02745, New Bedford, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02745, New Bedford, Massachusetts is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.98 percent of the residents in 02745 has some form of health insurance. 44.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.27 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 02745 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,237 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02745. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,992 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,237 health care providers accessible to residents in 02745, New Bedford, Massachusetts.

The analysis below does not provide medical advice. It is a hypothetical assessment based on publicly available information and general healthcare trends.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Physicians in ZIP Code 02745 and Primary Care Availability in New Bedford**

Assessing the healthcare landscape for lung cancer care within ZIP code 02745, which encompasses a portion of Fall River, Massachusetts, and evaluating primary care availability in the broader city of New Bedford, Massachusetts, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis aims to provide a hypothetical "Lung Cancer Score," considering factors crucial to effective lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. This score is not a real metric but a conceptual framework for understanding the healthcare environment.

The foundation of this analysis rests on the availability and accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs are the first point of contact for patients and play a critical role in early detection through screening and referral. In New Bedford, primary care availability is a crucial factor. A shortage of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, indicates a potentially strained system, leading to longer wait times for appointments and less individualized care. Publicly available data from sources like the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the US Census Bureau would be necessary to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio within New Bedford and ZIP code 02745. This ratio directly impacts the "access" component of our Lung Cancer Score.

The presence of specialized care within the region is another critical element. This includes pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists. The availability of these specialists within or near New Bedford significantly impacts the "treatment" component. Proximity to specialized care reduces travel burdens for patients and facilitates faster access to potentially life-saving treatments. The presence of comprehensive cancer centers, offering multidisciplinary care, is highly desirable. These centers typically integrate specialists, diagnostic services, and support services under one roof, leading to improved coordination of care.

Diagnostic capabilities are also crucial. The availability of advanced imaging technologies, such as CT scans and PET scans, is essential for accurate diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. The presence of these technologies within local hospitals and clinics directly impacts the "diagnosis" component. Delays in diagnosis can significantly impact patient outcomes, highlighting the importance of readily accessible diagnostic resources.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, particularly in underserved areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing patients with access to specialists and follow-up care remotely. The extent of telemedicine adoption among physicians in ZIP code 02745 and New Bedford contributes to the "access" and "support" components of the Lung Cancer Score. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve patient access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are essential for patients battling lung cancer. The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can be emotionally and psychologically taxing. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in cancer care is crucial. These resources contribute to the "support" component of the Lung Cancer Score. Integrated mental health services within cancer centers or easily accessible referral pathways can significantly improve the overall well-being of patients.

Standout practices within ZIP code 02745 and New Bedford would be those that demonstrate excellence in several key areas. These include practices with a high physician-to-patient ratio, ensuring timely access to care. Practices that prioritize early detection through proactive screening programs and patient education are also noteworthy. Those that embrace a multidisciplinary approach to care, integrating specialists and support services, are highly desirable. Practices that have adopted telemedicine to enhance patient access and convenience are also considered exemplary.

Specific examples of practices that might score well in this hypothetical assessment include those affiliated with larger hospital systems like Saint Anne's Hospital in Fall River (partially within 02745) or major healthcare providers in New Bedford, such as Southcoast Health. These systems often have the resources to invest in advanced technology, recruit specialized physicians, and provide comprehensive support services. However, a thorough analysis would require a deep dive into the specific services offered by individual practices and their commitment to patient-centered care.

The hypothetical "Lung Cancer Score" would be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of the various components discussed. The weighting of each component would depend on its relative importance. For example, access to diagnostic services and specialized care might be weighted more heavily than the availability of telemedicine, although telemedicine’s impact on access should not be discounted. The final score would provide a snapshot of the healthcare environment for lung cancer patients in the region.

Further investigation would involve analyzing data from various sources, including hospital websites, physician directories, insurance provider networks, and public health agencies. This data would be used to assess the availability of physicians, specialists, diagnostic services, and support resources. Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys could provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided by different practices.

In conclusion, assessing the healthcare landscape for lung cancer in ZIP code 02745 and New Bedford requires a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors. The availability of primary care physicians, specialized care, diagnostic services, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources are all crucial. The hypothetical "Lung Cancer Score" provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in the region.

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