01223, Becket, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 01223, Becket, Massachusetts is 82 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.25 percent of the residents in 01223 has some form of health insurance. 41.80 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.98 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 01223 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 461 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01223. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 608 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,335 health care providers accessible to residents in 01223, Becket, Massachusetts.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 01223 and Primary Care Availability in Becket**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, especially concerning a serious illness like lung cancer, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on doctors within ZIP code 01223 and the primary care landscape in Becket, assessing key factors influencing patient outcomes. We'll examine physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, explore telemedicine adoption, and consider the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of a comprehensive care model. This is not medical advice, but an analytical overview.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care is a strong primary care network. Early detection through screening and timely referrals to specialists are paramount. In Becket, assessing primary care availability involves understanding the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) relative to the population. A low physician-to-patient ratio can indicate limited access, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a higher ratio, while preferable, doesn't guarantee quality. Factors like physician experience, practice infrastructure, and the integration of specialists all play a role.

Within ZIP code 01223, a similar analysis is needed. The number of doctors, including PCPs, pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists, must be considered. The distribution of these specialists is critical. Are specialists readily accessible, or do patients face significant travel times? Geographical barriers can significantly impact access to care, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating several criteria. These include:

* **Accreditation and Certifications:** Are practices accredited by reputable organizations like the American College of Radiology or the Commission on Cancer?
* **Patient Outcomes:** Do practices have positive patient outcomes, such as high five-year survival rates?
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Are patients satisfied with the care they receive? This can be assessed through patient surveys and online reviews.
* **Use of Evidence-Based Guidelines:** Do practices adhere to established guidelines for lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment?
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Do practices have a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, and radiation oncologists, working collaboratively?

The adoption of telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to care by reducing travel time and providing convenient consultations. The extent of telemedicine adoption in 01223 and Becket should be assessed. This includes:

* **Availability of Telemedicine Consultations:** Do practices offer virtual appointments for consultations, follow-up care, and medication management?
* **Use of Remote Monitoring:** Do practices use remote monitoring technologies to track patients' health and provide timely interventions?
* **Integration of Telemedicine with Electronic Health Records (EHRs):** Is telemedicine seamlessly integrated with the practice's EHR system?

Mental health resources are a critical component of comprehensive lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Assessing the availability of mental health support involves:

* **On-site Mental Health Professionals:** Do practices have on-site psychologists, psychiatrists, or counselors?
* **Referral Networks:** Do practices have established referral networks to mental health professionals?
* **Support Groups:** Are support groups available for lung cancer patients and their families?
* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Are mental health services integrated into the overall care plan?

The analysis should also consider the availability of social support services, such as financial assistance, transportation, and home healthcare. These services can help patients manage the practical challenges of living with lung cancer.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the demographic characteristics of the population served by the physicians in 01223 and the primary care practices in Becket. Factors like age, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity can influence access to care and patient outcomes. Understanding these demographics can help identify potential disparities in care and inform strategies to address them.

The analysis should also include a review of the available resources for lung cancer screening and early detection. This includes the availability of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, which are recommended for high-risk individuals. The analysis should also assess the awareness of lung cancer screening guidelines among both physicians and patients.

Finally, the analysis should be presented in a clear and concise manner, with actionable recommendations. The recommendations should be based on the findings of the analysis and should be tailored to the specific needs of the community.

To visualize and further explore the geographical aspects of this analysis, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician distribution, access to care, and other relevant data points. This can help identify areas with limited access to care and inform strategies to improve healthcare access.