06023, East Berlin, Connecticut Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 06023, East Berlin, Connecticut is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.44 percent of the residents in 06023 has some form of health insurance. 22.80 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 93.75 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 06023 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 333 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06023. An estimate of 16 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 364 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,918 health care providers accessible to residents in 06023, East Berlin, Connecticut.

The analysis below focuses on assessing the landscape for lung cancer care and primary care access within the 06023 ZIP code, encompassing East Berlin, Connecticut. This evaluation incorporates factors relevant to patient outcomes, including physician availability, practice quality, technological integration, and the crucial element of mental health support. It's designed to provide a nuanced understanding, moving beyond simple rankings to offer actionable insights.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental metric. In 06023, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts early detection and management of lung cancer, given their role in screening, diagnosis, and referral. A lower ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to delayed diagnoses and potentially poorer outcomes. Conversely, a higher ratio generally suggests better access, enabling more timely interventions. The analysis would need to consider the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code, the estimated population served, and the average patient load each physician carries. This data is crucial for understanding the baseline access to care.

Specialized care, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is also vital. While these specialists may not be directly located within 06023, their proximity and the ease of referral from local PCPs are critical. The analysis would investigate the distance to the nearest pulmonology and oncology practices, the referral patterns of local PCPs, and the wait times for appointments with these specialists. This assessment would reveal potential bottlenecks in the patient journey and highlight areas where access could be improved.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate excellence in patient care. Evaluating these practices involves assessing several factors. Patient satisfaction surveys, available through platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals, provide valuable insights into patient experiences, including communication, wait times, and overall satisfaction. Another key element is the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and treatment. Practices that adhere to these guidelines, as indicated by their adherence to national standards like those from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), are more likely to deliver high-quality care. The analysis would need to identify practices within the area and research their adherence to these standards.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers significant advantages, especially for patients in rural or underserved areas. It can improve access to specialists, facilitate follow-up appointments, and provide remote monitoring capabilities. The analysis would assess the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up care, and patient education. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve access to care and reduce the burden on patients, leading to better outcomes.

Mental health resources play a significant role in cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health support is crucial for patients' well-being. The analysis would investigate the availability of mental health services within 06023, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. It would also assess the integration of mental health support within the healthcare system, such as whether PCPs routinely screen patients for mental health concerns and whether there are established referral pathways to mental health professionals.

Specific examples of practices and their attributes are essential. For instance, one practice might have a high patient satisfaction rating but a limited telemedicine presence. Another might have a strong telemedicine program but a less-than-ideal physician-to-patient ratio. The analysis would identify these strengths and weaknesses to provide a comprehensive view of the local healthcare landscape. The data would be pulled from public sources and potentially through surveys of local practices.

The analysis would delve into specific details. It would identify the names of practices within the 06023 ZIP code and their primary specialties. It would look at the patient satisfaction scores of these practices, based on publicly available data. It would assess the availability of lung cancer screening programs, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, and whether these programs are readily accessible to patients. It would investigate the referral patterns of local PCPs, including which pulmonologists and oncologists they typically refer patients to. It would also explore the availability of support groups and other resources for lung cancer patients and their families.

The analysis would also consider factors such as insurance coverage and the socioeconomic status of the population within 06023. These factors can significantly impact access to care and patient outcomes. The analysis would examine the prevalence of different insurance types in the area and assess whether there are any disparities in access to care based on insurance coverage. It would also consider the socioeconomic characteristics of the population, such as income levels and educational attainment, and how these factors might influence patient outcomes.

The overall goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape for lung cancer care and primary care access in 06023. This assessment should identify areas of strength and weakness, providing insights that can be used to improve patient outcomes. The analysis would not simply rank practices; instead, it would offer a nuanced understanding of the factors that contribute to high-quality care and identify areas where improvements are needed.

The final product is a detailed report that can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions. It would include a summary of the key findings, recommendations for improvement, and a clear articulation of the data sources used. The report would be presented in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for stakeholders to understand the information and take appropriate action.

To visualize the geographic distribution of these healthcare resources and gain a deeper understanding of the local landscape, consider exploring the data using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping and data visualization tools that can help you identify patterns, trends, and opportunities for improvement in lung cancer care and primary care access within 06023.