01264, Tyringham, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 01264, Tyringham, Massachusetts is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.62 percent of the residents in 01264 has some form of health insurance. 56.35 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.17 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 01264 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 21 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01264. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 84 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 219 health care providers accessible to residents in 01264, Tyringham, Massachusetts.

The assessment of lung cancer care quality and accessibility within ZIP Code 01264, encompassing the town of Tyringham, Massachusetts, necessitates a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, particularly primary care, as a critical entry point for early detection and referral, coupled with the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources, essential components of holistic patient care.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Tyringham and the surrounding area is a foundational element. While precise data on the specific ratio within the town itself is difficult to ascertain due to the small population, analyzing the broader Berkshire County region provides a useful context. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts the likelihood of timely cancer screenings and diagnosis. A higher physician-to-patient ratio generally suggests greater access to care, facilitating earlier detection through regular check-ups and the ability to address any concerning symptoms promptly. Conversely, a lower ratio might indicate potential challenges in securing appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Standout practices within the area are crucial. Identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and patient management is paramount. This involves evaluating factors such as the availability of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, a key screening tool for high-risk individuals, adherence to national guidelines for screening and treatment, and the utilization of multidisciplinary teams involving pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons. Furthermore, practices that prioritize patient education and support, providing resources on smoking cessation, healthy lifestyle choices, and navigating the complexities of cancer care, warrant recognition. These practices often foster a more patient-centered approach, leading to improved outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. The increasing integration of telemedicine offers significant benefits, particularly in rural areas like Tyringham, where geographical barriers can limit access to specialized care. Telemedicine enables remote consultations with specialists, facilitating timely diagnosis and treatment planning. It can also be used for follow-up appointments, medication management, and providing support services, reducing the need for frequent travel and improving patient convenience. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are better positioned to provide accessible and comprehensive care to patients, especially those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

Mental health resources are integral to comprehensive cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, is essential for addressing anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, either through on-site providers or referral networks, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. These resources can help patients cope with the emotional toll of cancer, improve their quality of life, and enhance their adherence to treatment plans.

Analyzing the availability of these resources and the practices that integrate them provides a more complete picture of lung cancer care in the region. The evaluation process should consider the following:

* **Screening Rates:** Data on the percentage of eligible patients undergoing LDCT scans.
* **Timeliness of Diagnosis:** The average time from symptom onset to diagnosis.
* **Treatment Adherence:** Rates of patients completing their prescribed treatment regimens.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Surveys and feedback from patients regarding their experiences with the healthcare system.
* **Survival Rates:** Overall survival rates for lung cancer patients in the area.

A comprehensive assessment of lung cancer care in Tyringham requires a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape. The availability of PCPs, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources are all crucial components.

Further investigation should focus on the specific practices within ZIP Code 01264 and the surrounding areas, evaluating their adherence to best practices, the services they offer, and their integration of technology and support services. This could involve contacting local healthcare providers, reviewing publicly available data on healthcare quality, and gathering feedback from patients.

The aim of this analysis is to provide a valuable overview of the current state of lung cancer care in the Tyringham area. The ultimate goal is to empower patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare and to identify areas where improvements can be made.

This analysis is a starting point. A more detailed investigation, including data from multiple sources and direct engagement with healthcare providers and patients, would provide a more definitive assessment.

For a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your area, including the specific locations of healthcare providers, the availability of services, and the distribution of resources, consider exploring the interactive mapping tools provided by CartoChrome maps. Their platform offers a powerful visualization of healthcare data, allowing you to identify the resources available in your community and make informed decisions about your health.