06242, Eastford, Connecticut Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 06242, Eastford, Connecticut is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.94 percent of the residents in 06242 has some form of health insurance. 27.27 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.94 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 06242 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 200 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06242. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 235 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 457 health care providers accessible to residents in 06242, Eastford, Connecticut.

The analysis focuses on evaluating the landscape of lung cancer care and primary care accessibility for residents of Eastford, Connecticut, specifically within the 06242 ZIP code. This evaluation aims to provide insights into the quality and availability of healthcare resources, crucial factors in early detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being. The analysis will examine physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, assess the adoption of telemedicine, and evaluate the availability of mental health resources, all within the context of lung cancer care.

Eastford, a relatively rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The geographic dispersion of the population, coupled with potential limitations in infrastructure, can impact access to specialized medical services. Lung cancer, a serious disease, necessitates timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. This analysis will delve into the specific healthcare environment to understand the strengths and weaknesses in addressing this critical health concern.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialists, and a potentially diminished continuity of care. Within the 06242 ZIP code, an assessment of the primary care physician (PCP) to patient ratio is essential. This analysis would involve identifying the number of PCPs practicing within the area and comparing it to the estimated population of Eastford. Publicly available data from sources such as the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the U.S. Census Bureau would be used to calculate this ratio.

Furthermore, the availability of pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, the specialists directly involved in lung cancer care, needs to be evaluated. Since Eastford is a small town, these specialists might not be located directly within the ZIP code. The analysis will then examine the proximity of these specialists in neighboring towns and cities, such as Putnam and Willimantic, and assess the travel time and accessibility for Eastford residents.

Identifying standout practices within the area is crucial. This involves looking beyond simple physician counts and evaluating the quality of care provided. This could involve researching practices with accreditations from organizations like the Commission on Cancer (CoC) or those that participate in quality improvement initiatives. The analysis would consider factors such as the practice's patient satisfaction scores, the use of evidence-based guidelines in diagnosis and treatment, and the availability of comprehensive support services, such as smoking cessation programs.

Furthermore, the analysis will explore the adoption of telemedicine within the healthcare practices serving Eastford residents. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can be a significant asset in rural areas, mitigating the challenges of distance and limited access to specialists. The analysis would investigate the availability of virtual consultations with PCPs, pulmonologists, and oncologists. It would also examine the use of remote patient monitoring for individuals undergoing treatment for lung cancer.

Mental health resources are an integral component of comprehensive cancer care. The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be significant, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services within the 06242 ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This includes identifying the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. The analysis would also evaluate the integration of mental health services within the primary care and oncology practices, such as the availability of on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals.

The analysis will also consider the availability of support groups and patient education programs. These resources can provide valuable emotional support and practical information to patients and their families. The analysis will examine the presence of local support groups specifically for lung cancer patients, as well as the availability of educational materials and programs related to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

The analysis will integrate all these factors to develop a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" for the healthcare landscape in the 06242 ZIP code. The score would be a qualitative assessment, considering the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare resources available. The score would not be a simple numerical ranking but a nuanced evaluation that provides insights into the overall quality and accessibility of lung cancer care in Eastford.

The final assessment will also consider the potential impact of social determinants of health (SDOH). SDOH, such as socioeconomic status, access to transportation, and housing stability, can significantly influence health outcomes. The analysis will consider how these factors might affect access to care and the ability of Eastford residents to navigate the healthcare system.

The analysis will conclude with a summary of the key findings, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare environment. It will provide recommendations for improving access to care and enhancing the quality of lung cancer services. The analysis will also identify areas where further investigation is needed.

For a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and the availability of specialized services, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can provide a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in the 06242 ZIP code and surrounding areas. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment, providing valuable information for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.