01262, Stockbridge, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 01262, Stockbridge, Massachusetts is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.22 percent of the residents in 01262 has some form of health insurance. 50.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.40 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 01262 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 174 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01262. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 576 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 219 health care providers accessible to residents in 01262, Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Stockbridge, MA (ZIP Code 01262)

This analysis delves into the landscape of lung cancer care within Stockbridge, Massachusetts (ZIP code 01262), focusing on primary care availability, physician resources, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. We will assess the potential for early detection and effective treatment, considering factors that influence patient outcomes. This is not a definitive ranking, but an exploratory assessment.

The core of effective lung cancer care lies in early detection. This necessitates accessible and proactive primary care. Stockbridge, a relatively small community, presents a unique challenge and opportunity. The availability of primary care physicians directly impacts the likelihood of timely screenings, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals. The geographic distribution of these physicians, coupled with their patient loads, forms the foundation of our assessment.

Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial. A higher ratio, indicating fewer patients per physician, generally translates to more time for individual patient care, including preventative measures and thorough assessments. Conversely, a lower ratio can strain resources, potentially leading to delayed appointments and less personalized attention. This analysis will consider the estimated physician-to-patient ratios within the 01262 ZIP code, comparing them to regional and national averages.

Standout practices are identified based on their commitment to comprehensive care. This includes offering preventative screenings, employing advanced diagnostic tools, and coordinating care with specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists. We will assess practices based on their patient reviews, accreditations, and participation in initiatives focused on lung cancer awareness and early detection. The presence of dedicated lung cancer screening programs, alongside clear referral pathways, is a key indicator of excellence.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Its ability to bridge geographical barriers and provide access to specialists is invaluable. The availability of telemedicine consultations for primary care and specialist referrals within Stockbridge will be evaluated. This includes assessing the types of telehealth services offered, the platforms used, and the ease of access for patients. The adoption of telemedicine can significantly improve the speed and convenience of care.

Mental health resources play a critical, often overlooked, role in cancer care. A cancer diagnosis, and the subsequent treatment, can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health support services, such as counseling and support groups, within the Stockbridge area is crucial. This analysis will examine the presence of these resources, the ease of access, and their integration with primary care and oncology services.

The assessment will consider the integration of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate efficient communication between healthcare providers, ensuring seamless coordination of care. The interoperability of these systems, allowing for the sharing of patient information across different practices and specialists, is a key factor in delivering comprehensive care. The use of EHRs can improve efficiency and reduce the risk of medical errors.

Primary care availability in Stockbridge is a critical component of early detection. The number of primary care physicians, their patient load, and their proximity to the population are all important. The analysis will consider the geographic distribution of primary care practices within the 01262 ZIP code, assessing their accessibility for residents. This involves considering factors such as travel time, transportation options, and the availability of evening and weekend appointments.

The analysis will also consider the availability of smoking cessation programs. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. The presence of readily accessible smoking cessation programs, including counseling and medication, is essential for preventing new cases and improving patient outcomes. The effectiveness of these programs, as measured by patient success rates, will also be considered.

Furthermore, the integration of patient education materials and resources is crucial. Patients need access to reliable information about lung cancer, its risk factors, and the importance of early detection. The analysis will assess the availability of educational materials, both online and in print, provided by primary care practices and other healthcare providers in the area.

The assessment will also look at the community's awareness of lung cancer. This includes the presence of public health initiatives, educational campaigns, and community events focused on lung cancer awareness and early detection. A well-informed community is more likely to seek timely medical attention and participate in screening programs.

The quality of care is also affected by the availability of specialized services. The presence of pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists in the area is essential for providing comprehensive lung cancer care. The analysis will consider the availability of these specialists, their expertise, and their collaboration with primary care physicians.

The analysis will also consider the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as bronchoscopy and PET scans. These tools are essential for diagnosing and staging lung cancer. The analysis will assess the availability of these tools in the Stockbridge area, as well as the expertise of the healthcare professionals who operate them.

The analysis will also consider the availability of clinical trials. Clinical trials offer patients access to the latest treatments and therapies. The analysis will assess the availability of clinical trials in the Stockbridge area, as well as the eligibility criteria for participating in these trials.

In conclusion, assessing lung cancer care within a specific geographical area involves a multifaceted approach. This analysis highlights key factors influencing patient outcomes in Stockbridge, MA. The availability of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and the integration of advanced technologies are all critical.

For a more detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Stockbridge, MA, and to explore the distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to utilize the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. Explore the data and gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access in your community.