01522, Jefferson, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 01522, Jefferson, Massachusetts is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.97 percent of the residents in 01522 has some form of health insurance. 36.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.84 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 01522 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 668 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01522. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 493 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 744 health care providers accessible to residents in 01522, Jefferson, Massachusetts.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 01522 and Primary Care Availability in Jefferson**

This analysis evaluates the landscape of lung cancer care accessibility and primary care resources within ZIP code 01522, focusing on the town of Jefferson, Massachusetts. It aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the available medical infrastructure, considering factors crucial to patient outcomes, including physician availability, adoption of innovative technologies, and the integration of mental health support. The ultimate goal is to inform residents about the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in their community.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on readily available primary care physicians. These physicians serve as the crucial first point of contact, responsible for early detection, screening recommendations, and timely referrals to specialists. In Jefferson, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical determinant of the overall lung cancer score. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potentially poorer patient outcomes. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests a more accessible healthcare system, allowing for quicker access to care and potentially earlier intervention.

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio requires data analysis. This involves identifying the total number of primary care physicians practicing within ZIP code 01522 and comparing it to the population of Jefferson. Publicly available data from sources like the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and the US Census Bureau can be used to calculate this ratio. Furthermore, the analysis should consider the distribution of these physicians. Are they concentrated in a single practice, or are they spread throughout the community? This distribution impacts accessibility, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those residing in more remote areas of Jefferson.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices is crucial. The analysis should identify standout practices within the ZIP code. These practices might be recognized for their patient-centered care, their commitment to preventive medicine, and their proactive approach to lung cancer screening. Such practices often implement comprehensive screening programs, including recommendations for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible individuals. These scans are vital for early detection of lung cancer, significantly improving the chances of successful treatment.

The adoption of telemedicine is another key factor influencing the lung cancer score. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has the potential to significantly enhance access to care, especially for patients in rural or underserved areas. It can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. In the context of lung cancer, telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments due to their illness or geographic limitations.

The analysis must investigate the extent to which primary care practices in 01522 have embraced telemedicine. This involves assessing the availability of virtual appointment options, the use of remote monitoring devices, and the integration of telehealth platforms into their existing workflows. Practices that have proactively adopted telemedicine are likely to receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to providing accessible and convenient care.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but critical component of lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges are common among cancer patients. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting is an essential factor in the lung cancer score.

The analysis should evaluate the extent to which primary care practices in Jefferson offer mental health services. This includes assessing whether practices have integrated mental health professionals into their teams, whether they provide on-site counseling services, and whether they have established referral pathways to mental health specialists in the community. Practices that prioritize mental health support for their patients are likely to receive a higher score, reflecting their holistic approach to patient care.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the availability of support groups and other community resources for lung cancer patients. These resources can provide invaluable emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community. The presence of these resources can significantly improve the quality of life for lung cancer patients and their families.

In addition to these factors, the analysis should consider the availability of specialized lung cancer care within a reasonable distance of Jefferson. This includes access to pulmonologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. The presence of a comprehensive cancer center or a hospital with a dedicated lung cancer program would significantly improve the lung cancer score. The analysis should also assess the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, such as advanced imaging techniques and targeted therapies.

Finally, the analysis should evaluate the level of patient education and awareness regarding lung cancer prevention, screening, and treatment. This includes assessing the availability of educational materials, the frequency of community outreach programs, and the level of patient engagement in shared decision-making. Practices that prioritize patient education and empowerment are likely to receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to providing informed and patient-centered care.

In conclusion, the lung cancer score for doctors in ZIP code 01522 and primary care availability in Jefferson is a multifaceted assessment. It requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health support, and the availability of specialized cancer care resources. This analysis aims to provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape in Jefferson, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their health.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Jefferson and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and other relevant data points, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome.