02746, New Bedford, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02746, New Bedford, Massachusetts is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.20 percent of the residents in 02746 has some form of health insurance. 72.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 27.65 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 02746 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,951 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02746. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,103 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,060 health care providers accessible to residents in 02746, New Bedford, Massachusetts.

## Lung Cancer Score: An Analysis for ZIP Code 02746 (New Bedford, MA)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score (LCS) assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP Code 02746, encompassing New Bedford, Massachusetts. The goal is to evaluate the accessibility and quality of care related to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and support services. This score considers factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical components of a comprehensive approach to lung cancer care.

The foundation of a strong LCS rests on the availability of PCPs. In New Bedford, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with patients, and potentially delayed diagnoses. While specific, up-to-the-minute physician-to-patient ratios fluctuate, publicly available data from sources like the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the US Census Bureau can offer a baseline. This baseline allows for comparisons against state and national averages. A lower-than-average ratio in 02746 would negatively impact the LCS.

Standout practices within the ZIP code significantly influence the overall score. These practices are identified based on several factors. Firstly, a demonstrated commitment to preventative care, including proactive lung cancer screening for high-risk patients (smokers and former smokers) is essential. This involves offering or actively referring patients for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, the recommended screening method for early detection. Practices that consistently adhere to U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for lung cancer screening receive higher marks.

Secondly, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and data analytics plays a vital role. EHR systems facilitate the tracking of patient risk factors, the scheduling of screenings, and the efficient sharing of information with specialists. Practices that leverage data to identify at-risk patients and proactively manage their care contribute positively to the LCS. The sophistication of the EHR system and its integration with other healthcare providers are key considerations.

Thirdly, patient satisfaction surveys and reviews are assessed. While subjective, these provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Practices with consistently positive reviews, indicating a patient-centered approach and effective communication, are favored. This includes assessing the ease of scheduling appointments, the clarity of explanations provided by physicians, and the overall responsiveness of the practice.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. The ability to offer virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education, enhances accessibility, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in underserved areas. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow and offer a range of virtual services contribute positively to the LCS. The availability of telehealth platforms and the training provided to physicians and staff are assessed.

The availability of mental health resources directly impacts the LCS. Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging, and access to mental health support is crucial for patients' well-being. The analysis evaluates whether PCPs routinely screen for depression and anxiety, and whether they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Practices that proactively address the psychological needs of their patients receive higher scores. This includes assessing the availability of on-site mental health services or partnerships with local mental health providers.

The LCS is also affected by the availability of resources for smoking cessation. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and effective cessation programs are essential for prevention. Practices that offer or refer patients to evidence-based smoking cessation programs, including counseling, medication, and support groups, contribute positively to the LCS. This includes assessing the availability of nicotine replacement therapy, prescription medications, and counseling services.

Furthermore, the LCS considers the practice’s commitment to health equity. This means assessing whether the practice actively addresses disparities in care based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other factors. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to serving all members of the community and providing culturally competent care receive higher scores. This includes assessing the availability of language services, outreach programs, and efforts to address social determinants of health.

The overall LCS is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that can change over time. Regular reassessment is necessary to reflect changes in healthcare practices, technological advancements, and community needs. The score provides a valuable snapshot of the quality and accessibility of lung cancer care in 02746, helping patients make informed decisions about their healthcare and highlighting areas for improvement within the local healthcare system.

The analysis also considers the practice's participation in quality improvement initiatives. This includes assessing whether the practice participates in programs aimed at improving the quality of lung cancer care, such as those offered by the National Lung Cancer Roundtable or the American Cancer Society. Practices that actively participate in these initiatives demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and receive higher scores.

Finally, the LCS considers the practice's responsiveness to patient feedback. This includes assessing whether the practice actively solicits and responds to patient feedback, and whether it uses this feedback to improve its services. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care and continuous improvement receive higher scores.

This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the quality of lung cancer care in 02746. By understanding the factors that contribute to a high LCS, patients can make informed decisions about their healthcare, and healthcare providers can identify areas for improvement.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in New Bedford and explore the distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing the powerful mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. This platform allows you to visualize data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions about your health.