02715, Dighton, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02715, Dighton, Massachusetts is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.24 percent of the residents in 02715 has some form of health insurance. 23.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 86.49 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 02715 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 706 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02715. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 685 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,917 health care providers accessible to residents in 02715, Dighton, Massachusetts.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Dighton, MA (ZIP Code 02715)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for physicians practicing within ZIP code 02715 (Dighton, MA), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and patient support, particularly within the context of primary care availability. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical components of a comprehensive approach to lung cancer care.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care in any community begins with accessible and high-quality primary care. Dighton, like many rural or suburban areas, faces the challenge of ensuring adequate primary care physician (PCP) availability. An insufficient number of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses, reduced screening rates, and poorer patient outcomes. The physician-to-patient ratio in Dighton, and specifically for physicians accepting new patients, is a critical metric. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), should be consulted to determine the current ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential access limitations. The availability of PCPs accepting new patients is also crucial.

Standout practices in the area demonstrate a commitment to proactive lung cancer screening and management. These practices often utilize evidence-based guidelines, such as those from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), to identify and screen high-risk individuals. These individuals typically include current or former smokers, particularly those with a significant smoking history (e.g., pack-years). The use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients is a key indicator of a proactive approach. Identifying practices that actively promote and facilitate LDCT screening is essential. Furthermore, practices that incorporate smoking cessation programs, including counseling and pharmacotherapy, are invaluable in preventing lung cancer.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural or underserved areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Dighton can significantly impact lung cancer care. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists, potentially reducing travel burdens for patients and improving access to care. The ability to conduct virtual smoking cessation counseling sessions is another significant benefit. The Lung Cancer Score will consider the extent of telemedicine adoption, including the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of telehealth platforms.

Mental health support is a critical, often overlooked, aspect of lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources within primary care practices or through referral networks is crucial. The Lung Cancer Score will evaluate the availability of on-site mental health professionals, the presence of referral pathways to mental health specialists, and the integration of mental health screening into routine care. Practices that proactively address the psychological needs of their patients demonstrate a commitment to holistic care.

Specific practices within ZIP code 02715 should be assessed based on these criteria. This involves researching individual practices, reviewing their websites, and potentially contacting them directly to gather information. Publicly available data, such as patient reviews and ratings, can also provide valuable insights. The practices should be evaluated on their commitment to preventative care, their use of evidence-based screening guidelines, their adoption of telemedicine, and their provision of mental health support.

The Lung Cancer Score would be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of these factors. The weighting of each factor should be based on its relative importance in lung cancer care. For example, PCP availability and the adoption of LDCT screening might be given higher weights than telemedicine adoption, although all factors are important. The score would provide a comparative ranking of practices within the ZIP code, allowing patients to make informed decisions about their care.

The Lung Cancer Score would also consider the presence of any specialized lung cancer care resources in the broader region. This includes the proximity to hospitals with pulmonology departments, oncology specialists, and radiation therapy facilities. The availability of support groups and patient education programs would also be factored in. The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the resources available to lung cancer patients in Dighton.

The analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact lung cancer outcomes. Factors such as income level, education level, and access to transportation can all influence a patient's ability to access care and adhere to treatment plans. The Lung Cancer Score should incorporate these factors to provide a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in lung cancer care in Dighton.

This comprehensive approach to assessing lung cancer care in Dighton, MA, provides a framework for evaluating the quality and accessibility of care. The resulting Lung Cancer Score can be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. By identifying areas of strength and weakness, this analysis can help to improve lung cancer outcomes in the community.

For a visual representation of the physician landscape and resource availability in Dighton, MA (ZIP Code 02715), and to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the data analyzed, providing a clear and accessible understanding of the healthcare environment.