02543, Woods Hole, Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 02543, Woods Hole, Massachusetts is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.19 percent of the residents in 02543 has some form of health insurance. 61.80 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.55 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 02543 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 27 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02543. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 543 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 668 health care providers accessible to residents in 02543, Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Woods Hole, MA (ZIP Code 02543)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of prostate cancer care within the Woods Hole, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02543) area, focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, all critical components of a patient-centered approach. The goal is to offer insights into the strengths and potential areas for improvement in the local healthcare landscape, ultimately informing patient decision-making and highlighting opportunities for healthcare providers.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer care rests on the availability of qualified medical professionals. In Woods Hole, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) is a crucial indicator. Low ratios can lead to delayed appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. Accurately determining this ratio requires analyzing the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and comparing it to the total population. This data, ideally sourced from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and the U.S. Census Bureau, provides a baseline for understanding access to care. The analysis must also consider the availability of specialists, particularly urologists, who are central to prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Geographic proximity to specialists in nearby towns like Falmouth or even further afield to the larger medical centers in Boston is a significant factor.

Evaluating the practices themselves is paramount. This involves assessing the quality of care, the use of evidence-based guidelines, and patient satisfaction. Practices that emphasize preventative care, including routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screenings and digital rectal exams (DREs) for appropriate age groups, demonstrate a proactive approach. The adoption of advanced diagnostic tools, such as multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) and prostate biopsies, is also important. These tools aid in accurate diagnosis and staging of the disease. The analysis should investigate the use of these tools and the physicians' experience in interpreting the results. Furthermore, the availability of various treatment options, including active surveillance, surgery (radical prostatectomy), radiation therapy (external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy), and hormone therapy, is a crucial indicator of comprehensive care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant force in healthcare, particularly in rural or geographically isolated areas. Its adoption in Woods Hole can greatly enhance access to care, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations. The analysis should identify practices that offer telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual visits, remote monitoring), and the ease of access to these services. Telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists located outside the immediate area, expanding the range of expertise available to patients.

The emotional toll of a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can be significant. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive care. The analysis must investigate the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists, in the area. Furthermore, it should assess whether practices offer integrated mental health services, such as on-site counseling or referrals to mental health professionals. The analysis should also consider the availability of support groups, both in-person and online, which can provide patients with valuable emotional support and peer-to-peer learning.

Standout practices in the area should be identified. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, utilizing the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities. They may have a high patient satisfaction rating, a strong emphasis on preventative care, and a well-integrated approach to mental health support. These practices can serve as models for other providers in the area, inspiring improvements in care delivery. Identifying these standout practices requires a thorough review of patient reviews, practice websites, and interviews with healthcare professionals.

The analysis should also consider the integration of technology to improve patient care. This includes the use of electronic health records (EHRs), patient portals, and other digital tools that facilitate communication, appointment scheduling, and access to medical information. EHRs allow for seamless information exchange between providers, improving coordination of care. Patient portals empower patients to manage their health information, schedule appointments, and communicate with their care team.

The analysis must also address the potential impact of seasonal population fluctuations in Woods Hole. The population of Woods Hole can increase significantly during the summer months due to tourism. This influx of people can strain healthcare resources, potentially leading to longer wait times and reduced access to care. The analysis should account for these seasonal variations and assess how healthcare providers manage the increased demand for services.

Finally, the analysis needs to consider the cost of care. The cost of prostate cancer treatment can be substantial, and patients need to be informed about the financial implications of their treatment options. The analysis should investigate the availability of financial assistance programs, insurance coverage options, and the transparency of pricing information.

In conclusion, this Prostate Cancer Score analysis for Woods Hole, MA (ZIP Code 02543) provides a detailed overview of the healthcare landscape, highlighting key factors influencing the quality and accessibility of prostate cancer care. By examining physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, the analysis aims to empower patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their care. This analysis underscores the importance of a patient-centered approach, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care that addresses not only the physical aspects of the disease but also the emotional and psychological well-being of patients.

Ready to visualize the healthcare landscape and discover the best options for prostate cancer care in Woods Hole and beyond? Explore the interactive maps and data visualizations at CartoChrome.