02790, Westport, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02790, Westport, Massachusetts is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.70 percent of the residents in 02790 has some form of health insurance. 41.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.18 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 02790 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,741 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02790. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,900 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,142 health care providers accessible to residents in 02790, Westport, Massachusetts.

The following analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 02790, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care, a crucial element in early detection and management of the disease. We'll evaluate physician-to-patient ratios, highlight exemplary practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and explore the presence of mental health resources, all within the context of Westport, Massachusetts. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview, recognizing that access to quality care is paramount in improving outcomes for those affected by lung cancer.

Westport, a community nestled in Bristol County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering healthcare access. The town’s demographics, including age distribution and socioeconomic factors, play a significant role in shaping healthcare needs. Understanding these nuances is essential for a realistic assessment of the available resources. The focus here is on primary care, as these physicians are often the first point of contact for patients, and their ability to recognize symptoms, order screenings, and facilitate referrals is critical in the fight against lung cancer.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a key indicator of access. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors for a given population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. While precise physician-to-patient ratios for Westport specifically are difficult to ascertain with pinpoint accuracy due to data aggregation and physician practice patterns, publicly available data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and other sources provide estimates. These estimates, combined with local knowledge of practice sizes and patient demographics, offer a reasonable approximation of the healthcare landscape. A thorough analysis would involve examining the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 02790 ZIP code, and comparing that number to the total population of Westport. This data, however, is constantly evolving, and requires ongoing monitoring.

Standout practices within Westport, if any, would ideally demonstrate a commitment to proactive lung cancer screening and management. This includes adherence to current screening guidelines, such as those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) for individuals at high risk (e.g., current or former smokers with a significant smoking history). These practices would also demonstrate a robust referral network to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists. Furthermore, they would actively engage in patient education regarding risk factors, prevention strategies, and the importance of early detection. Identifying these practices would require a deep dive into practice websites, patient reviews, and potentially interviews with local healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve access to care, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving convenience. This is especially relevant for follow-up appointments, medication management, and discussing test results. The extent of telemedicine adoption in Westport's primary care practices is a critical factor to assess. A practice that embraces telemedicine can potentially serve a wider patient base, including those who may face transportation challenges or have mobility issues. Examining practice websites, and making direct inquiries to local practices would reveal the level of telemedicine integration.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, yet vital, component of comprehensive lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, is crucial for patients' overall well-being. Ideally, primary care practices would have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, or even offer integrated mental health services within their practice. Assessing the availability of these resources would involve researching local mental health providers, hospitals, and community organizations.

The assessment of lung cancer care in Westport requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and exploring the availability of mental health resources. Each of these elements contributes to the overall quality of care and the potential for early detection and effective management of lung cancer. The goal is to create a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape, recognizing that access to quality care is paramount in improving outcomes for those affected by lung cancer. The specifics of each of these factors would require detailed research and constant updating.

The process of assessing the healthcare landscape within a specific ZIP code is a dynamic one. Data changes, new practices emerge, and existing practices evolve. A static analysis quickly becomes outdated. Continuous monitoring, data collection, and analysis are necessary to maintain an accurate understanding of the resources available to patients. This includes staying abreast of changes in healthcare regulations, advances in medical technology, and shifts in patient demographics.

The information presented here is intended to provide a general overview of the factors influencing lung cancer care in Westport, Massachusetts. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Individuals seeking healthcare services should consult with their primary care physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Westport and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data, we encourage you to utilize the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive, data-driven visualizations that can help you gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and identify potential areas for improvement. Explore the power of data visualization, and see the Westport healthcare landscape in a new light.