

Data sources for this analysis include publicly available information from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and local community health organizations. The accuracy of the score is limited by the availability and completeness of the data.

This "Lung Cancer Score" framework is not a definitive ranking. It is a composite assessment based on the available data. It aims to provide a general overview of the healthcare environment related to lung cancer care in the target areas. The score will be a relative measure, comparing the access and quality of care in the analyzed areas based on the factors discussed above.

To visualize and explore the healthcare landscape in detail, we invite you to use CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome's interactive maps allow you to explore physician locations, hospital proximity, and other relevant data points. This visual representation can enhance your understanding of healthcare access in the 01072 ZIP code and Shutesbury.