01527, Millbury, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 01527, Millbury, Massachusetts is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.47 percent of the residents in 01527 has some form of health insurance. 33.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.01 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 01527 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,767 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01527. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,395 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,208 health care providers accessible to residents in 01527, Millbury, Massachusetts.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Millbury, MA (ZIP Code 01527)**

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in Millbury, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 01527), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care, particularly the availability and quality of primary care. The goal is to provide insights for residents seeking care and to highlight areas for potential improvement within the local healthcare system. We will examine primary care physician availability, specialist access, adoption of telemedicine, mental health resources, and overall practice quality, culminating in a Lung Cancer Score that reflects the community's readiness to address this critical disease.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon robust primary care. Early detection through screening and timely referrals to specialists are crucial. In Millbury, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care providers is a key indicator. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Researching the precise physician-to-patient ratio in 01527 is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health should be consulted. This data, along with the number of active primary care practices within the zip code, forms the basis of the initial score.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Evaluating practices based on patient reviews, accreditation status (e.g., NCQA), and the presence of advanced practice providers (nurse practitioners and physician assistants) is vital. Practices with a strong emphasis on preventative care, including smoking cessation programs and lung cancer screening protocols, will receive higher scores. The availability of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability also contribute to the overall score. EHRs streamline information sharing between providers, improving care coordination and patient outcomes.

Specialist access, specifically pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, is another critical factor. The proximity of these specialists to Millbury and the ease with which patients can access them directly impacts the Lung Cancer Score. The presence of specialized cancer centers in the surrounding area, such as those in Worcester, is a significant advantage. Analyzing the average wait times for appointments with these specialists and the acceptance of various insurance plans is crucial to determining accessibility. The availability of multidisciplinary care, involving collaboration between various specialists, further enhances the score.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially in the wake of the pandemic. The availability of telehealth services for primary care and specialist consultations in Millbury significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals receive higher scores. Assessing the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of use, and patient satisfaction levels are critical components of this evaluation.

The emotional and psychological toll of a lung cancer diagnosis is substantial. Therefore, access to mental health resources is a vital aspect of comprehensive care. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the community or easily accessible through referrals, is a significant factor. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, offering support groups, counseling, or referrals to mental health specialists, receive higher scores. The presence of social workers who can assist patients with navigating the complexities of treatment and support systems also contributes to the overall score.

Evaluating standout practices within 01527 is a key part of the analysis. Identifying practices that excel in specific areas, such as patient satisfaction, preventative care, or specialist coordination, is crucial. This can be achieved through reviewing patient testimonials, analyzing practice websites, and consulting with local healthcare professionals. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care and continuous improvement will be recognized. The presence of certified lung cancer screening centers, adhering to national guidelines, is also a critical factor.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Millbury (01527) is a composite of the factors discussed above. It is not a static number but rather a dynamic assessment that can be updated as the healthcare landscape evolves. The score reflects the community's preparedness to address lung cancer, taking into account the availability of primary care, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and overall practice quality. The score can be presented on a scale (e.g., 1-100), with higher scores indicating a more favorable environment for lung cancer care. The score can also be broken down into sub-scores for each category, allowing for a more granular understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

The analysis should also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on access to care. Factors such as insurance coverage, income levels, and transportation access can significantly influence a patient's ability to receive timely and appropriate care. Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensuring equitable access to lung cancer care for all residents of Millbury.

In conclusion, this Lung Cancer Score analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding the healthcare environment in Millbury, MA (01527). It highlights the importance of primary care, specialist access, telemedicine, and mental health resources in the fight against lung cancer. By understanding these factors, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare and advocate for improvements within the local healthcare system.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Millbury and visualize the data discussed in this analysis, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps and data visualizations that can help you understand the distribution of healthcare resources, specialist locations, and other relevant information.