06226, Willimantic, Connecticut Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 06226, Willimantic, Connecticut is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.60 percent of the residents in 06226 has some form of health insurance. 48.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.13 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 06226 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,426 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06226. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,165 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 369 health care providers accessible to residents in 06226, Willimantic, Connecticut.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Willimantic, CT (ZIP Code 06226)**

Analyzing the landscape of lung cancer care within Willimantic, CT (ZIP code 06226) necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), a crucial entry point for early detection and referrals, alongside other critical factors impacting patient outcomes. This report aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of lung cancer support in the area.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon accessible and quality primary care. In Willimantic, assessing primary care availability involves evaluating physician-to-patient ratios. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per patient, generally suggests better access. However, this metric alone is insufficient. The quality of care, the acceptance of new patients, and the ability to offer comprehensive services are equally important. Information regarding the average wait times for appointments, the availability of same-day appointments for urgent needs, and the patient satisfaction ratings of local PCPs are all vital components of this assessment. The data needed for a thorough assessment would include the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code, the estimated patient population, and the patient load each physician is managing.

Standout practices within Willimantic can be identified by looking at several factors. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, including regular screenings and patient education. They may also have integrated electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate seamless information sharing with specialists, a crucial aspect of cancer care. Further, practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, raise awareness about lung cancer risks, and offer smoking cessation support are likely to be considered exemplary. The presence of certified nurse navigators, who guide patients through the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and support services, also significantly enhances the quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is rapidly transforming healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The ability to access specialist consultations remotely can reduce travel burdens and improve access to expertise. The presence of telemedicine services within Willimantic's healthcare ecosystem is a crucial factor. Assessing this involves determining which primary care practices and specialists offer telehealth appointments, the types of services offered (e.g., consultations, follow-up appointments), and the technology platforms used. A high adoption rate of telemedicine, coupled with patient satisfaction data, can indicate a more accessible and responsive healthcare system.

Mental health resources play a vital role in supporting lung cancer patients. The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can be emotionally and psychologically taxing. Access to mental health professionals, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is essential. The availability of these resources within Willimantic must be assessed. This includes identifying the number of mental health providers, their areas of specialization (e.g., oncology, grief counseling), and the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group support). Integration of mental health services within primary care practices or cancer treatment centers can further streamline patient care and improve outcomes.

Beyond the core medical services, other factors can impact the overall quality of lung cancer care. The availability of support groups, patient advocacy organizations, and financial assistance programs can help patients navigate the challenges of their diagnosis and treatment. The presence of these resources within the community, along with their accessibility and the level of community awareness, are all important.

The analysis of lung cancer care in Willimantic must also consider the local hospital and specialist network. The presence of a comprehensive cancer center, equipped with advanced diagnostic tools (e.g., CT scans, PET scans) and treatment options (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery), is crucial. The availability of specialized pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons is a critical factor. The coordination of care between primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers is also essential.

The assessment of lung cancer care in Willimantic requires a detailed review of the available data. This includes information from various sources, such as the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and private healthcare databases. The data must be analyzed to provide an accurate and comprehensive picture of the current state of lung cancer care in the area.

The analysis also needs to consider the demographic characteristics of the population served by the healthcare system in Willimantic. Factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and race/ethnicity can influence access to care and health outcomes. The analysis must account for these factors to provide a fair and accurate assessment of the quality of care.

The final score should be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weights assigned to each factor should reflect its relative importance in determining the quality of lung cancer care. For example, the availability of primary care physicians and the presence of a comprehensive cancer center may be assigned higher weights than the availability of support groups.

The resulting Lung Cancer Score would be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It could be used to identify areas of strength and weakness in the healthcare system, to inform decisions about resource allocation, and to improve the overall quality of lung cancer care in Willimantic. The score would provide a clear and concise assessment of the current state of lung cancer care in the area.

The final report would include a summary of the findings, a discussion of the limitations of the analysis, and recommendations for improvement. It would also include a detailed explanation of the methodology used to calculate the score. This would ensure transparency and allow for the replication of the analysis.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Willimantic and surrounding areas, including the location of physicians, hospitals, and support services, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps can provide a valuable context for understanding the Lung Cancer Score and the overall availability of care.