01366, Petersham, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 01366, Petersham, Massachusetts is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.86 percent of the residents in 01366 has some form of health insurance. 41.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.13 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 01366 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 161 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01366. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 308 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 71 health care providers accessible to residents in 01366, Petersham, Massachusetts.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Petersham, MA (ZIP Code 01366)**

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of healthcare resources in Petersham, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 01366), with a specific focus on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The goal is to provide a “Lung Cancer Score” assessment, considering physician access, practice quality, and supportive services. This score is not a numerical value but a qualitative assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

Petersham, a small rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The limited population density impacts the availability of specialized medical services, including pulmonology and oncology. Primary care physicians (PCPs) serve as the initial point of contact and play a crucial role in early detection, referral, and ongoing patient management.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability**

The physician-to-patient ratio in Petersham is a critical factor. Due to its rural nature, the town likely faces challenges in attracting and retaining physicians. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, limited access to preventative screenings, and increased pressure on existing healthcare providers. Assessing the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code is essential. This requires data collection from sources like the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and local hospital affiliations.

Primary care availability is directly linked to lung cancer outcomes. Early detection through regular screenings, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals, is paramount. PCPs must be knowledgeable about lung cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and referral pathways. The availability of PCPs who actively participate in preventative care is a significant determinant of the "Lung Cancer Score."

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating the quality of care provided by local healthcare facilities. This assessment should consider several factors. First, the presence of electronic health records (EHRs) is vital for efficient information sharing and care coordination. EHRs facilitate seamless communication between PCPs, specialists, and hospitals, ensuring that patient information is readily available.

Second, the practice's adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and treatment is crucial. This involves assessing whether practices follow the recommendations of organizations like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Practices should have protocols in place for identifying high-risk patients, ordering appropriate screenings, and referring patients to specialists promptly.

Third, patient satisfaction is a key indicator of quality. Patient reviews, feedback surveys, and testimonials provide insights into the patient experience. Are patients satisfied with the accessibility of care, the communication from their physicians, and the overall quality of service?

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**

Telemedicine offers a valuable solution to address the challenges of rural healthcare access. The adoption of telemedicine technologies, such as virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can expand access to specialists, reduce travel burdens, and improve patient convenience.

Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption in Petersham requires examining the availability of virtual appointments with PCPs and specialists. Are PCPs offering virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and routine check-ups? Are specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, providing telemedicine services to patients in the area?

The impact of telemedicine on the "Lung Cancer Score" is significant. Increased access to specialists through telemedicine can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, improved patient outcomes, and reduced healthcare costs.

**Mental Health Resources and Patient Support**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive cancer care.

Evaluating the availability of mental health services in Petersham involves assessing the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists. Are these professionals accepting new patients? Do they have experience working with cancer patients?

Support groups and counseling services specifically tailored to cancer patients and their families are also essential. These resources provide emotional support, coping strategies, and a sense of community. The availability of such resources significantly impacts the "Lung Cancer Score."

**Overall Assessment and Conclusion**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Petersham, MA (ZIP Code 01366) is influenced by the interplay of several factors. Limited physician-to-patient ratios, the need for increased telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources are all key considerations. While rural communities often face challenges, the dedication of local healthcare providers and the implementation of innovative solutions can improve patient outcomes.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Petersham and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide interactive visualizations of physician locations, hospital affiliations, and other relevant data, enabling a more comprehensive assessment of healthcare access and quality.