01504, Blackstone, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 01504, Blackstone, Massachusetts is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.38 percent of the residents in 01504 has some form of health insurance. 28.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.79 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 01504 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,048 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01504. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,583 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 208 health care providers accessible to residents in 01504, Blackstone, Massachusetts.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Blackstone, MA (01504)

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care and primary care access within the Blackstone, MA (01504) ZIP code. It considers factors crucial for patient outcomes, including physician availability, practice quality, technology integration, and mental health support. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem, ultimately informing residents about the resources at their disposal.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on the availability of skilled primary care physicians (PCPs). These doctors often serve as the first point of contact, crucial for early detection through screening and referral to specialists. In Blackstone, the physician-to-patient ratio for PCPs is a key metric. While precise figures fluctuate, publicly available data, such as those from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), can be analyzed. This data, combined with information from local healthcare networks like UMass Memorial Health or Milford Regional Medical Center (if applicable), offers a preliminary assessment. The analysis would evaluate if the ratio meets or falls short of the national average. A lower ratio (more patients per doctor) could potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to preventative care, impacting early lung cancer detection.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. This involves examining factors like the presence of board-certified physicians, adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening (e.g., for high-risk individuals), and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management and communication. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement programs and demonstrate positive patient outcomes would receive higher scores. Furthermore, the analysis would probe into the practices' infrastructure for patient education materials, as well as their ability to communicate effectively with patients about lung cancer risks, symptoms, and screening options.

The analysis also considers the adoption of telemedicine. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, has become increasingly important, especially for patients in rural or underserved areas. Its use can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate follow-up appointments. The assessment would identify which primary care practices in Blackstone offer telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual check-ups, medication management), and the ease of access for patients. Practices that have embraced telemedicine effectively would be recognized for their commitment to patient convenience and accessibility.

Specialist care is critical for lung cancer patients. While this analysis focuses on primary care, the availability and accessibility of pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons within a reasonable distance from Blackstone are also essential. The analysis would identify nearby hospitals and specialty clinics that offer comprehensive lung cancer treatment, including diagnostic imaging, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. It would assess the proximity of these facilities and the ease of patient referral from local primary care practices.

Mental health support is a frequently overlooked, yet vital, component of comprehensive lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis would investigate the availability of mental health resources within the primary care practices and in the broader community. This includes access to therapists, counselors, support groups, and psychiatric services. Practices that proactively screen for mental health issues and offer or refer patients to appropriate support services would be viewed favorably.

Standout practices within Blackstone would be identified based on their performance across the aforementioned criteria. These practices would be those that demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, utilizing technology effectively, and addressing the holistic needs of their patients. The assessment would highlight any innovative approaches to care delivery, such as patient navigators or dedicated lung cancer care coordinators.

The analysis also takes into account the availability of resources for smoking cessation. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and access to effective smoking cessation programs is crucial for prevention and improving patient outcomes. The analysis would investigate whether primary care practices offer or refer patients to smoking cessation programs, including counseling, medication, and support groups.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for Blackstone would be a composite score, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem. This score would be determined by weighting the various factors discussed, with a greater emphasis on those factors that have the most significant impact on patient outcomes. The score would provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape, identifying areas where the community excels and areas where improvements are needed.

In conclusion, this analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare resources available to residents of Blackstone, MA (01504), with a specific focus on lung cancer care and primary care access. The information presented can be used to inform residents about their healthcare options and to guide healthcare providers in their efforts to improve patient care.

To visualize and further explore the healthcare landscape of Blackstone, MA, and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital locations, and access to resources, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps.