02744, New Bedford, Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 02744, New Bedford, Massachusetts is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.03 percent of the residents in 02744 has some form of health insurance. 61.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 42.20 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 02744 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,594 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02744. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,477 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,619 health care providers accessible to residents in 02744, New Bedford, Massachusetts.

**Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 02744 & Primary Care in New Bedford**

The assessment of prostate cancer care within ZIP code 02744, encompassing parts of New Bedford, Massachusetts, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial components of comprehensive patient care. The goal is to provide an informed perspective on the landscape of prostate cancer services and identify areas of strength and potential improvement.

Primary care availability in New Bedford forms the bedrock of effective prostate cancer screening and early detection. A robust primary care system ensures patients have regular access to physicians who can order prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, perform digital rectal exams, and refer patients to urologists when necessary. The density of primary care physicians within the city, relative to the population, is a key indicator. A higher physician-to-patient ratio generally translates to better access, shorter wait times, and more opportunities for preventative care. However, raw numbers don’t tell the whole story. Factors like insurance acceptance, language capabilities, and the availability of evening or weekend appointments also significantly impact accessibility.

Evaluating physician-to-patient ratios requires careful data analysis. Publicly available data from sources like the US Department of Health & Human Services can offer insights into the number of primary care physicians and specialists practicing in New Bedford. Comparing these figures to the city’s population provides a basic ratio. However, this needs to be refined. Considerations include the age distribution of the population (older populations are at higher risk), the prevalence of chronic conditions that might compete for primary care resources, and the geographic distribution of physicians within the city. Some areas might be underserved even if the overall ratio appears favorable.

Identifying standout practices involves examining several factors. The quality of care offered by a practice is often reflected in its patient reviews, accreditation status, and the experience of its physicians. Practices that have adopted evidence-based guidelines for prostate cancer screening and treatment, and that offer a patient-centered approach, are generally considered superior. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research are also often at the forefront of medical advancements. Additionally, the responsiveness of a practice to patient needs, its communication skills, and its ability to coordinate care with specialists are critical.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly for prostate cancer care. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and even the delivery of educational materials. This is particularly beneficial for patients who have mobility issues, live in remote areas, or have difficulty accessing in-person appointments. The availability of telemedicine services within ZIP code 02744 and New Bedford, and the extent to which these services are utilized by primary care physicians and urologists, is a crucial factor in assessing the quality of care. The ease of use of these platforms, their integration with electronic health records, and the training provided to both physicians and patients are also significant.

Mental health resources play a vital role in prostate cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally taxing, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health support services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, is essential for patients’ well-being. Assessing the accessibility of these resources involves examining the number of mental health professionals in the area, the availability of mental health services within primary care practices, and the integration of mental health support into the overall care plan. The ability of patients to access these resources without long wait times or financial barriers is a key indicator of a supportive healthcare environment.

Evaluating the practices within 02744 requires a nuanced approach. Publicly available resources, such as online physician directories and patient reviews, can provide preliminary insights. However, a more in-depth analysis would involve contacting practices directly to inquire about their services, their approach to prostate cancer care, and their integration of telemedicine and mental health resources. This would also involve assessing their accreditation status, their participation in clinical trials, and the experience of their physicians.

The overall Prostate Cancer Score for 02744 and New Bedford will depend on a composite assessment of all the factors discussed. The score will reflect the availability of primary care, the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health support. Areas with robust primary care access, a high physician-to-patient ratio, patient-centered practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and integrated mental health resources would receive higher scores. Conversely, areas with limited access to primary care, a low physician-to-patient ratio, practices that lag behind in evidence-based care, minimal telemedicine adoption, and a lack of mental health support would receive lower scores.

The assessment process is dynamic. Healthcare landscapes change. New practices open, existing practices evolve, and technologies advance. Therefore, the Prostate Cancer Score is not a static measure but rather a snapshot in time. Regular updates and ongoing monitoring are essential to ensure that the score accurately reflects the current state of prostate cancer care in the region. The goal is to provide a valuable tool for patients, physicians, and policymakers, enabling them to make informed decisions and improve the quality of care for those affected by prostate cancer.

To gain a visual understanding of physician locations, primary care access points, and the distribution of healthcare resources within ZIP code 02744 and the broader New Bedford area, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a spatial representation of the data discussed, highlighting areas of strength and potential areas for improvement. They can also help you to identify the practices and resources that best meet your individual needs.