06105, Hartford, Connecticut Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 06105, Hartford, Connecticut is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.82 percent of the residents in 06105 has some form of health insurance. 50.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.85 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 06105 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,178 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06105. An estimate of 7 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,487 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,082 health care providers accessible to residents in 06105, Hartford, Connecticut.

The analysis focuses on evaluating lung cancer care quality and accessibility within the 06105 ZIP code, specifically concerning primary care physicians (PCPs) and their impact on early detection and treatment pathways. This assessment considers factors crucial for effective lung cancer management, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hartford, CT, enabling informed decision-making for patients and healthcare providers alike.

Physician-to-patient ratios in 06105 are a critical indicator of primary care access. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per resident, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed screenings, and potential delays in diagnosis. The analysis would involve identifying the number of actively practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and comparing it to the population data. Publicly available data from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the U.S. Census Bureau, and professional medical directories will be used to estimate this ratio. Furthermore, the study will consider the distribution of these physicians, noting whether they are concentrated in specific areas or dispersed throughout the community. Uneven distribution can create healthcare deserts, where access to care is significantly limited for certain populations.

Standout practices within the 06105 area are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive lung cancer care. This involves several key elements. First, the analysis would evaluate the practices' adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer screening, specifically for individuals at high risk (e.g., smokers and former smokers). This includes examining the availability of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, the recommended screening method. Second, the study will assess the practices' integration of smoking cessation programs. These programs are essential for preventing lung cancer and improving outcomes for those diagnosed. Third, the analysis will consider the practices' collaboration with pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists. Effective care often requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for chronic disease management and follow-up care. The analysis will assess the extent to which PCPs in 06105 utilize telemedicine for lung cancer-related services. This includes virtual consultations for discussing screening results, providing smoking cessation counseling, and monitoring patients after treatment. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients who face transportation challenges or have limited mobility. The study will examine the availability of telehealth platforms, the types of services offered remotely, and the practices' experience with telemedicine implementation.

Mental health resources are a crucial but often overlooked aspect of lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The analysis will examine the availability of mental health support services for patients in 06105. This includes assessing whether PCPs screen for depression and anxiety, whether they have on-site mental health professionals, and whether they provide referrals to mental health specialists. The study will also investigate the availability of support groups and other resources for patients and their families.

The primary care availability in Hartford, CT, as a whole, will be considered in this analysis. This involves looking at the broader context of healthcare access in the city. The analysis will look at the overall PCP-to-population ratio for Hartford, and then compare that to the ratio in 06105. It will also consider the presence of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and other safety-net providers, which often serve a significant portion of the population in underserved areas. The study will also examine the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, who are essential for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The analysis will also consider the demographic characteristics of the 06105 population, including age, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. These factors can influence access to care and health outcomes. For example, individuals from underserved communities may face greater barriers to screening and treatment. The study will examine whether PCPs in 06105 are taking steps to address health disparities and ensure equitable access to care. This may involve providing culturally competent care, offering services in multiple languages, and working with community organizations to reach vulnerable populations.

The assessment of each practice will involve gathering information from various sources. This includes reviewing practice websites, conducting phone interviews with staff, and examining publicly available data. The analysis will also consider patient reviews and feedback, which can provide valuable insights into the patient experience. The goal is to create a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in 06105.

The final Lung Cancer Score will be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a score based on its importance to lung cancer care quality and accessibility. The scores will be combined to create an overall score for each practice and for the 06105 ZIP code as a whole. The results will be presented in a clear and concise format, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in the area. The analysis aims to provide a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

This analysis will be a dynamic document, subject to change as new data becomes available and as healthcare practices evolve. The goal is to provide an ongoing assessment of the healthcare landscape in 06105, enabling continuous improvement in lung cancer care. The findings of this analysis can be used to inform healthcare policy decisions, to guide patients in choosing a PCP, and to help practices identify areas for improvement.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hartford, CT, and surrounding areas, including the distribution of PCPs, access to screening resources, and areas with the greatest need, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. Their interactive maps provide a visual representation of the data, allowing you to explore the details and identify trends.