02184, Braintree, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02184, Braintree, Massachusetts is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.36 percent of the residents in 02184 has some form of health insurance. 27.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.24 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 02184 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,772 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 13 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02184. An estimate of 8 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,027 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,048 health care providers accessible to residents in 02184, Braintree, Massachusetts.

The following analysis provides a hypothetical "Lung Cancer Score" assessment for physicians within the 02184 ZIP code (Braintree, Massachusetts) and considers primary care availability within the same area. This score is a composite, evaluating factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment access, and patient support, rather than a simple ranking. The score is constructed to reflect the complexities of healthcare access and quality.

The foundation of a strong lung cancer score rests on the availability and quality of primary care. Braintree, like many suburban communities, faces the ongoing challenge of ensuring sufficient primary care physician (PCP) availability. A high physician-to-patient ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can strain the system. This can lead to delayed appointments, which is critical for early detection of any illness, including lung cancer. Ideally, the ratio should be favorable, allowing for proactive screenings, regular checkups, and the development of strong patient-physician relationships.

Standout primary care practices in Braintree, hypothetically, would demonstrate several key characteristics. They would likely have a well-established system for managing patient records, including detailed smoking histories, a vital piece of information in assessing lung cancer risk. They would proactively offer or strongly recommend lung cancer screenings for eligible patients, adhering to the latest guidelines from organizations like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). These practices would also have a robust referral network, allowing for seamless transitions to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists when necessary.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial component. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments, enhance accessibility, especially for patients with mobility issues or those who live far from the clinic. Telemedicine can also facilitate quicker access to specialists, potentially shortening the time between a concerning symptom and a diagnosis. The "Lung Cancer Score" would reward practices with well-integrated telemedicine platforms, especially those that offer secure video conferencing and remote monitoring capabilities.

Beyond medical expertise, the availability of mental health resources plays a significant role. A lung cancer diagnosis can be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The "Lung Cancer Score" would consider the presence of on-site mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, or strong partnerships with local mental health providers. This integrated approach ensures patients have access to comprehensive support, addressing both their physical and emotional needs.

The analysis would also consider the availability of smoking cessation programs. A key factor in lung cancer prevention is smoking cessation. Practices that actively offer or refer patients to effective smoking cessation programs would receive a higher score. This could include individual counseling, group therapy, and the prescription of medications to aid in quitting.

The "Lung Cancer Score" also evaluates the availability of specialized care. The presence of pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons within or near the 02184 ZIP code is essential. A practice with strong connections to these specialists, ensuring prompt referrals and coordinated care, would receive a higher score. This includes evaluating the proximity of these specialists and the efficiency of the referral process.

The quality of care extends beyond the technical aspects of medicine. Patient satisfaction is a critical indicator. The "Lung Cancer Score" would consider patient reviews, surveys, and feedback mechanisms to gauge the patient experience. Practices with consistently positive feedback, reflecting a patient-centered approach, would be highly regarded.

The hypothetical "Lung Cancer Score" would also consider the practice's commitment to patient education. Providing patients with clear, concise information about lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, screening options, and treatment plans is essential. Practices that offer educational materials, host workshops, or provide personalized counseling would be viewed favorably.

In conclusion, the "Lung Cancer Score" for physicians in the 02184 ZIP code, and primary care availability in Braintree, would be a multi-faceted assessment. It would consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, smoking cessation programs, the availability of specialized care, patient satisfaction, and patient education efforts. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of healthcare access and quality, specifically in relation to lung cancer detection and treatment.

To visualize and analyze the healthcare landscape of Braintree and beyond, including physician locations, specialist availability, and demographic data relevant to lung cancer risk, explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome.