02770, Rochester, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02770, Rochester, Massachusetts is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.49 percent of the residents in 02770 has some form of health insurance. 27.71 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 87.67 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 02770 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,403 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02770. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 960 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,074 health care providers accessible to residents in 02770, Rochester, Massachusetts.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Rochester, MA (ZIP Code 02770)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians within the 02770 ZIP code, focusing on factors crucial for early detection and comprehensive patient care. The evaluation considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources, all vital components in managing lung cancer risk and treatment. The goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Rochester, Massachusetts, to inform both residents and healthcare providers.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management rests on accessible primary care. In Rochester, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed screenings or diagnoses. Data analysis, drawing from sources like the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and publicly available demographic information, is essential to calculate this ratio accurately. The analysis should also consider the age distribution of the population, as older individuals are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.

Standout primary care practices in Rochester are those that demonstrate a proactive approach to lung cancer screening and prevention. This involves several key elements. Firstly, a robust patient outreach program that identifies and contacts individuals at high risk, such as current or former smokers, is crucial. These programs often utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to flag patients who meet screening criteria based on age, smoking history, and other risk factors.

Secondly, practices that actively promote and facilitate low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screenings are highly valued. LDCT scans are the most effective tool for early detection of lung cancer, and practices that streamline the referral process, coordinate with radiology departments, and educate patients about the benefits of screening are making a significant difference. The analysis will identify practices with established screening protocols and high screening rates.

Thirdly, the availability of comprehensive patient education materials, including information on smoking cessation, healthy lifestyle choices, and the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, is a key indicator of quality care. Practices that provide these resources in multiple formats, including online and in-person, are better equipped to empower patients to take control of their health.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health support, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. The analysis will assess the extent to which primary care practices in Rochester utilize telemedicine platforms, including the types of services offered and the ease of access for patients.

The integration of mental health resources is a vital component of comprehensive lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis, and the subsequent treatment, can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Primary care practices that have established partnerships with mental health professionals, either within the practice or through external referrals, demonstrate a commitment to addressing the holistic needs of their patients. The analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health services, including counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, and how easily patients can access these resources.

Furthermore, the analysis will examine the availability of smoking cessation programs. These programs, often incorporating counseling, medication, and support groups, are essential for helping patients quit smoking, which is the leading cause of lung cancer. Practices that actively promote and facilitate access to these programs are making a significant contribution to lung cancer prevention.

The Lung Cancer Score for each practice will be determined based on a weighted scoring system. The weights will reflect the relative importance of each factor, such as physician-to-patient ratio, screening rates, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. The final score will provide a comprehensive overview of the quality of care available in Rochester, Massachusetts.

The analysis will also consider the geographic distribution of primary care practices within the 02770 ZIP code. This will help identify areas where access to care may be limited and where additional resources may be needed. For example, the analysis will consider whether practices are located in areas with high concentrations of vulnerable populations, such as those with lower incomes or limited access to transportation.

The data gathered will be analyzed to identify any disparities in access to care. This includes examining whether certain populations, such as racial or ethnic minorities, or those with lower socioeconomic status, face barriers to accessing high-quality lung cancer screening and treatment. The analysis will highlight any such disparities and suggest potential solutions to address them.

The overall aim of this Lung Cancer Score analysis is to provide a clear and actionable assessment of the healthcare landscape in Rochester, Massachusetts. The findings will be used to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and to identify areas where improvements are needed. The goal is to contribute to better lung cancer outcomes for the residents of Rochester.

For a visually compelling and interactive map of the healthcare resources in Rochester, Massachusetts, including physician locations, screening centers, and mental health facilities, we encourage you to explore the CartoChrome maps. These maps provide a dynamic and user-friendly way to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape.