02715, Dighton, Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 02715, Dighton, Massachusetts is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.24 percent of the residents in 02715 has some form of health insurance. 23.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 86.49 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 02715 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 706 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02715. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 685 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,917 health care providers accessible to residents in 02715, Dighton, Massachusetts.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Dighton, MA (ZIP Code 02715)

Analyzing the landscape of prostate cancer care within Dighton, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02715) requires a multifaceted approach. We must consider not only the availability and quality of urological services but also the broader healthcare infrastructure, including primary care accessibility, mental health support, and the adoption of modern technologies like telemedicine. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on the realities faced by patients in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any prostate cancer care system is the availability of qualified physicians. In Dighton, the direct presence of specialized urologists within the ZIP code is a critical factor. However, the surrounding areas, including Taunton, Fall River, and Providence, RI, likely serve as referral hubs. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. This involves determining the number of urologists per 1,000 residents in Dighton and the surrounding communities that patients are likely to access. A higher ratio generally indicates better access, although the quality of care provided by those physicians is equally important. Publicly available data from organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine can provide insights into physician counts and specialties.

Beyond sheer numbers, the reputation and performance of individual practices are crucial. Identifying "standout practices" requires examining patient reviews, physician experience, and the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment options. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback, employ experienced urologists, and offer cutting-edge technologies like robotic-assisted surgery or advanced imaging techniques would score higher. Data from sources like Healthgrades, Vitals, and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) can be used to assess patient satisfaction and practice quality.

Primary care plays a vital role in early detection and ongoing management of prostate cancer. The "primary care availability" component of our score directly assesses this. This involves evaluating the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) per capita in Dighton and the surrounding areas. A higher PCP-to-patient ratio is desirable. Equally important is the ability of PCPs to perform prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screenings and provide timely referrals to urologists. The availability of same-day or next-day appointments with PCPs is also a key factor, as it facilitates prompt attention to potential symptoms.

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant tool in modern healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Its adoption within the Dighton healthcare ecosystem is a critical consideration. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online access to patient portals score higher. Telemedicine can improve access to specialists, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate ongoing care, especially for patients managing chronic conditions or undergoing post-treatment follow-up. Examining the websites of local practices and hospitals, as well as consulting with healthcare providers, can reveal the extent of telemedicine integration.

The emotional and psychological impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment is often underestimated. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of our Prostate Cancer Score. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in oncology and men's health. The presence of these resources within the community or readily accessible through referrals significantly improves the overall quality of care. Hospitals and cancer centers often provide these services, and assessing their availability and accessibility is essential.

The final "Prostate Cancer Score" would be a composite metric, weighting each of the above factors based on their relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the quality of care provided by urologists might carry the highest weight, followed by primary care availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The score would provide a holistic assessment of the prostate cancer care landscape in Dighton, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of services.

To summarize, the analysis will involve the following steps:
1. **Physician Availability:** Determine the number of urologists per capita in Dighton and surrounding areas.
2. **Practice Quality:** Evaluate patient reviews, physician experience, and the availability of advanced technologies.
3. **Primary Care Accessibility:** Assess the PCP-to-patient ratio and the ability of PCPs to perform screenings and referrals.
4. **Telemedicine Adoption:** Examine the use of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and patient portals.
5. **Mental Health Resources:** Evaluate the availability of therapists, counselors, and support groups.

By analyzing these factors, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the prostate cancer care landscape in Dighton, MA (ZIP Code 02715). This analysis will provide a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers seeking to improve the quality of care in this community.

For a more detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Dighton, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and resource distribution, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the resources available in your community.