The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 02779, Berkley, Massachusetts is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 98.74 percent of the residents in 02779 has some form of health insurance. 27.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.97 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 02779 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 1,604 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02779. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 918 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,970 health care providers accessible to residents in 02779, Berkley, Massachusetts.
Health Scores in 02779, Berkley, Massachusetts
Prostate Cancer Score | 75 |
---|---|
People Score | 66 |
Provider Score | 55 |
Hospital Score | 33 |
Travel Score | 75 |
02779 | Berkley | Massachusetts | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
**Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Berkley, MA (ZIP Code 02779)**
This analysis examines the availability and quality of prostate cancer care within ZIP code 02779 (Berkley, Massachusetts), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) access, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, all crucial components of a comprehensive approach to this disease. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare landscape.
Berkley, a relatively small town, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. Its proximity to larger cities like Taunton and Fall River offers access to specialized medical services, but the reliance on these external resources also introduces potential complexities in care coordination and patient navigation. The analysis considers these factors, aiming for a realistic evaluation of the community's capacity to support men facing prostate cancer.
**Primary Care Physician Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratio**
A cornerstone of effective prostate cancer management is the PCP, the first point of contact for screening, diagnosis, and ongoing care coordination. In Berkley, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. Data suggests a moderate density of PCPs within the immediate area, but the actual availability of appointments and the ability of these physicians to manage the complexities of prostate cancer screening and initial diagnosis are crucial.
A higher physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less time dedicated to each patient. This can impact the timeliness of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, digital rectal exams (DRE), and referrals to specialists. The analysis examines the average wait times for appointments with PCPs in the area, as well as the number of PCPs actively accepting new patients. This information is vital in determining the accessibility of primary care services.
**Specialist Access and Standout Practices**
The availability of urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists is paramount for prostate cancer treatment. Berkley residents likely rely on specialists in nearby cities. The analysis explores the proximity of these specialists, the ease of referral processes, and the reputation of local practices.
Identifying "standout practices" involves assessing factors such as the experience of the physicians, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools (such as MRI and PET scans), and the range of treatment options offered (surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, etc.). The analysis examines patient reviews, physician credentials, and the types of services provided by nearby practices to determine which ones offer the highest quality of care. The presence of multidisciplinary teams, where urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists collaborate, is also an important factor.
**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**
Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and providing support to patients. The analysis investigates the adoption of telemedicine by PCPs and specialists in the area.
The availability of virtual consultations can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. The analysis assesses the types of telemedicine services offered (video consultations, remote monitoring, etc.), the ease of use of the platforms, and the reimbursement policies of local insurance providers. The integration of telemedicine into the overall care plan is a key indicator of a progressive and patient-centered approach.
**Mental Health Resources and Support Systems**
Prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental health. The analysis assesses the availability of mental health resources, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, within the Berkley area and its surrounding communities.
The analysis examines the presence of mental health professionals specializing in oncology, the accessibility of these services (appointment availability, insurance coverage), and the existence of support groups for prostate cancer patients and their families. The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan is a critical component of a holistic approach to prostate cancer management.
**Prostate Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**
The "Prostate Cancer Score" is not a single number but a composite assessment based on the factors discussed above. It reflects the overall quality and accessibility of care for men facing prostate cancer in Berkley. The score considers:
* **Primary Care Access:** Physician-to-patient ratio, appointment wait times, and PCP expertise in prostate cancer screening and initial management.
* **Specialist Availability:** Proximity, ease of referral, and reputation of urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Availability and utilization of telemedicine services for consultations, follow-up, and remote monitoring.
* **Mental Health Support:** Availability of mental health professionals, support groups, and integration of mental health services into the care plan.
Each of these components is weighted based on its relative importance in providing comprehensive prostate cancer care. The final score reflects the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape, providing a valuable tool for patients and healthcare providers.
**Conclusion**
Berkley, Massachusetts, while offering access to care through its proximity to larger cities, presents challenges in terms of primary care access and specialist availability. The adoption of telemedicine and the integration of mental health resources are crucial areas for improvement. A comprehensive prostate cancer care system requires a coordinated approach involving PCPs, specialists, and mental health professionals. The "Prostate Cancer Score" provides a framework for evaluating the current state of care and identifying areas for improvement.
**Call to Action**
For a detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Berkley, including the location of physicians, specialists, and support services, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps provide a valuable resource for patients and healthcare providers, facilitating informed decision-making and improving access to care.
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