02170, Quincy, Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 02170, Quincy, Massachusetts is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.95 percent of the residents in 02170 has some form of health insurance. 35.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.94 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 02170 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,037 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 17 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02170. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,337 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,499 health care providers accessible to residents in 02170, Quincy, Massachusetts.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Quincy, MA (ZIP Code 02170)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of prostate cancer care within Quincy, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02170), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) accessibility and related healthcare resources. The aim is to generate a "Prostate Cancer Score," a composite metric reflecting the ease of access to diagnostic and supportive care for individuals at risk or diagnosed with prostate cancer. This score is not a definitive medical assessment but rather a comparative analysis of the healthcare landscape.

The foundation of prostate cancer care rests on strong primary care. Early detection through regular screenings, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams, is crucial. Therefore, the physician-to-patient ratio in Quincy becomes a critical factor. Publicly available data from sources like the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the US Census Bureau can be utilized to estimate this ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, could potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments, hindering timely screenings and potentially delaying diagnosis. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests better access to preventative care. The analysis will consider the estimated PCP-to-patient ratio within the 02170 ZIP code, comparing it to regional and national averages.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs across Quincy is important. Are they concentrated in specific areas, leaving others underserved? This geographical analysis can highlight potential disparities in access. Furthermore, the analysis will investigate the presence of practices accepting new patients, a crucial factor for individuals seeking a PCP or needing a referral to a urologist. Information will be gathered from insurance provider directories, online physician search tools, and direct inquiries to practices.

Standout practices within Quincy will be identified based on several criteria. These include the adoption of patient-centered care models, such as extended hours, weekend appointments, and same-day availability for urgent needs. Practices actively promoting preventative care, including reminders for screenings and patient education materials, will be favorably considered. The analysis will also assess the availability of in-house diagnostic services, such as phlebotomy for PSA testing, streamlining the patient experience. Practices demonstrating a commitment to continuous quality improvement, through participation in quality reporting programs and patient satisfaction surveys, will also be recognized.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in modern healthcare. The analysis will investigate the extent to which Quincy practices offer telehealth services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, or those seeking follow-up appointments. The availability of telehealth services for prostate cancer-related concerns, such as discussing test results or managing side effects of treatment, will be specifically assessed.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of prostate cancer care. A diagnosis of prostate cancer can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis will examine the availability of mental health services within Quincy, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. The proximity of these resources to primary care practices and urology specialists will be considered, as integrated care models can improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, the analysis will investigate whether primary care practices offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals.

The availability of specialized prostate cancer care, including urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists, is essential. The analysis will identify the presence of these specialists within Quincy or in nearby communities. The analysis will also examine the affiliations of these specialists with hospitals and cancer centers, indicating the availability of advanced treatment options, such as robotic surgery, brachytherapy, and clinical trials. The analysis will consider the ease of access to these specialists, including appointment wait times and the acceptance of various insurance plans.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" will be a composite metric, assigning weighted values to each of the above factors. The weighting will reflect the relative importance of each factor in ensuring access to high-quality prostate cancer care. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of PCPs accepting new patients will receive a higher weight than the availability of telemedicine services. The final score will be a numerical value, allowing for a comparative assessment of the healthcare landscape in Quincy.

This analysis, however, is limited by the availability of publicly accessible data. The accuracy of the physician-to-patient ratio, for example, depends on the reliability of the data sources. Furthermore, the analysis will not be able to assess the quality of care provided by individual physicians. Patient reviews and testimonials, while valuable, are subjective and may not reflect the overall quality of care. The analysis will also not include a detailed assessment of the cost of care, which is a significant factor for many patients.

The final "Prostate Cancer Score" for Quincy (02170) will be a snapshot in time. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new practices opening, existing practices adopting new technologies, and healthcare policies changing. Therefore, this analysis should be considered a starting point for further investigation.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Quincy, including the location of PCPs, specialists, and healthcare facilities, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can be customized to display the data gathered in this analysis, allowing you to visualize the availability and distribution of healthcare resources in the area.