02025, Cohasset, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02025, Cohasset, Massachusetts is 100 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.72 percent of the residents in 02025 has some form of health insurance. 19.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 91.98 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 02025 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,371 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02025. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,378 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,118 health care providers accessible to residents in 02025, Cohasset, Massachusetts.

**Lung Cancer Score: Cohasset, MA (ZIP Code 02025) - A Physician Landscape Analysis**

This analysis delves into the landscape of primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 02025 (Cohasset, MA), with a specific focus on factors relevant to lung cancer screening and treatment. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering physician availability, practice characteristics, and access to supportive resources, ultimately impacting the potential for early detection and effective care. This assessment is not a definitive ranking but a nuanced evaluation of the healthcare ecosystem.

Cohasset, a coastal community, presents a unique healthcare environment. The town's demographic profile, including an aging population and a potentially higher incidence of smoking-related illnesses, underscores the importance of readily accessible and high-quality primary care. The availability of PCPs is the cornerstone of early lung cancer detection through screening programs and timely referrals to specialists.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access:**

Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio in Cohasset requires accessing specific, up-to-date data from sources like the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and the US Census Bureau. However, anecdotal evidence and publicly available information suggest that access to PCPs in Cohasset can be variable. The town's relatively small population size might mean a limited number of practices, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments. This is a critical factor. A higher physician-to-patient ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to improved access and potentially better outcomes. Conversely, a lower ratio could strain the system, making it harder for patients to secure timely appointments for routine checkups, including those necessary for lung cancer screening.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics:**

Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into individual practice profiles. This involves assessing factors like the physicians' board certifications (e.g., internal medicine, family medicine), their experience, their affiliations with larger healthcare systems (e.g., Mass General Brigham, Beth Israel Lahey Health), and their adoption of technology. Practices affiliated with major hospital systems often have access to more resources, including advanced diagnostic equipment and a broader network of specialists. These affiliations are often a significant advantage.

Furthermore, the practice's approach to preventative care is crucial. Does the practice actively promote lung cancer screening for eligible patients (e.g., those with a smoking history)? Do they utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient risk factors and proactively schedule screenings? The presence of a dedicated nurse navigator or care coordinator to guide patients through the screening process and follow-up care is a significant positive indicator. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education and shared decision-making are particularly valuable.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially for geographically isolated communities. The adoption of telemedicine by Cohasset PCPs can significantly improve access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations. Telemedicine can reduce the need for in-person visits, saving patients time and travel costs. The availability of virtual consultations can also be especially beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those who find it difficult to travel to the office. However, it's important to note that telemedicine is not a substitute for in-person examinations, especially when assessing symptoms potentially indicative of lung cancer. The quality of the technology and the physician's comfort level with virtual consultations are crucial factors.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Integration:**

The link between mental health and physical health, especially in the context of a serious illness like lung cancer, is undeniable. The availability of mental health resources within primary care practices or through readily accessible referrals is a critical component of comprehensive care. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals can provide more holistic support. Integrated behavioral health services, where mental health professionals work collaboratively with PCPs, are particularly beneficial. This integration facilitates communication and ensures that patients receive coordinated care for both their physical and mental health needs.

**Lung Cancer Score Assessment (Conceptual):**

Based on the above factors, a "Lung Cancer Score" for Cohasset would consider:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** A higher ratio would contribute to a higher score.
* **Practice Characteristics:** Affiliations with major hospital systems, board certifications, and a proactive approach to preventative care (including lung cancer screening protocols) would increase the score.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** The availability and utilization of telemedicine would positively impact the score.
* **Mental Health Integration:** The presence of on-site mental health services or established referral pathways would boost the score.

Each of these elements would be weighted based on their relative importance in ensuring timely diagnosis and comprehensive care for lung cancer patients.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape in Cohasset, MA, is complex. While this analysis provides an overview, a comprehensive assessment requires detailed data collection and ongoing monitoring. The availability of PCPs, their practice characteristics, their adoption of technology, and their integration of mental health resources all play a crucial role in the early detection and effective treatment of lung cancer.

**Call to Action:**

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Cohasset, including physician locations and practice characteristics, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can help you understand the distribution of healthcare resources and access points.