02169, Quincy, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02169, Quincy, Massachusetts is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.16 percent of the residents in 02169 has some form of health insurance. 38.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.38 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 02169 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,648 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 17 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02169. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 9,622 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,607 health care providers accessible to residents in 02169, Quincy, Massachusetts.

The analysis of lung cancer care within ZIP code 02169, encompassing Quincy, Massachusetts, demands a multi-faceted approach. This assessment considers not only the presence of medical professionals but also the accessibility of primary care, the utilization of innovative technologies, and the integration of mental health support, all crucial factors in patient outcomes. A ‘Lung Cancer Score’ is a hypothetical construct, a composite measure of these elements, designed to offer a comparative view of the healthcare landscape.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer care system rests upon a strong primary care infrastructure. In Quincy, assessing primary care availability involves examining physician-to-patient ratios. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per primary care physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Data from sources like the Massachusetts Medical Society and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services provides this critical information. Publicly available data will be reviewed.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care matters. Practices with a demonstrable commitment to preventative care, including regular screenings for at-risk individuals, will score higher. This includes practices actively promoting smoking cessation programs and adhering to national guidelines for lung cancer screening, particularly for individuals with a history of smoking or exposure to other risk factors.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. This involves reviewing patient reviews, analyzing accreditation by organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), and assessing the integration of electronic health records (EHRs). Practices that seamlessly integrate EHRs often demonstrate better care coordination, allowing for efficient communication between primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers.

The adoption of telemedicine is another key factor in the ‘Lung Cancer Score’. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in underserved areas. Practices actively utilizing telehealth platforms, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, will be viewed favorably.

Mental health is often overlooked in cancer care, but it is a critical component of overall well-being. Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that offer or readily refer patients to mental health resources, such as therapists, support groups, and psychiatrists, will receive a higher score. This includes practices that screen patients for mental health issues and integrate mental health services into their care plans.

The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is also paramount. Analyzing the number of specialists practicing within the ZIP code, their affiliations with hospitals and cancer centers, and their expertise in lung cancer treatment are essential. Practices with strong affiliations with reputable cancer centers, such as Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or Massachusetts General Hospital, often have access to advanced treatment options and clinical trials.

The ‘Lung Cancer Score’ will also evaluate the availability of diagnostic tools, such as advanced imaging techniques like CT scans and PET scans. Practices that offer these services on-site or have easy access to them will score higher. Timely access to accurate diagnostics is crucial for early detection and effective treatment.

Furthermore, patient education and support services play a vital role. Practices that provide patients with comprehensive information about their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential side effects, and that offer support groups or patient navigators, will be considered more patient-centered and receive a higher score.

The analysis will also consider the socioeconomic factors of the population within ZIP code 02169. Areas with higher rates of poverty, lower educational attainment, and limited access to transportation may face greater challenges in accessing healthcare. The ‘Lung Cancer Score’ will factor in these disparities and assess the efforts of practices to address them.

This comprehensive analysis will culminate in a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Quincy. The final ‘Lung Cancer Score’ will be a relative measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the available resources. This score will be used to identify areas for improvement and to inform patients about the quality of care available in their community.

The development of this ‘Lung Cancer Score’ involves a meticulous process of data collection, analysis, and interpretation. It requires access to a wide range of information, including public health data, insurance claims data, and practice-level information. The score will be a dynamic measure, subject to change as the healthcare landscape evolves.

The goal is to provide a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. By highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system, the ‘Lung Cancer Score’ can help to improve the quality of care for all residents of Quincy.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Quincy, including physician locations, primary care availability, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to visit CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offers a powerful visualization tool that allows you to explore the data in an interactive and user-friendly format.