02130, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02130, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.96 percent of the residents in 02130 has some form of health insurance. 29.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.56 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 02130 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,854 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 65 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02130. An estimate of 29 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,889 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 11,768 health care providers accessible to residents in 02130, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts.

## Lung Cancer Score: Jamaica Plain, MA (ZIP Code 02130)

This analysis evaluates the accessibility and quality of lung cancer care within Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts (ZIP code 02130), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) availability and related resources. The goal is to provide an informed perspective on the local healthcare landscape, particularly for individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer. The “Lung Cancer Score” is a conceptual framework, considering factors crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management lies in robust primary care. Early detection through screening programs, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals, significantly improves survival rates. Within Jamaica Plain, the availability of PCPs is a critical factor. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer patients per physician, generally translates to better access and more personalized care. Information on these ratios, ideally obtained through publicly available data or health insurance provider information, would be crucial to assess the current situation. The analysis should also consider the PCP’s willingness and ability to implement lung cancer screening guidelines, including patient education and referral protocols.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Standout practices in Jamaica Plain would demonstrate a proactive approach to lung cancer prevention and early detection. This includes actively identifying and counseling patients at risk due to smoking history, family history, or other predisposing factors. These practices would have established systems for tracking patients eligible for LDCT screening, ensuring timely referrals to qualified radiology centers. They should also provide comprehensive smoking cessation programs, including counseling and pharmacological interventions. Furthermore, the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) facilitates efficient data management and communication between PCPs, specialists, and other healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. Telemedicine, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education, can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in geographically isolated areas. The analysis should assess the extent of telemedicine integration among PCPs and specialists in Jamaica Plain. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the technological infrastructure to support these services. Telemedicine can also play a significant role in mental health support, which is a vital aspect of cancer care.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment often involve significant emotional and psychological challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within Jamaica Plain is a crucial component of the Lung Cancer Score. The analysis should identify mental health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, who specialize in oncology or have experience working with cancer patients. The proximity of these resources to primary care practices and cancer treatment centers is also important. Furthermore, the availability of support groups, both in-person and virtual, can provide invaluable emotional support and peer-to-peer connections for patients and their families.

Specialist availability is also critical. The analysis should identify pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists practicing in or near Jamaica Plain. The number of specialists, their qualifications, and their affiliations with reputable hospitals and cancer centers are essential factors. The efficiency of referral processes between PCPs and specialists is also important. Ideally, there would be established communication pathways and collaborative care models to ensure seamless transitions and coordinated treatment plans.

The availability of comprehensive cancer treatment centers in the vicinity of Jamaica Plain is a key indicator. These centers should offer a full range of services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical oncology, and supportive care services. The proximity of these centers and their accessibility to patients in Jamaica Plain would be assessed. The analysis should also consider the availability of clinical trials and research opportunities, which can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Jamaica Plain would be a composite measure, reflecting the interplay of all these factors. A high score would indicate excellent access to primary care, a proactive approach to lung cancer screening and prevention, robust mental health support, a strong network of specialists, and access to comprehensive cancer treatment centers. Conversely, a low score would highlight areas needing improvement, such as limited PCP availability, inadequate screening programs, insufficient mental health resources, or a lack of access to specialized care.

The analysis would also consider the socioeconomic factors that can influence health outcomes. Jamaica Plain is a diverse community, and disparities in access to care and health outcomes may exist. The analysis should identify any such disparities and highlight the need for targeted interventions to address them. This includes ensuring that all residents, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have access to high-quality lung cancer care.

The analysis should also consider the patient experience. This includes factors such as wait times for appointments, the ease of navigating the healthcare system, and the overall satisfaction of patients with their care. Patient feedback, obtained through surveys or other means, can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

The ultimate goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive overview of the lung cancer care landscape in Jamaica Plain. This information can be used by individuals at risk, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions and improve the quality of care. It can also be used to identify areas for improvement and to advocate for resources and services that are needed to support patients with lung cancer.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Jamaica Plain and explore the locations of physicians, specialists, and treatment centers, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. Their interactive platform allows you to explore the data discussed, providing a spatial understanding of healthcare accessibility and resources in your community.