02648, Marstons Mills, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02648, Marstons Mills, Massachusetts is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.91 percent of the residents in 02648 has some form of health insurance. 29.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 87.27 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 02648 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,108 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02648. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,448 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 829 health care providers accessible to residents in 02648, Marstons Mills, Massachusetts.

The analysis of lung cancer care within ZIP code 02648, encompassing Marstons Mills, Massachusetts, requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), the ratio of physicians to the population, the presence of specialized lung cancer care, and the integration of mental health resources. This assessment will provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape and its capacity to address the needs of patients at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer.

Primary care availability in Marstons Mills forms the foundation of effective lung cancer care. PCPs are often the first point of contact, responsible for early detection, screening referrals, and ongoing management. A robust primary care system, therefore, is critical. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less individualized care. The availability of same-day or next-day appointments for acute respiratory issues is also crucial, as timely intervention can be vital.

Standout practices within the area should be identified. These practices might demonstrate excellence in areas like patient education, preventive care, and the use of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening. They could also excel in patient communication and the coordination of care with specialists. Identifying these practices helps to highlight best practices and allows patients to make informed choices about their care. These practices are often characterized by a patient-centered approach, focusing on the individual needs and preferences of each patient.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in modern healthcare delivery. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments or consultations with specialists, can improve access to care, particularly for patients who may have mobility issues or live in more remote areas. Telemedicine can also facilitate remote monitoring of patients, allowing for early detection of complications and prompt intervention. The integration of telemedicine into the local healthcare system demonstrates a commitment to innovation and patient convenience.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, yet crucial, aspect of lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, who specialize in oncology, is essential. Integration of these services into the primary care setting or close collaboration between PCPs and mental health providers is ideal. This integrated approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses both their physical and emotional needs.

Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing publicly available data from sources such as the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and the U.S. Census Bureau. This data allows for calculating the ratio of PCPs to the population within the 02648 ZIP code. This number provides a baseline understanding of the accessibility of primary care services. It's important to note that this is a snapshot in time, and the ratio can fluctuate.

Identifying standout practices involves a combination of methods. Reviewing online patient reviews, checking accreditation from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), and consulting with local healthcare professionals can provide valuable insights. Practices with a strong track record of patient satisfaction, adherence to clinical guidelines, and a commitment to patient education are likely to be considered standout practices. These practices often have dedicated staff focused on patient navigation and support.

Telemedicine adoption can be assessed by examining the websites of local healthcare providers. Checking if they offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring programs, or other telehealth services provides a clear indication of their telemedicine capabilities. Additionally, understanding the types of telemedicine platforms used, such as secure video conferencing or patient portals, is important. The ease of use and accessibility of these platforms are crucial for patient engagement.

Evaluating mental health resources involves examining the availability of mental health providers in the area and their integration with primary care practices. This can be done by checking the websites of local healthcare providers and consulting with mental health professionals. The presence of on-site mental health services or partnerships with mental health providers demonstrates a commitment to comprehensive patient care. Additionally, it's important to assess whether these services are covered by insurance and easily accessible to patients.

A comprehensive ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for the area would consider these factors holistically. The score would weigh the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the level of telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The higher the score, the better the overall quality of lung cancer care available in the area. The score would not be a simple average, but rather a weighted assessment, giving more importance to factors that have a greater impact on patient outcomes.

For example, a low physician-to-patient ratio would negatively impact the score, while the presence of a practice with exceptional patient care and a robust telemedicine program would positively influence the score. The availability of integrated mental health services would also significantly contribute to a higher score. The final score would provide a valuable benchmark for the quality of care and allow for comparisons with other areas.

The overall assessment of lung cancer care in Marstons Mills, ZIP code 02648, indicates a need for continued focus on improving access to care, particularly in primary care. Further efforts to promote telemedicine adoption and the integration of mental health services are also crucial. Identifying and supporting standout practices, which can serve as models for others, is equally important. This comprehensive approach will improve the care for individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Marstons Mills and the surrounding areas, including the location of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful and interactive way to explore the data and gain a deeper understanding of the local healthcare environment.