02664, South Yarmouth, Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 02664, South Yarmouth, Massachusetts is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.22 percent of the residents in 02664 has some form of health insurance. 55.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.08 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 02664 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 971 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02664. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,235 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 585 health care providers accessible to residents in 02664, South Yarmouth, Massachusetts.

The following analysis provides a Prostate Cancer Score (PCS) assessment for physicians within the 02664 ZIP code, focusing on primary care availability in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts. This score considers various factors impacting prostate cancer detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being. It aims to provide a nuanced understanding of healthcare access and quality for individuals in this community.

The PCS is a composite measure, not a single number. It evaluates several key areas, including the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialized services, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. Each area contributes to the overall patient experience and the potential for positive health outcomes.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical element. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative screenings, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility. In South Yarmouth, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) is a vital indicator. Data from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, combined with local population figures, provides the initial baseline. Further investigation includes the availability of PCPs accepting new patients, as this directly impacts access. A high PCS in this area necessitates a favorable ratio and readily available appointments.

Standout practices are identified by their commitment to comprehensive prostate cancer care. This involves not only early detection through regular screenings, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams (DREs), but also the availability of advanced diagnostic tools like MRI and biopsy. Practices that offer these services on-site or have strong referral networks to specialists receive higher scores. Furthermore, the practice’s approach to patient education and shared decision-making is evaluated. Practices that actively involve patients in their treatment plans, providing clear explanations of options and potential side effects, contribute significantly to a higher PCS.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, ensuring secure and user-friendly platforms, are awarded higher scores. This also includes the availability of remote monitoring devices, allowing physicians to track patient progress and intervene proactively.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked but is a vital component of a comprehensive PCS. A prostate cancer diagnosis can have a significant emotional impact on patients, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that recognize this and offer access to mental health professionals, either through on-site counselors or referral networks, receive higher scores. This includes the provision of support groups and educational resources to help patients cope with their diagnosis and treatment.

Specific practices in the 02664 ZIP code are assessed based on these criteria. This requires in-depth research, including reviewing practice websites, patient reviews, and, where possible, direct communication with the practices. This process identifies those practices that excel in specific areas of prostate cancer care. For example, a practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio, offering on-site diagnostic services, and incorporating telemedicine for follow-up appointments would likely receive a high PCS. Similarly, a practice with a strong partnership with a local mental health provider would also be highly rated.

The assessment also considers the availability of primary care services in South Yarmouth, which is crucial for early detection and preventative care. The geographic distribution of PCPs, their acceptance of new patients, and the overall ease of access to appointments are evaluated. Areas with limited primary care availability may experience delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes.

The PCS is not static; it evolves with changes in healthcare practices, technological advancements, and the evolving needs of the community. Regular updates are essential to maintain its accuracy and relevance. This includes monitoring changes in physician staffing, the adoption of new technologies, and the availability of mental health resources.

The final PCS for doctors in 02664 is a composite of these individual assessments. It is not a simple average but a weighted score that reflects the relative importance of each factor. For instance, physician-to-patient ratio and access to primary care may be weighted more heavily than the availability of telemedicine, depending on the specific needs of the community.

This type of analysis is valuable for patients seeking information about healthcare options in their area. It provides a framework for evaluating the quality and accessibility of prostate cancer care. It also helps to identify areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of PCPs or expanding access to mental health services.

The goal is to empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare. By providing a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape, individuals can better navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and receive the best possible care. This type of analysis should not be used as the sole determinant of a patient's healthcare decision but as a tool to facilitate a more informed conversation with their physician.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in the 02664 ZIP code, including the location of physician practices, primary care availability, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can help you understand the healthcare resources available in your community.