02717, East Freetown, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02717, East Freetown, Massachusetts is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.85 percent of the residents in 02717 has some form of health insurance. 33.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.11 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 02717 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 921 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02717. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 926 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,729 health care providers accessible to residents in 02717, East Freetown, Massachusetts.

## Lung Cancer Score: A Deep Dive into Healthcare in East Freetown (ZIP Code 02717)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within East Freetown, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02717), requires a nuanced understanding of its primary care resources and their preparedness to address a serious health concern like lung cancer. This analysis, framed as a "Lung Cancer Score," will evaluate the availability of primary care physicians, assess the quality of care, and highlight key factors influencing patient outcomes. It will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical components of a comprehensive approach to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. A low ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative screenings, and delayed diagnoses. While precise physician-to-patient ratios fluctuate, a thorough investigation of available data will reveal the current state in East Freetown. This analysis will seek to identify the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code, compare this figure to the local population, and benchmark the findings against regional and national averages. This benchmark will establish a baseline understanding of the community's access to primary care.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality of care provided by primary care physicians is paramount. The "Lung Cancer Score" will consider factors like the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, including the use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals. The score will also assess the physicians' commitment to patient education regarding smoking cessation and other lifestyle modifications that can reduce lung cancer risk. The presence of established referral pathways to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, will be another crucial factor in the evaluation.

Identifying standout practices is essential to understanding the best practices within the community. This analysis will look for primary care practices that demonstrate a strong commitment to preventative care, patient-centered communication, and the early detection of lung cancer. These practices may have implemented innovative screening programs, employed dedicated care coordinators, or achieved high patient satisfaction scores. The "Lung Cancer Score" will highlight these exemplary practices, providing a roadmap for other providers to improve their services.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural or underserved areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care physicians in East Freetown will be a key component of the "Lung Cancer Score." This analysis will assess the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of telehealth platforms for patient education and follow-up care. The ability to offer telemedicine services can significantly improve patient convenience, reduce travel barriers, and facilitate timely access to care, particularly for those with mobility issues or limited transportation options.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment often involve significant emotional and psychological challenges for patients and their families. The availability of mental health resources is, therefore, a critical element of a comprehensive healthcare system. The "Lung Cancer Score" will evaluate the accessibility of mental health services, including counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, within East Freetown. It will also assess the level of collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers to ensure seamless care coordination for patients struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns related to their diagnosis and treatment.

Furthermore, the "Lung Cancer Score" will consider the presence of community resources that support lung cancer prevention and treatment. This includes the availability of smoking cessation programs, support groups for patients and their families, and educational materials about lung cancer risk factors and early detection. The score will also assess the level of community outreach and awareness campaigns conducted by local healthcare providers and organizations.

The analysis will incorporate data from various sources, including publicly available databases, insurance provider networks, and patient reviews. The methodology will involve a multi-faceted approach, combining quantitative data with qualitative assessments of healthcare practices and resources. This comprehensive approach will provide a holistic view of the healthcare landscape in East Freetown and its ability to address the challenges of lung cancer.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" will be a composite metric, reflecting the various factors discussed above. The score will provide a snapshot of the healthcare system's preparedness to address lung cancer, highlighting areas of strength and areas that require improvement. The score will be accompanied by specific recommendations for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to enhance lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment efforts.

The analysis will acknowledge the limitations of the data available. For example, it may be difficult to obtain precise physician-to-patient ratios or to fully assess the quality of care provided by individual physicians. However, the analysis will strive to provide the most accurate and comprehensive assessment possible, based on the available information.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not intended to be a definitive judgment of the healthcare system in East Freetown. Instead, it is designed to be a starting point for further investigation and improvement. The goal is to provide a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to work together to improve the health and well-being of the community.

Finally, this analysis underscores the importance of understanding the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and patient needs. To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in East Freetown and other communities, consider exploring the power of spatial data visualization with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of healthcare access, physician locations, and other relevant data, allowing for a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery.