06259, Pomfret Center, Connecticut Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 06259, Pomfret Center, Connecticut is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.96 percent of the residents in 06259 has some form of health insurance. 31.66 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.64 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 06259 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 937 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06259. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 896 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 432 health care providers accessible to residents in 06259, Pomfret Center, Connecticut.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Physicians in 06259 and Primary Care in Pomfret Center

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care physicians in Pomfret Center, Connecticut (ZIP code 06259), is crucial for understanding the community's preparedness in addressing a serious illness like lung cancer. This analysis will delve into various factors impacting access to care, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all viewed through the lens of lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment support.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on strong primary care. Regular check-ups, screenings, and early intervention are vital. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning more doctors per capita, generally indicates better access. However, simply having a high number of physicians doesn't guarantee quality. The experience, specialization, and affiliations of these doctors also matter.

In Pomfret Center, a thorough investigation should uncover the specific physician-to-patient ratio. This involves determining the total number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 06259 ZIP code or serving the Pomfret Center community. Then, it's necessary to calculate the population served by these physicians. Publicly available data from the US Census Bureau and state medical licensing boards are key resources. A lower ratio, for example, one physician per 1,000 residents, would suggest better access than a ratio of one physician per 2,000 or more.

Beyond sheer numbers, identifying standout practices is important. This requires examining factors like patient reviews, the physicians' board certifications, and their affiliations with larger healthcare systems. Do any practices in the area have a reputation for excellence in preventive care, including smoking cessation programs and lung cancer screening? Are they connected to larger hospitals or cancer centers that offer specialized treatments and advanced diagnostics? Practices that actively promote preventive care, such as offering low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals, would be considered more valuable in the context of this analysis.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, has exploded in recent years. Its impact on lung cancer care is significant. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their primary care physicians or specialists, even if they live far from a major medical center. It can also facilitate remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment or recovering from surgery. The analysis must investigate which primary care practices in 06259 offer telemedicine services. Are these services readily accessible, and are they utilized effectively?

The availability of mental health resources is often overlooked, but it is crucial for lung cancer patients and their families. A lung cancer diagnosis is a stressful event, and patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Primary care physicians should be able to identify these issues and provide referrals to mental health professionals. The analysis must assess the presence of mental health resources within the primary care practices in 06259 or readily available in the Pomfret Center area. Are there on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers? Do physicians routinely screen patients for mental health issues?

Further considerations include the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs improve coordination of care and allow for the seamless sharing of patient information between different healthcare providers. Practices with robust EHR systems are better equipped to manage complex cases, such as lung cancer. The analysis should determine the extent to which primary care practices in 06259 utilize EHRs and how effectively they share patient information.

Another factor to consider is the availability of patient education materials. Lung cancer patients and their families need access to reliable information about the disease, treatment options, and support services. Practices that provide educational materials, such as pamphlets, websites, or support group information, are more patient-centered. The analysis should assess the availability of these resources in the practices.

The analysis should also look at the practices' billing practices. Do they accept a wide variety of insurance plans? Are they transparent about their fees? Practices that are easy to work with financially are more accessible to patients.

The analysis must also consider the practices' commitment to community outreach. Do they participate in health fairs or other community events? Do they offer smoking cessation programs? Practices that are actively involved in the community are more likely to be trusted and utilized by residents.

Finally, the analysis must assess the practices' ability to communicate effectively with patients. Do they offer appointment reminders? Do they have a patient portal where patients can access their medical records? Practices that communicate effectively with patients are more likely to provide good care.

In conclusion, a comprehensive Lung Cancer Score for primary care in Pomfret Center (06259) requires a multi-faceted approach. It is not just about the number of physicians but also about the quality of care, the adoption of technology, the availability of mental health resources, and the practices' commitment to patient education and community outreach. The information gathered should provide a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care system in the area, allowing for informed decisions about healthcare choices and potential improvements.

To visualize and better understand the geographical distribution of these factors, consider using interactive maps. **Explore the landscape of healthcare providers in 06259 and beyond with CartoChrome maps. Gain a deeper understanding of accessibility and resource availability by visualizing the data. Click here to explore the possibilities with CartoChrome maps.**