02746, New Bedford, Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 02746, New Bedford, Massachusetts is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.20 percent of the residents in 02746 has some form of health insurance. 72.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 27.65 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 02746 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,951 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02746. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,103 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,060 health care providers accessible to residents in 02746, New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Prostate cancer screening and treatment access within ZIP code 02746, encompassing the city of Fall River, Massachusetts, presents a complex landscape. Evaluating the quality of care involves analyzing several factors, including the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized urology practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem within this specific geographic area, offering insights for residents seeking prostate cancer care.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer care often begins with a strong primary care network. PCPs play a crucial role in early detection, screening, and patient education. In the context of New Bedford, the availability of PCPs is a critical factor. A higher physician-to-patient ratio generally indicates better access, potentially leading to more timely screenings and earlier diagnoses. Unfortunately, specific data on the physician-to-patient ratio within the 02746 ZIP code is difficult to obtain without proprietary healthcare datasets. However, publicly available resources like the Massachusetts Department of Public Health can provide some information on the overall PCP availability in Bristol County, of which Fall River is a part.

A potential challenge is the overall shortage of healthcare professionals, a nationwide issue. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, making it harder for patients to get timely screenings. The impact of this shortage is particularly felt by vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with limited access to transportation.

Beyond the general availability of PCPs, the presence of specialized urology practices is essential for comprehensive prostate cancer care. These practices typically offer a range of services, from diagnostic testing (such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and biopsies) to treatment options (including surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy). The presence of board-certified urologists is a key indicator of quality.

In Fall River, the availability of urology specialists is a critical factor. Identifying the number of practicing urologists within the 02746 area, their affiliations with hospitals and medical centers, and their areas of expertise (e.g., robotic surgery, minimally invasive techniques) is crucial. Hospital affiliations often provide access to advanced technology and support services.

Standout practices within the area often distinguish themselves through several factors. These include a commitment to patient-centered care, the utilization of advanced technologies, and a strong focus on patient education and support. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research initiatives may also be considered high-quality.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly in areas with limited access to specialists. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and urology specialists can improve access to care, reduce travel time, and enhance patient convenience. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up appointments.

In the context of prostate cancer care, telemedicine can be used for initial consultations, discussing test results, providing education, and offering support to patients undergoing treatment. The availability of telemedicine services is a key indicator of a practice's commitment to innovation and patient accessibility.

The emotional and psychological impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can be significant. Integrating mental health resources into the care pathway is crucial for supporting patients. This includes access to mental health professionals, support groups, and educational resources.

Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and provide or facilitate access to these services are likely to provide more holistic and patient-centered care. Assessing the availability of these resources within the 02746 area is an important aspect of evaluating the quality of prostate cancer care.

Evaluating the quality of prostate cancer care within the 02746 ZIP code requires a multifaceted approach. Assessing the availability of primary care, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of urology specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources is crucial.

A comprehensive assessment would also consider factors such as patient satisfaction, outcomes data (e.g., survival rates), and adherence to national guidelines. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and to guide patients in making informed decisions about their care.

While specific data on physician-to-patient ratios, the number of urology specialists, and telemedicine adoption rates is difficult to obtain without access to proprietary healthcare datasets, the principles of evaluating healthcare quality remain the same. The availability of primary care, the presence of specialized urology practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources are all essential components of a robust healthcare system.

The analysis of healthcare data is often complex and requires specialized tools. CartoChrome offers a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, allowing users to gain insights into healthcare access, quality, and disparities. By using CartoChrome, you can explore the healthcare landscape in the 02746 ZIP code and beyond, identifying areas of strength and weakness.

If you are interested in visualizing healthcare data and gaining a deeper understanding of healthcare access in your area, consider exploring the capabilities of CartoChrome maps.