02038, Franklin, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02038, Franklin, Massachusetts is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.74 percent of the residents in 02038 has some form of health insurance. 22.61 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 88.87 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 02038 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,095 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02038. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,243 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,332 health care providers accessible to residents in 02038, Franklin, Massachusetts.

## Lung Cancer Score: Analysis for 02038 and Franklin, MA

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 02038 (a portion of Franklin, MA) and the broader context of primary care availability in Franklin. We aim to provide an informed perspective on the resources available, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, with a focus on factors impacting patient outcomes. The evaluation considers various aspects, including physician access, practice characteristics, technological integration, and support services, culminating in a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem’s preparedness for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and proficient primary care. In Franklin, evaluating primary care availability involves examining physician-to-patient ratios. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access. Publicly available data, such as that from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and the US Census Bureau, can be used to estimate this ratio. Analysis should account for the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within Franklin and the town’s population. A low ratio, indicating potential strain on primary care resources, could necessitate patients traveling further for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Within 02038, the specific practices and their characteristics are crucial. Identifying standout practices requires considering several factors. Reputation, measured through patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals, offers insights into patient satisfaction and perceived quality of care. The presence of board-certified pulmonologists or oncologists within the practice, or affiliations with hospitals known for cancer care, are significant indicators of expertise. Furthermore, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as low-dose CT scanners for lung cancer screening, is essential. Practices actively participating in lung cancer screening programs, adhering to established guidelines, and offering smoking cessation resources demonstrate a proactive approach to prevention and early detection.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments or initial consultations, can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in more remote areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, often demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility. This is especially relevant in the context of lung cancer, where frequent monitoring and follow-up are often required.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are vital for patients facing a lung cancer diagnosis. The emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis, coupled with the physical challenges of treatment, can significantly impact a patient’s well-being. Assessing the availability of mental health services, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, within the practices or through referral networks, is essential. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care plans, recognizing the importance of psychological support, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care.

The presence of dedicated lung cancer support groups or patient navigators within the practices or in the Franklin community is also a significant factor. Patient navigators guide patients through the complexities of the healthcare system, helping them understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and access resources. Support groups provide a forum for patients to share experiences, offer emotional support, and learn from others facing similar challenges.

Furthermore, the practice’s commitment to patient education is important. Providing patients with clear, concise information about their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential side effects empowers them to make informed decisions about their care. Practices that offer educational materials, host informational sessions, or provide access to online resources demonstrate a commitment to patient empowerment.

Analyzing the local healthcare landscape also requires considering the affiliations of practices with larger healthcare systems or hospitals. Affiliations with hospitals known for their cancer centers and specialized lung cancer programs can provide patients with access to a wider range of services, including advanced treatments, clinical trials, and multidisciplinary care teams.

Another critical aspect is the insurance coverage accepted by the practices. Ensuring that practices accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, is crucial for ensuring access to care for all residents. Limited insurance coverage can create significant barriers to care, particularly for those with limited financial resources.

In conclusion, evaluating the lung cancer care landscape in 02038 and Franklin necessitates a multi-faceted approach. The analysis should consider physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, patient education, affiliations with larger healthcare systems, and insurance coverage. This detailed assessment will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem and provide insights into the accessibility and quality of lung cancer care available to residents.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare resources in Franklin and surrounding areas, including the location of practices, hospitals, and support services, we encourage you to explore interactive mapping tools.

**Call to Action:**

For a comprehensive and visually engaging understanding of the healthcare landscape in Franklin, including the location of practices, hospitals, and support services, we invite you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome's maps can help you visualize the distribution of resources, identify areas of high and low access, and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare ecosystem.