06239, Danielson, Connecticut Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 06239, Danielson, Connecticut is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.59 percent of the residents in 06239 has some form of health insurance. 45.51 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.87 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 06239 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,047 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06239. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,828 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 410 health care providers accessible to residents in 06239, Danielson, Connecticut.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical 'Lung Cancer Score' assessment for primary care physicians in Danielson, Connecticut (ZIP Code 06239), focusing on factors that could influence patient outcomes. This is not a definitive ranking but rather a framework for evaluating the local healthcare landscape. The score considers elements like physician availability, resource accessibility, and integration of supportive care.

Evaluating the healthcare environment requires examining the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. In Danielson, this ratio is crucial. The availability of primary care physicians, particularly those accepting new patients, directly impacts the ability to provide timely screenings and early intervention for lung cancer. The analysis needs to account for the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP Code, their patient loads, and the overall population of Danielson.

Standout practices will demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive lung cancer screening and management. This includes actively promoting and facilitating low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients, as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Practices that have implemented robust screening protocols, including clear guidelines for patient eligibility, referral pathways, and follow-up care, would score favorably. The presence of dedicated lung cancer specialists, such as pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons, within the practice or readily accessible through referral networks, is also vital. The integration of multidisciplinary teams, involving primary care physicians, radiologists, oncologists, and other specialists, enhances the quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in the modern healthcare landscape. Practices that have embraced telehealth offer greater convenience and accessibility, especially for patients in rural areas or with mobility limitations. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up appointments, potentially reducing the burden on patients and improving adherence to treatment plans. The ability to offer telehealth services, particularly for initial consultations, medication management, and supportive care, would positively influence the 'Lung Cancer Score.' The ease of access to telehealth services, including the availability of technical support for patients, is also a consideration.

Mental-health resources are often overlooked but are crucial for lung cancer patients. A diagnosis of lung cancer can trigger significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. Practices that offer or have easy access to mental-health services, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The integration of mental-health professionals into the care team, or the availability of readily accessible referral pathways to mental-health specialists, is a positive indicator. The availability of resources specifically tailored to the needs of lung cancer patients, such as support groups focused on coping with the disease, would further enhance the score.

Specific examples of practices demonstrating excellence in these areas would significantly influence the 'Lung Cancer Score.' For instance, a practice that has implemented an automated system to identify eligible patients for LDCT scans, sends reminders for appointments, and provides clear educational materials about lung cancer would score higher. Another practice that has integrated a mental-health counselor into its team to provide on-site support to patients would also be rated favorably. The availability of patient navigators, who help patients navigate the healthcare system, schedule appointments, and access resources, is another important factor.

The evaluation should also consider the availability of resources for smoking cessation. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and providing access to smoking cessation programs, including counseling and medication, is essential for preventing the disease and improving patient outcomes. Practices that actively promote and facilitate smoking cessation efforts, including offering nicotine replacement therapy and providing referrals to smoking cessation specialists, would be viewed positively. The success rates of these programs, if available, would also be a factor.

Assessing the quality of care also involves examining patient satisfaction and outcomes data. While this data may not always be readily available, practices that actively solicit patient feedback and use it to improve their services would score higher. The availability of data on lung cancer screening rates, early detection rates, and survival rates, if available, would also provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of care. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, facilitate communication, and improve care coordination is another positive indicator.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' is not a static measure but rather a dynamic reflection of the healthcare landscape. Regular updates and reassessments are essential to ensure that the score remains relevant and reflects the latest advancements in lung cancer care. The analysis should also consider the impact of external factors, such as changes in healthcare policies, advancements in medical technology, and the availability of funding for cancer research and treatment. This is a complex process, and the final score is a composite of multiple factors.

The evaluation should also consider the geographic accessibility of healthcare services. The availability of transportation options, such as public transportation or ride-sharing services, can impact a patient's ability to access care. Practices located in areas with limited transportation options may need to provide transportation assistance or offer telehealth services to ensure that patients can receive the care they need. The proximity of hospitals and specialized cancer centers is also a factor.

In conclusion, assessing the 'Lung Cancer Score' for primary care physicians in Danielson (06239) requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician availability, screening protocols, telemedicine adoption, mental-health resources, smoking cessation programs, patient satisfaction, and geographic accessibility. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Danielson and surrounding areas, including physician locations, resource availability, and population demographics, consider exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides powerful tools for analyzing and understanding complex data, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare ecosystem.