01913, Amesbury, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 01913, Amesbury, Massachusetts is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.56 percent of the residents in 01913 has some form of health insurance. 29.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.34 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 01913 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,462 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01913. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,582 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,026 health care providers accessible to residents in 01913, Amesbury, Massachusetts.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Amesbury, MA (ZIP Code 01913)

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care accessibility and related factors for residents of Amesbury, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 01913). The evaluation considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare system, particularly concerning the crucial aspects of lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

Amesbury, a community nestled in Essex County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities within its healthcare ecosystem. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a cornerstone of effective lung cancer care. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients, playing a vital role in screening, risk assessment, and referral to specialists. The physician-to-patient ratio in Amesbury, while data fluctuates, is a key indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer PCPs per capita, can translate into longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying critical screenings and diagnoses. This can be especially detrimental in the context of lung cancer, where early detection significantly improves survival rates.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the community is equally important. Are primary care practices clustered in certain areas, leaving other parts of Amesbury underserved? Analyzing the geographic accessibility of these practices, including factors like public transportation access and proximity to residential areas, is crucial. This spatial analysis helps identify potential healthcare deserts, areas where residents face significant barriers to accessing essential medical services.

The quality of primary care practices also warrants scrutiny. Are the practices well-equipped to offer comprehensive care, including smoking cessation programs, which are vital for lung cancer prevention? Do they have robust systems for patient education and outreach, especially targeting high-risk populations like current and former smokers? Evaluating these factors provides a more holistic view of the primary care landscape in Amesbury.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of the assessment. Telehealth, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, has the potential to significantly improve access to care, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations, those living in remote areas, or those facing transportation challenges. The extent to which primary care practices and specialists in Amesbury have embraced telemedicine is a key indicator of their responsiveness to patient needs and their commitment to providing convenient and accessible care. Does the local health system offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments? Are there online resources for patients to access educational materials and manage their health records?

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked but is a crucial element of comprehensive lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis, and its subsequent treatment, can have profound psychological effects on patients, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services within the local healthcare system, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore essential. Are primary care practices equipped to screen for mental health issues? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health specialists? Are there local support groups for cancer patients and their families?

Analyzing the standout practices in Amesbury is a core component of this analysis. Identifying practices that excel in specific areas, such as patient education, preventative care, or telemedicine adoption, can provide valuable insights and serve as models for other practices to emulate. This could involve researching practices with a demonstrated commitment to patient-centered care, those that have successfully implemented innovative programs, or those that have achieved positive outcomes in lung cancer screening and treatment.

The role of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is paramount in lung cancer care. Assessing the availability of these specialists in and around Amesbury, including their proximity to primary care practices and hospitals, is essential. Are there sufficient numbers of specialists to meet the needs of the local population? What are the wait times for appointments with these specialists? The presence of a comprehensive cancer center, offering a full range of diagnostic and treatment options, would be a significant asset for the community.

The presence of community resources, such as smoking cessation programs, support groups, and educational initiatives, also contributes to the overall Lung Cancer Score. These resources can play a vital role in preventing lung cancer, supporting patients throughout their treatment journey, and improving their quality of life. Evaluating the availability and accessibility of these resources is a key part of the assessment.

Ultimately, the Lung Cancer Score for Amesbury (ZIP Code 01913) is a composite measure, reflecting the interplay of these various factors. It is not a single number, but rather a nuanced evaluation that considers the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. The goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of the resources available to residents, highlighting areas where improvements are needed and identifying best practices that can be replicated. This analysis aims to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, ultimately contributing to better lung cancer outcomes for the Amesbury community.

This analysis is based on publicly available data and information. The accuracy of the Lung Cancer Score is dependent on the quality and completeness of the data used. Further research, including direct engagement with healthcare providers and community stakeholders, would be beneficial in refining this assessment and developing targeted interventions to improve lung cancer care in Amesbury.

For a visual representation of this data, including geographic mapping of physician locations, primary care availability, and other relevant factors, please visit CartoChrome maps.