02136, Hyde Park, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02136, Hyde Park, Massachusetts is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.56 percent of the residents in 02136 has some form of health insurance. 43.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.88 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 02136 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,709 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 65 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02136. An estimate of 29 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,795 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 11,733 health care providers accessible to residents in 02136, Hyde Park, Massachusetts.

## Lung Cancer Score: An Analysis for ZIP Code 02136 (Hyde Park, MA)

This analysis assesses the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 02136, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to residents, specifically examining the quality of primary care, physician availability, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. This analysis will culminate in a suggested call to action for further exploration using CartoChrome maps.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management lies in early detection and robust primary care. Hyde Park, Massachusetts, like any community, benefits from a strong primary care infrastructure. Assessing the quality of primary care involves examining several key elements. This includes the availability of board-certified physicians, the ease of appointment scheduling, and the integration of preventative screenings. A primary care physician (PCP) serves as the first point of contact, crucial for identifying potential lung cancer symptoms and initiating timely diagnostic procedures, such as low-dose CT scans. The availability of these screening tools within the primary care setting, or readily accessible through referral, is a significant indicator of a community's preparedness to combat lung cancer.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A high ratio of patients per physician can strain resources, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced time spent with each patient. This can negatively impact the quality of care, especially when it comes to preventative screenings and early detection of diseases like lung cancer. The specific physician-to-patient ratio in 02136 requires careful investigation. Data from sources like the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, combined with demographic information for the area, would be necessary to establish an accurate understanding of physician availability. This data should be cross-referenced with the prevalence of lung cancer in the area, which can be obtained from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, to determine if there are any disparities in access to care.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is essential. These practices often serve as models for best practices in patient care. Evaluating practices involves reviewing patient satisfaction scores, assessing the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient information sharing, and examining the integration of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and treatment. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, providing educational resources on smoking cessation and lung cancer awareness, demonstrate a commitment to preventative care and community health. The practices that excel in these areas should be highlighted as valuable resources for residents.

Telemedicine adoption is a modern healthcare trend that can significantly impact access to care. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits, especially for follow-up appointments or consultations. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, or those facing transportation challenges. The availability of telemedicine services within primary care practices and specialist networks in 02136 should be assessed. The ease of access to these services, including the availability of virtual appointments and the integration of telemedicine platforms into existing patient portals, is an important factor in the overall healthcare score.

The connection between lung cancer and mental health is undeniable. A lung cancer diagnosis can be a significant emotional burden, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources within the community is, therefore, crucial. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, support groups, and other mental health services. Assessing the integration of mental health services within primary care practices and specialist networks is essential. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, or readily refer patients to mental health professionals, are better equipped to provide holistic care. The proximity of mental health facilities to primary care practices, and the ease of referral, are also important factors.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for 02136 is not simply a numerical rating. It is a composite assessment of the factors discussed above. This includes the quality of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A high score reflects a community that is well-equipped to detect, treat, and support patients with lung cancer. A lower score indicates areas for improvement, such as increasing physician availability, expanding telemedicine services, and improving access to mental health resources.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 02136, and to visualize the distribution of resources, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, hospitals, and mental health facilities, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing geographic data, allowing users to explore the healthcare infrastructure in detail. By overlaying data on physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant information, CartoChrome maps can reveal patterns and disparities in access to care. They can also be used to identify areas where resources are concentrated or lacking.

By utilizing the information presented in this analysis, and exploring the healthcare landscape with CartoChrome maps, residents of 02136 can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the resources available to them. This empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare and advocate for improvements in the community.

**Take Action:**

To visualize the healthcare resources in 02136 and gain a deeper understanding of the data discussed, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Use them to map physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data points. This will enable you to see the healthcare landscape in a new light and make more informed decisions about your health.