02633, Chatham, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02633, Chatham, Massachusetts is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.35 percent of the residents in 02633 has some form of health insurance. 56.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.06 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 02633 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 405 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02633. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,285 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 731 health care providers accessible to residents in 02633, Chatham, Massachusetts.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Chatham, MA (ZIP Code 02633)

This analysis evaluates the landscape of lung cancer care access and related resources for residents of Chatham, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02633). The assessment focuses on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, culminating in a "Lung Cancer Score" that reflects the overall quality and accessibility of care. This score is not a definitive ranking but a comprehensive overview, designed to highlight strengths and areas for improvement within the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. Early detection is crucial, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. Assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of PCPs practicing within the Chatham area and the broader Cape Cod region, considering factors like practice size (solo versus group), acceptance of new patients, and insurance coverage. A higher density of PCPs, particularly those accepting new patients and a wide range of insurance plans, contributes positively to the Lung Cancer Score. Conversely, a scarcity of PCPs, coupled with long wait times for appointments, negatively impacts the score, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Physician-to-patient ratios are critical indicators of healthcare access. A favorable ratio, meaning a higher number of physicians per capita, suggests greater ease of access to care. Data from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, combined with population estimates for Chatham, provides the raw data for this analysis. However, simply calculating the ratio isn't enough. It's also essential to consider the specialization of physicians. While a high PCP-to-patient ratio is beneficial, the availability of pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons is paramount for comprehensive lung cancer care. The presence of these specialists within a reasonable commuting distance, or within the local healthcare system, significantly boosts the Lung Cancer Score.

Identifying standout practices within Chatham and the surrounding areas is a key component of this analysis. This requires examining publicly available information, including patient reviews, practice websites, and the resources they offer. Practices that prioritize patient education, provide comprehensive screening programs (such as low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals), and demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based medicine receive higher marks. Furthermore, practices actively involved in community outreach and education programs related to lung cancer prevention and early detection are highly valued. The integration of these practices into a coordinated care network, facilitating seamless referrals and communication between specialists, also positively influences the score.

Telemedicine adoption has transformed healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. The availability of telemedicine consultations with PCPs, pulmonologists, and oncologists in Chatham is a significant factor in the Lung Cancer Score. Telemedicine can improve access to specialists, reduce travel burdens for patients, and facilitate timely follow-up care. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and secure patient portals, are recognized for their commitment to patient convenience and improved access to care. The availability of telehealth services, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management, is considered a major plus.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment often come with significant emotional and psychological challenges. The integration of mental health resources into the healthcare system is therefore crucial. This analysis considers the availability of mental health professionals (therapists, counselors, psychiatrists) within Chatham and the ease of access to their services. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health providers, are prioritized. Support groups, patient education materials addressing the psychological aspects of cancer, and resources for managing anxiety and depression are considered important elements of a comprehensive care model. The presence of these resources significantly elevates the Lung Cancer Score.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Chatham (ZIP Code 02633) reflects a composite of these factors. The score is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that can change over time as healthcare resources evolve. The score is influenced by the availability of PCPs, the physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized care, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. A high score suggests a well-resourced healthcare ecosystem with good access to care, while a lower score indicates potential challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive lung cancer services.

The specific details of the score are based on publicly available information and are subject to change. The analysis is intended to be a snapshot of the healthcare landscape at a given point in time. Further research and data collection would be needed to provide a precise numerical score. However, the framework outlined provides a comprehensive understanding of the key factors influencing the quality and accessibility of lung cancer care in Chatham.

The data used to create this analysis is constantly changing. The number of physicians, the services offered, and the availability of telemedicine and mental health resources are all subject to change. Therefore, this analysis should be viewed as a starting point for further investigation.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Chatham, including physician locations, practice specializations, and the availability of specific services, we recommend exploring the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps offer a visual representation of healthcare resources, allowing you to explore the data in a user-friendly and interactive format. Click here to access CartoChrome maps and gain a more detailed perspective on healthcare access in Chatham and the surrounding areas.