06254, North Franklin, Connecticut Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 06254, North Franklin, Connecticut is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.89 percent of the residents in 06254 has some form of health insurance. 30.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.13 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 06254 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 454 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06254. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 304 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 317 health care providers accessible to residents in 06254, North Franklin, Connecticut.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: North Franklin, CT (ZIP Code 06254)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment within ZIP code 06254 (North Franklin, CT), focusing on primary care availability and the quality of care delivered by local physicians. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" analysis, considering factors crucial to patient outcomes, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Availability:**

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and robust primary care. Early detection through screening and prompt referrals for suspicious findings are critical. Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios in 06254 provides a baseline understanding of access. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) can be used to estimate these ratios. A high ratio (fewer physicians per capita) suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and preventative care, which can negatively impact early detection efforts.

Further investigation should delve into the types of primary care physicians (PCPs) available. Are there enough family medicine doctors, internal medicine specialists, and geriatricians to meet the needs of the population? The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants can also be a positive factor, as they can often provide a significant portion of primary care services. The geographical distribution of these PCPs within the ZIP code is also important. Are they clustered in one area, or are they dispersed to serve the community equitably?

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying standout practices requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes examining publicly available data on quality metrics, such as those reported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). These metrics can include rates of preventive screenings (e.g., lung cancer screening for eligible patients), adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and patient satisfaction scores.

Beyond publicly available data, assessing the reputation of local practices is vital. This involves reviewing patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc. However, it's important to interpret these reviews cautiously, as they can be subject to bias. Conversations with local healthcare professionals and community leaders can also provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different practices.

The presence of practices that prioritize patient education and proactive outreach is also a positive indicator. Practices that actively engage in patient education about lung cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and smoking cessation programs demonstrate a commitment to preventative care.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Examining the adoption of telemedicine by local physicians in 06254 is crucial. Does the area have telemedicine options for primary care consultations, follow-up appointments, and specialist referrals? Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients who have mobility issues, live in remote areas, or face transportation barriers.

The availability of telehealth options for lung cancer screening and follow-up care is particularly important. This can include virtual consultations with pulmonologists, radiologists, and oncology specialists. The ability to remotely monitor patients' symptoms and provide support can also be a significant benefit.

**Mental Health Resources and Support:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental health. Access to mental health resources is, therefore, a critical component of comprehensive care. Assessing the availability of mental health services in 06254 is essential. This includes identifying the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors available in the area.

The integration of mental health services within primary care practices is particularly beneficial. This can involve providing on-site counseling services or establishing referral pathways to mental health specialists. The availability of support groups for lung cancer patients and their families is also crucial. These groups can provide emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" and Overall Assessment:**

Based on the above factors, a "Lung Cancer Score" can be derived. This score would be a composite measure, weighting the various factors based on their relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and primary care availability might be weighted heavily, while telemedicine adoption and mental health resources would also be considered.

The overall assessment of 06254's healthcare resources for lung cancer care would then be based on this score. This assessment would identify strengths and weaknesses, highlighting areas where improvements are needed. This analysis could also provide recommendations for improving access to care, enhancing the quality of care, and supporting patients' overall well-being.

**Conclusion:**

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape in 06254, particularly in relation to lung cancer care. By examining physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, a comprehensive assessment can be developed.

**Call to Action:**

For a detailed, interactive map of healthcare resources in your area, including physician locations, practice information, and more, visit CartoChrome maps. Explore the data and make informed decisions about your healthcare.