02769, Rehoboth, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02769, Rehoboth, Massachusetts is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.32 percent of the residents in 02769 has some form of health insurance. 24.91 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.72 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 02769 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,594 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02769. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,179 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,657 health care providers accessible to residents in 02769, Rehoboth, Massachusetts.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 02769 & Rehoboth Primary Care

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, especially concerning lung cancer, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis examines the landscape for lung cancer care within ZIP code 02769 (Rehoboth, Massachusetts) and specifically assesses the availability of primary care resources in Rehoboth, focusing on factors that impact early detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being. We'll consider physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial elements influencing a patient's experience.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. Early detection is paramount, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact. In Rehoboth, understanding the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings or diagnostic tests. Publicly available data from sources like the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, combined with information from insurance providers, allows for an estimation of this ratio. Ideally, the analysis would compare Rehoboth's ratio to state and national averages, identifying potential disparities in access.

Within the primary care landscape of Rehoboth, we must consider the characteristics of individual practices. Are practices accepting new patients? What insurance plans do they accept? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments, which can be particularly beneficial for working individuals? Furthermore, the presence of specialized services within the practice, such as smoking cessation programs, is a significant advantage. These programs can assist patients in quitting smoking, a leading cause of lung cancer, thus reducing their risk.

Beyond primary care, the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is essential. Proximity to specialists, and their ability to see patients quickly, are critical for timely diagnosis and treatment. The analysis would need to identify the nearest hospitals and cancer centers offering comprehensive lung cancer services, including diagnostic imaging (CT scans, PET scans), surgical options, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Travel time to these facilities is a key factor influencing patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical consideration. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth, and its continued use can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with PCPs and specialists, allowing for remote monitoring, follow-up appointments, and access to mental health services. The analysis would investigate the telehealth capabilities of practices in and around Rehoboth, noting the types of services offered and the ease of access for patients.

Mental health support is often overlooked in cancer care, but it's vital for patient well-being. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis would explore the availability of mental health resources in Rehoboth, including therapists, counselors, and support groups. Ideally, these resources would be integrated into the healthcare system, with referrals and coordination between PCPs, oncologists, and mental health professionals.

Standout practices in Rehoboth would be those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive lung cancer care. This would include practices with a high physician-to-patient ratio, offering convenient appointment scheduling, and actively promoting smoking cessation programs. Practices that have embraced telemedicine and integrated mental health services would also be considered leaders in patient care. The analysis would seek to identify these exemplary practices based on publicly available data and patient reviews.

The analysis also needs to consider the demographic profile of Rehoboth. Understanding the age, socioeconomic status, and racial/ethnic composition of the population is crucial. Certain demographic groups may face greater disparities in access to care or may be at higher risk for lung cancer. The analysis would identify any potential disparities and highlight the need for targeted interventions to address them.

Furthermore, the analysis would consider the availability of lung cancer screening programs. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for individuals at high risk. The analysis would investigate whether practices in Rehoboth are actively participating in these screening programs and educating patients about their eligibility.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for Rehoboth would be a composite metric, reflecting the availability and quality of lung cancer care resources. The score would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the characteristics of primary care practices, the proximity to specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health support. The score would also factor in demographic considerations and the presence of lung cancer screening programs.

This analysis, while comprehensive, is limited by the availability of publicly accessible data. A more in-depth assessment would require access to more detailed information, including patient outcomes data and practice-specific performance metrics. However, this preliminary analysis provides a valuable overview of the lung cancer care landscape in Rehoboth, highlighting areas of strength and areas where improvements are needed.

To visualize and further explore the healthcare landscape of Rehoboth and surrounding areas, consider utilizing the powerful mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allows you to visualize the data points discussed in this analysis.