02874, Saunderstown, Rhode Island Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02874, Saunderstown, Rhode Island is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.41 percent of the residents in 02874 has some form of health insurance. 21.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 89.30 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 02874 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,581 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02874. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,107 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,969 health care providers accessible to residents in 02874, Saunderstown, Rhode Island.

The analysis of lung cancer care within ZIP code 02874, encompassing Saunderstown, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. We will evaluate the available resources, focusing on primary care physician (PCP) accessibility, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized lung cancer care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. This assessment aims to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" for the area, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in early detection and consistent primary care. Assessing the availability of PCPs in Saunderstown is paramount. A high physician-to-patient ratio, meaning a lower number of patients per doctor, generally translates to better access and more personalized care. Conversely, a shortage of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses, which significantly impacts treatment outcomes for lung cancer. We need to determine the actual ratio within the 02874 ZIP code and compare it to state and national averages to understand the relative availability of primary care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is crucial. Does Saunderstown boast practices known for their proactive approach to lung cancer screening, particularly for individuals at high risk due to smoking history or family history? Are there established protocols for ordering chest X-rays or low-dose CT scans, the primary tools for early detection? We will look for practices that actively participate in these screening programs and demonstrate a commitment to preventative care.

The presence of specialists, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, is another key factor. While primary care provides the initial point of contact, specialized expertise is vital for diagnosis, staging, and treatment. The proximity of these specialists to Saunderstown is important. Are they located within a reasonable driving distance, ensuring timely access to consultations and treatments? We must also consider the reputation and experience of these specialists, looking for those with a strong track record in lung cancer care.

Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Its adoption in Saunderstown can significantly improve access to care, especially for follow-up appointments, consultations, and mental health support. Does the area have practices that offer telehealth services? Are these services readily available to patients, or are there significant barriers to access, such as technological limitations or insurance coverage issues? The extent of telemedicine adoption will influence the overall score.

The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis is immense. Mental health support is an integral part of comprehensive care. Does Saunderstown have readily accessible mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups? Are these resources integrated into the healthcare system, ensuring seamless referrals and coordinated care? The availability and accessibility of mental health services will significantly impact the score.

We will examine the specific practices within the 02874 ZIP code, identifying any standout practices. These might be those that excel in patient communication, offer comprehensive screening programs, or demonstrate a commitment to innovation. The presence of these standout practices will positively influence the overall score, suggesting a higher quality of care.

To assess the physician-to-patient ratio, we will consult publicly available data from sources like the Rhode Island Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau. This data will allow us to calculate the ratio within the 02874 ZIP code and compare it to regional and national averages. We will also investigate the availability of specialists, determining their proximity to Saunderstown and their affiliations with hospitals or cancer centers.

The adoption of telemedicine will be evaluated by surveying local practices and examining their websites. We will look for evidence of telehealth services, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. The accessibility of mental health resources will be assessed by researching local mental health providers and support groups.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted importance of each factor. A higher score will indicate a more robust and accessible healthcare system for lung cancer patients. The score will be based on the availability of PCPs, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources.

The analysis will also consider the demographics of Saunderstown, including age, socioeconomic status, and access to transportation. These factors can influence access to care and the effectiveness of treatment. The score will be adjusted to reflect these considerations, ensuring a fair and accurate assessment of the local healthcare landscape.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" will provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It will highlight areas of strength and weakness, guiding efforts to improve lung cancer care in Saunderstown. The score will be presented with a clear explanation of the methodology and the rationale behind the weighting of each factor.

Understanding the healthcare landscape in Saunderstown, Rhode Island, is crucial for anyone impacted by lung cancer. The availability of primary care, the presence of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, and the access to mental health support all contribute to the quality of care.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Saunderstown and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing geographic data, allowing you to pinpoint the locations of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. This visual representation can provide a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in your area.