02804, Ashaway, Rhode Island Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02804, Ashaway, Rhode Island is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.53 percent of the residents in 02804 has some form of health insurance. 24.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.58 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 02804 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 482 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02804. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 333 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 139 health care providers accessible to residents in 02804, Ashaway, Rhode Island.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 02804 & Primary Care Availability in Ashaway**

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 02804, focusing on physician availability, quality of care, and related resources, while also examining the primary care environment in the nearby community of Ashaway. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the accessibility and quality of care for individuals facing or at risk of lung cancer in this specific geographic area.

The initial assessment focuses on physician availability within ZIP code 02804. This includes an evaluation of the physician-to-patient ratio, specifically for pulmonologists, oncologists, and primary care physicians (PCPs). Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and publicly available physician directories will be utilized to determine the number of physicians per 1,000 residents. A low ratio, particularly for specialists, could indicate potential access challenges for patients needing timely diagnosis and treatment.

Beyond sheer numbers, the analysis will delve into the quality of care provided. This involves researching patient reviews, assessing the accreditation status of local hospitals and clinics, and examining the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities. The presence of state-of-the-art equipment, such as low-dose CT scanners for early detection, and access to advanced therapies, like targeted therapies and immunotherapies, will be critical factors in the scoring.

Standout practices within the ZIP code will be identified. This will include practices known for their patient-centered care, their commitment to evidence-based medicine, and their positive patient outcomes. Practices with a strong track record of lung cancer screening, early detection, and comprehensive treatment plans will be highlighted. The analysis will also consider the integration of multidisciplinary care, where pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists collaborate to provide holistic patient support.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element of this assessment. The analysis will evaluate the extent to which local practices offer telehealth services for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. Telemedicine can be especially beneficial for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations, improving access to care and reducing the burden of travel. Practices with robust telemedicine programs will receive higher scores.

The availability of mental health resources is a critical aspect of lung cancer care. The emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis and treatment can be significant, and access to mental health support is essential for patient well-being. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors, within the local healthcare system. The integration of mental health services into cancer care programs will be viewed favorably.

Moving to Ashaway, the primary care environment will be examined. Primary care physicians play a vital role in lung cancer prevention, early detection, and care coordination. The analysis will assess the availability of PCPs in Ashaway and surrounding areas, the patient-to-physician ratio, and the accessibility of primary care services. The presence of PCPs who are proactive in lung cancer screening and who can effectively coordinate care with specialists will be considered a positive indicator.

The analysis will also consider the availability of support groups, educational resources, and patient navigation services within the local community. These resources can provide invaluable support to patients and their families, helping them navigate the complexities of cancer care. The presence of these resources will contribute to a higher overall score.

The scoring system will be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its importance in determining the quality and accessibility of lung cancer care. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 02804 and the surrounding area, offering insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The analysis will also examine the presence of any disparities in access to care based on socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity. Addressing health disparities is a crucial aspect of ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare. The analysis will identify any barriers to care and highlight initiatives aimed at reducing these disparities.

The availability of palliative care services will also be assessed. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, improving the quality of life for patients and their families. The presence of palliative care specialists and services within the local healthcare system will be considered a positive indicator.

The analysis will also consider the integration of research and clinical trials within the local healthcare system. Participation in clinical trials can provide patients with access to the latest advances in cancer treatment. The presence of research programs and clinical trial opportunities will be viewed favorably.

The analysis will also consider the availability of smoking cessation programs and resources. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and access to effective smoking cessation programs is essential for prevention. The analysis will assess the availability of these programs and their effectiveness in helping smokers quit.

Finally, the analysis will provide actionable insights for improving lung cancer care within the target area. Recommendations may include strategies for increasing physician availability, improving access to advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing mental health support.

This comprehensive analysis will offer a detailed picture of the lung cancer care landscape in ZIP code 02804 and the surrounding area, providing valuable information for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

For a visual representation of these findings and to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a dynamic and intuitive way to understand the healthcare landscape in your area.