02535, Chilmark, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02535, Chilmark, Massachusetts is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.30 percent of the residents in 02535 has some form of health insurance. 41.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.34 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 02535 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 337 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02535. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 668 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 309 health care providers accessible to residents in 02535, Chilmark, Massachusetts.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 02535 and Primary Care Availability in Chilmark**

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care services within ZIP code 02535, focusing on Chilmark, Massachusetts, with a specific lens on factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. The evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in patient care, particularly for a disease as complex as lung cancer. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas for potential improvement.

Chilmark, a small, geographically isolated community, presents unique challenges and opportunities for healthcare delivery. The limited population density and the seasonal influx of visitors necessitate a careful consideration of resource allocation and service accessibility. The success of lung cancer management hinges on early detection, which is directly linked to consistent access to primary care physicians who can facilitate screenings, provide education, and coordinate referrals to specialists.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Chilmark, and more broadly within ZIP code 02535, is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of primary care physicians relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced patient-physician interaction time, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. Assessing this ratio requires data from multiple sources, including the US Census Bureau for population figures and state medical board records for physician counts. This data must be analyzed with consideration for the seasonal fluctuations in population, which can significantly impact the demand for healthcare services.

Standout practices within the area are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive patient care, including preventative measures for lung cancer. These practices often prioritize patient education about smoking cessation, healthy lifestyle choices, and the importance of regular check-ups. They may also actively participate in community outreach programs to raise awareness about lung cancer risks and screening guidelines. Identifying these practices requires examining patient reviews, assessing the range of services offered, and evaluating their integration of evidence-based practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care, especially for residents of remote areas like Chilmark. Practices that utilize telemedicine for virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring can significantly enhance patient convenience and reduce the burden of travel, particularly for those undergoing treatment or follow-up care for lung cancer. The extent of telemedicine adoption can be assessed by reviewing practice websites, surveying patients, and examining the availability of virtual appointment options.

The availability of mental health resources is often overlooked but is vitally important in the context of lung cancer. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound emotional impact on patients and their families, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being. Assessing this aspect requires evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, the integration of mental health screening tools, and the provision of support groups or counseling services.

The analysis of these factors requires a multi-faceted approach. Data collection should involve reviewing publicly available information, such as physician directories and practice websites, as well as conducting patient surveys and interviews. This data must be analyzed and synthesized to create a comprehensive Lung Cancer Score. The score should reflect the overall quality of care, the accessibility of services, and the availability of resources relevant to lung cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.

The evaluation of primary care availability in Chilmark and the surrounding ZIP code 02535 should also consider the presence of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, who are essential for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. The proximity and accessibility of these specialists can significantly impact patient outcomes. The analysis should identify the nearest specialized facilities and assess the ease with which patients can access them.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the availability of diagnostic imaging services, such as CT scans and PET scans, which are crucial for the early detection and staging of lung cancer. The ability to obtain these scans in a timely manner can significantly improve patient outcomes. The analysis should identify the locations of imaging facilities and assess the wait times for appointments.

The analysis should also consider the availability of support services, such as patient navigators and support groups, which can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and provide emotional support. These services can be particularly valuable for patients undergoing treatment for lung cancer. The analysis should identify the availability of these services and assess their accessibility.

The Lung Cancer Score should also consider the practice's adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and treatment. This includes the use of low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals, as well as the use of appropriate treatment protocols. The analysis should assess the practice's adherence to these guidelines by reviewing their policies and procedures, as well as by interviewing patients.

Finally, the analysis should consider the practice's commitment to patient education. This includes providing patients with information about lung cancer risks, screening guidelines, and treatment options. The analysis should assess the practice's patient education efforts by reviewing their educational materials and by interviewing patients.

In conclusion, the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 02535, particularly in Chilmark, presents both challenges and opportunities for lung cancer care. The Lung Cancer Score analysis provides a framework for evaluating the quality and accessibility of primary care services, identifying areas for improvement, and ultimately, enhancing patient outcomes. By understanding the physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, mental health resource integration, and other key factors, we can work towards a healthcare system that effectively addresses the needs of individuals at risk for, or affected by, lung cancer.

To visualize the healthcare landscape and identify patterns and trends in the availability of primary care services and lung cancer resources, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides a powerful tool for analyzing geographic data and gaining a deeper understanding of healthcare access in your community.