02871, Portsmouth, Rhode Island Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02871, Portsmouth, Rhode Island is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.82 percent of the residents in 02871 has some form of health insurance. 31.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.73 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 02871 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,868 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 12 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02871. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,044 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,518 health care providers accessible to residents in 02871, Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

The analysis will be structured to address the prompt's requirements and provide a comprehensive overview of lung cancer care within the specified geographic parameters.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Portsmouth, RI (ZIP Code 02871)**

Evaluating lung cancer care in Portsmouth, Rhode Island (ZIP Code 02871) involves a multifaceted approach, considering not only the availability of specialized physicians but also the broader healthcare ecosystem, including primary care access, mental health support, and technological integration. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape in relation to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on the presence of skilled pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. Assessing the availability of these specialists within and immediately surrounding ZIP Code 02871 is crucial. Physician-to-patient ratios serve as a key metric. A higher ratio of specialists to the population suggests greater access to care, translating to earlier diagnosis and potentially improved treatment outcomes. However, simply counting physicians is insufficient. Factors such as board certifications, years of experience, and subspecialty expertise (e.g., interventional pulmonology) must also be considered.

Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a critical role in early detection. They are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms suggestive of lung cancer. Therefore, the availability of primary care, measured by patient-to-PCP ratios and appointment wait times, is a significant factor. A robust primary care system, with readily accessible PCPs, increases the likelihood of timely referrals to specialists for further evaluation. The presence of PCPs who are proactive in screening for lung cancer, particularly among high-risk individuals (smokers, former smokers), further enhances the quality of care.

Identifying standout practices within Portsmouth and its surrounding areas is essential. These practices often demonstrate excellence in several key areas: patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, and adherence to evidence-based guidelines. A review of patient reviews, hospital quality reports, and physician performance data can help identify practices that consistently deliver high-quality care. Furthermore, practices that offer comprehensive services, such as smoking cessation programs and patient navigation services, are particularly valuable.

Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative tool in healthcare, and its adoption in lung cancer care can significantly improve access to specialists, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to educational resources. The availability of telemedicine services, including the types of services offered (e.g., specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, remote monitoring), is a key indicator of the modern healthcare landscape in Portsmouth.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally taxing. Mental health support is therefore an integral component of comprehensive care. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical social workers, who specialize in oncology, is crucial. Integration of mental health services within the cancer care pathway, including screening for depression and anxiety, is a sign of a patient-centered approach. Access to support groups and other resources for patients and their families is also important.

The assessment of lung cancer care in Portsmouth should also consider the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities. This includes access to advanced imaging techniques (e.g., PET/CT scans), minimally invasive surgical procedures, and targeted therapies. The presence of clinical trials and research opportunities can also benefit patients by providing access to cutting-edge treatments.

The analysis must also consider the geographic distribution of healthcare resources. Even if specialists and services are available within the region, their accessibility may vary depending on a patient's location within ZIP Code 02871. Transportation options, including public transportation and accessibility for individuals with disabilities, play a significant role in determining access to care.

Finally, the overall healthcare environment, including insurance coverage, cost of care, and health literacy levels, can influence patient outcomes. The availability of affordable healthcare options and resources to help patients navigate the healthcare system is critical for ensuring equitable access to care.

In conclusion, evaluating lung cancer care in Portsmouth requires a comprehensive approach that considers physician availability, primary care access, mental health support, technological integration, and the overall healthcare environment. This analysis aims to provide a starting point for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape and to identify areas for improvement.

This assessment, while comprehensive, is a snapshot. Healthcare is dynamic. The best way to visualize and understand the complex interplay of these factors, and to gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, is through interactive mapping.

**Call to Action:**

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and gain a more granular understanding of the factors discussed, explore the power of interactive mapping with CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, primary care availability, and other relevant data points, offering a dynamic and insightful view of the healthcare ecosystem.