01830, Haverhill, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 01830, Haverhill, Massachusetts is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.52 percent of the residents in 01830 has some form of health insurance. 45.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.27 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 01830 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,583 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01830. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,767 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,717 health care providers accessible to residents in 01830, Haverhill, Massachusetts.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Haverhill, MA (ZIP Code 01830)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score (LCS) assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 01830 ZIP code, focusing on factors relevant to early detection, patient care, and access to resources. The evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support, all critical components in managing lung cancer risk and improving patient outcomes. This score isn't a numerical grade but a qualitative assessment reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape concerning lung cancer care.

Haverhill, Massachusetts, presents a unique healthcare environment. The city's demographics, including age distribution and socioeconomic factors, influence the prevalence of lung cancer risk factors. Understanding these local nuances is essential when evaluating the quality and accessibility of healthcare services. The availability of primary care physicians forms the foundation of proactive cancer screening and management, making their performance a pivotal element in this analysis.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of access. A higher ratio, meaning fewer patients per physician, generally translates to more available appointments and potentially more time for patient education and preventative care discussions. Within 01830, the ratio fluctuates depending on practice size, specialization, and patient volume. Practices with a lower ratio, demonstrating greater availability, receive higher consideration in the LCS assessment. This availability directly impacts the ability of patients to receive timely screenings, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, which are crucial for early detection.

Standout practices within Haverhill are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive lung cancer care. This includes proactive screening programs for high-risk individuals, robust patient education initiatives, and efficient referral pathways to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient risk factors, manage screening schedules, and coordinate care receive favorable consideration. The presence of certified smoking cessation programs within the practice is also a significant positive factor, as smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially in areas where access to care may be limited. Practices that offer telehealth consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education, are viewed positively. Telemedicine can improve access to care for patients who live far from the practice or have mobility limitations. Furthermore, telehealth can facilitate consultations with specialists, reducing the need for travel and streamlining the referral process. The capacity for telehealth also supports better patient adherence to treatment plans.

The integration of mental health resources is a crucial aspect of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that have established partnerships with mental health professionals, or that offer on-site counseling services, receive higher marks in the LCS assessment. This integrated approach ensures patients have access to the emotional support they need throughout their cancer journey. The ability to address mental health concerns alongside physical health improves overall patient well-being and can positively influence treatment outcomes.

Primary care availability in Haverhill is not uniform. Some areas within the 01830 ZIP code may experience greater access challenges than others. Factors like transportation limitations, insurance coverage, and language barriers can further restrict access to care. The LCS assessment considers these disparities, recognizing the importance of equitable healthcare access for all residents. Practices that actively work to overcome these barriers, such as offering multilingual services or providing transportation assistance, are highly regarded.

The evaluation of primary care practices also considers their participation in community outreach programs. Practices that actively engage in community health initiatives, such as health fairs, educational seminars, and smoking cessation campaigns, demonstrate a commitment to preventative care and public health. This proactive approach helps to raise awareness about lung cancer risk factors and promotes early detection, ultimately improving patient outcomes. The willingness to engage the community is a strong indicator of a practice’s dedication to the well-being of its patients.

The overall LCS assessment for Haverhill's primary care landscape reflects a mix of strengths and areas for improvement. While some practices demonstrate exemplary care, others may need to enhance their screening programs, telemedicine capabilities, and mental health support services. The physician-to-patient ratio varies, and access to care can be a challenge for some residents. The presence of standout practices, however, indicates a commitment to providing quality lung cancer care within the community.

To further refine your understanding of the healthcare landscape in Haverhill, and to visualize the distribution of primary care resources, consider exploring the data with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can help you visualize physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data points. This can help patients and healthcare providers better understand the healthcare environment.