02032, East Walpole, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02032, East Walpole, Massachusetts is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.32 percent of the residents in 02032 has some form of health insurance. 24.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 88.83 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 02032 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,537 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02032. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 716 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,959 health care providers accessible to residents in 02032, East Walpole, Massachusetts.

## Lung Cancer Score: East Walpole, MA (ZIP Code 02032) - A Comprehensive Analysis

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians and healthcare resources within East Walpole, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02032), focusing on factors impacting lung cancer prevention, early detection, and patient support. The score aims to offer insights into the accessibility and quality of care available, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support.

East Walpole, a suburban community, presents a unique healthcare landscape. While it benefits from proximity to Boston's renowned medical institutions, local access to primary care is crucial for preventative screenings and early intervention in lung cancer cases. The analysis considers the availability of primary care physicians, their adoption of best practices, and the integration of supportive services.

The initial assessment focuses on physician-to-patient ratios. A favorable ratio, indicating a sufficient number of primary care physicians relative to the population, is vital for ensuring timely access to appointments and screenings. Data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and publicly available sources are utilized to determine the approximate physician-to-patient ratio within the 02032 ZIP code. A higher ratio, meaning fewer patients per physician, generally suggests better access to care. This metric is weighted heavily in the overall score.

Next, the analysis examines the characteristics of primary care practices in East Walpole. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate working individuals? These factors directly impact accessibility. The presence of dedicated smoking cessation programs, a critical component of lung cancer prevention, is also evaluated. Practices that proactively offer these programs receive higher scores. This component highlights the importance of preventative care.

Standout practices are identified based on several criteria. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, particularly regarding lung cancer risk factors and screening guidelines, are highlighted. The availability of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability with other healthcare providers are also considered. EHRs facilitate better communication and coordination of care, which is particularly important for patients with complex medical needs. Practices with a demonstrable history of patient satisfaction, as indicated by online reviews and patient surveys, are also noted.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in the Lung Cancer Score. The ability to offer virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and discussions about screening results, can improve patient convenience and reduce barriers to care. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, including secure video conferencing and patient portals, receive higher scores. This is increasingly important in an era of increasing patient loads and health concerns.

The analysis also assesses the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting and in the broader community. Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging, and access to mental health support is crucial for patient well-being. Practices that offer on-site counseling services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals receive higher scores. The proximity and accessibility of mental health services within the community are also considered.

The Lung Cancer Score is further influenced by the integration of screening protocols. Practices that adhere to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for lung cancer screening, including offering low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans to eligible individuals, receive higher scores. The availability of on-site or readily accessible imaging services is also considered. This component emphasizes the importance of early detection.

Furthermore, the analysis considers the availability of specialized care. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of preventative care, access to pulmonologists and oncologists is critical for patients diagnosed with lung cancer. The proximity of specialists and the efficiency of referral processes are evaluated. Practices that have established strong relationships with specialists and can facilitate timely referrals receive higher scores.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for East Walpole reflects a composite of these factors. A higher score indicates a more favorable healthcare environment for lung cancer prevention, early detection, and patient support. The score is not intended to be a definitive ranking but rather a tool to inform patients and healthcare providers about the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

The assessment acknowledges that the healthcare landscape is dynamic. Factors such as physician turnover, changes in insurance coverage, and advancements in medical technology can impact the score over time. Therefore, the Lung Cancer Score should be considered a snapshot in time, subject to ongoing updates and revisions.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for East Walpole, MA (02032) offers a valuable assessment of the local healthcare environment. It highlights the importance of physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources in the context of lung cancer care. By understanding these factors, patients can make informed decisions about their healthcare, and providers can identify areas for improvement.

For a more detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in East Walpole and surrounding areas, including the location of primary care practices, specialist availability, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore interactive maps. Explore the data and visualize the healthcare environment with CartoChrome maps.