01867, Reading, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 01867, Reading, Massachusetts is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.79 percent of the residents in 01867 has some form of health insurance. 22.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 90.79 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 01867 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,602 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01867. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,691 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,675 health care providers accessible to residents in 01867, Reading, Massachusetts.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Reading, MA (01867)

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care services within ZIP code 01867 (Reading, Massachusetts), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection and treatment. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health resources. This information is crucial for residents seeking accessible and comprehensive healthcare, particularly those at risk for or diagnosed with lung cancer.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. Early detection is paramount, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact. They play a vital role in screening, risk assessment, and referral to specialists. A high-quality primary care system in Reading is therefore critical for improving patient outcomes.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a key indicator of accessibility. Analyzing the number of PCPs practicing within 01867, compared to the population size, provides a baseline understanding of potential wait times and patient load. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access. Publicly available data from sources like the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and the U.S. Census Bureau are essential for determining these figures. The analysis would need to factor in the number of specialists and their availability.

Standout practices within Reading are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care, including proactive screening programs for lung cancer. This includes offering or facilitating low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients (those with a significant smoking history and other risk factors). Practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs and provide referrals to specialists (pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons) are also considered exemplary. These practices should have a clear process for managing patients with suspicious findings, including timely follow-up and diagnostic testing.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly for managing chronic conditions and providing follow-up care. Practices that offer telehealth appointments can improve access for patients, especially those with mobility issues or transportation challenges. Telemedicine also allows for remote monitoring of patients' conditions, which can be particularly useful in the management of lung cancer. The analysis will investigate the availability of telehealth options, including video consultations, remote monitoring, and patient portals.

Mental health resources are a critical component of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model are better equipped to support patients. This includes providing access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, either within the practice or through referrals. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health support services and the extent to which they are integrated into primary care.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care system in Reading. The score will consider the following:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** A higher ratio will contribute positively to the score.
* **Screening Practices:** Practices that offer or facilitate LDCT screening will receive a higher score.
* **Smoking Cessation Programs:** Practices that actively promote smoking cessation will receive a higher score.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Practices that offer telemedicine services will receive a higher score.
* **Mental Health Integration:** Practices that integrate mental health services will receive a higher score.
* **Referral Network:** Practices with strong referral networks to specialists will receive a higher score.

The analysis will also identify any gaps in care and areas for improvement. For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is low, it indicates a potential shortage of PCPs. If few practices offer LDCT screening, it suggests a need for increased awareness and implementation of screening guidelines. The analysis will also consider the demographics of Reading, including age, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of risk factors for lung cancer.

The analysis will involve a review of publicly available data, including information from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, the U.S. Census Bureau, and healthcare provider websites. The analysis will also involve contacting practices directly to gather information about their services and programs.

The findings of this analysis will be presented in a clear and concise format, including a "Lung Cancer Score" for Reading and recommendations for improving access to care and patient outcomes. The analysis will be updated periodically to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

The analysis will also consider the availability of support groups and community resources for lung cancer patients and their families. These resources can provide emotional support, practical assistance, and information about treatment options.

The goal is to provide residents of Reading with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare and to advocate for improvements in the local healthcare system. This analysis is intended to be a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" will be a dynamic measure, reflecting the ongoing efforts of the healthcare community in Reading to improve the quality and accessibility of care. The score will be a tool for monitoring progress and identifying areas where further improvements are needed.

The analysis will also consider the impact of health disparities on lung cancer outcomes. Certain populations, such as those with lower socioeconomic status or those from racial and ethnic minority groups, may face barriers to accessing care and may experience poorer outcomes. The analysis will identify any disparities in care and recommend strategies for addressing them.

The analysis will be conducted with the utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the findings. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and objective assessment of the primary care system in Reading, MA (01867).

This analysis is intended to be a living document, updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape and to ensure that the information provided remains current and relevant.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Reading, and to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations and hospital access, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations of healthcare data, allowing you to explore the information presented in this analysis in a dynamic and engaging way.