02885, Warren, Rhode Island Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02885, Warren, Rhode Island is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.36 percent of the residents in 02885 has some form of health insurance. 37.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.83 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 02885 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,818 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 12 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02885. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,319 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,236 health care providers accessible to residents in 02885, Warren, Rhode Island.

The analysis below provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians practicing within ZIP Code 02885, focusing on Warren, Rhode Island, and the accessibility of primary care services within the town. The score considers factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and patient support, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This is not a definitive medical evaluation, but rather a contextual overview.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare access. In Warren, the availability of primary care physicians directly impacts the ability of residents to receive timely screenings, diagnoses, and treatment for lung cancer. A higher physician-to-patient ratio, reflecting fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potential delays in diagnosis. While specific, up-to-the-minute figures fluctuate, publicly available data from sources like the Rhode Island Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, combined with information from healthcare directories, allows for an estimate. These sources will provide an understanding of the number of primary care physicians practicing in the area and the population they serve. This initial data point informs the overall score.

Standout practices within 02885, or those serving Warren residents, are identified by several key features. These include a demonstrated commitment to preventative care, particularly lung cancer screening. This encompasses the consistent use of evidence-based guidelines for screening, such as those recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) for individuals at high risk. Practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs, offer comprehensive patient education materials about lung cancer risks and symptoms, and have established referral pathways to pulmonologists and oncologists receive higher scores. The presence of dedicated nurse navigators or care coordinators who assist patients through the diagnostic and treatment process is also a significant positive factor.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. The ability to offer virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education, enhances access to care, especially for those with mobility issues or transportation challenges. Practices with established telemedicine platforms, integrated into their electronic health records, and offering virtual appointments for appropriate services are considered favorably. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as those used to track vital signs or respiratory function, further enhances the score.

Mental health resources are integral to comprehensive lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Primary care practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house therapists or through readily accessible referral networks, are prioritized. The availability of support groups, counseling services, and psychiatric care contributes positively to the overall score. Practices that screen patients for mental health concerns and proactively address these needs demonstrate a strong commitment to holistic patient care.

The Lung Cancer Score is not a simple numerical value but rather a composite assessment. It considers the aforementioned factors, weighting them based on their impact on patient outcomes and access to care. The score is designed to be dynamic, reflecting changes in healthcare practices, physician availability, and the implementation of new technologies and services. This necessitates continuous monitoring and updating of the information used to generate the score.

The analysis begins with a review of publicly available data, including physician directories, hospital websites, and government health reports. This data is then supplemented by information gathered from practice websites, patient reviews, and, where possible, direct communication with the practices themselves. The data is categorized, analyzed, and weighted to determine the score.

For physician-to-patient ratios, the analysis will identify the number of primary care physicians practicing within the 02885 ZIP code and the estimated population they serve. This will be compared to state and national averages to determine if the area is underserved.

Standout practices are identified based on their demonstrated commitment to preventative care, smoking cessation programs, patient education, and referral pathways. Practices are assessed on their adherence to screening guidelines and the availability of nurse navigators or care coordinators.

Telemedicine adoption is evaluated by assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring devices, and the integration of telemedicine platforms into the practice's workflow.

Mental health resources are evaluated by assessing the availability of in-house therapists, referral networks, support groups, and screening protocols for mental health concerns.

The final Lung Cancer Score reflects the overall assessment of these factors. It is a relative score, allowing for comparisons between practices and an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care landscape in Warren, Rhode Island. The goal is to provide a valuable tool for residents seeking primary care, particularly those at risk for or affected by lung cancer. This information empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare and facilitates a more proactive approach to lung cancer prevention and early detection.

Understanding the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of primary care physicians, is essential for assessing access to care. Mapping these resources allows for a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, highlighting areas with limited access and potential disparities. This spatial analysis is crucial for identifying gaps in care and informing strategies to improve healthcare delivery.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Warren, Rhode Island, and the surrounding areas, including the location of primary care physicians, access to lung cancer screening facilities, and the availability of support services, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data.

Visit CartoChrome maps to visualize and analyze the healthcare resources in your community.