06336, Gilman, Connecticut Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 06336, Gilman, Connecticut is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 06336 has some form of health insurance. 13.58 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 90.12 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 06336 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 39 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06336. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,687 health care providers accessible to residents in 06336, Gilman, Connecticut.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 06336 & Gilman Primary Care

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer detection and management within ZIP code 06336, focusing specifically on the primary care landscape in Gilman, Connecticut. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Lung Cancer Score" perspective, evaluating factors crucial for early detection, timely intervention, and comprehensive patient support. This score isn't a single numerical value, but rather a composite understanding based on several key indicators.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and high-quality primary care. Early detection through screening, primarily with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, is significantly more successful when patients have a strong relationship with a primary care physician (PCP). This analysis considers the physician-to-patient ratio within 06336 and, more specifically, the Gilman area. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can potentially lead to reduced appointment availability and less time for preventative care discussions, including lung cancer screening eligibility. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the Connecticut Department of Public Health will be crucial in establishing this ratio.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices in Gilman is paramount. This involves assessing the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, including adherence to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations. Practices that proactively identify eligible patients, offer smoking cessation support, and facilitate timely referrals for LDCT scans are considered higher-performing. Reviewing practice websites, patient testimonials (where available and ethically permissible), and publicly available quality metrics (e.g., those reported to the National Committee for Quality Assurance) will inform this evaluation.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial component of this assessment. The ability for patients in Gilman to access primary care through telehealth platforms can improve access, especially for those with mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or those residing in more rural areas. The Lung Cancer Score will consider the availability of virtual consultations for routine check-ups, medication management, and initial discussions about lung cancer screening eligibility. This includes evaluating the ease of use of telehealth platforms, insurance coverage for virtual visits, and the integration of telehealth into the practice's overall workflow.

The availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting and the broader community is another critical factor. A lung cancer diagnosis, or even the anticipation of a diagnosis, can trigger significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. Primary care practices that integrate mental health services, such as on-site counselors or readily available referrals to mental health professionals, receive a higher score. This also includes assessing the availability of support groups, educational materials, and resources for managing stress and coping with the emotional challenges of cancer.

The "Lung Cancer Score" also factors in the presence of standout practices within the area. This involves identifying primary care providers or practices that demonstrate exceptional commitment to lung cancer prevention and early detection. This could include practices that: actively promote smoking cessation programs, maintain robust patient education materials about lung cancer risk factors and screening guidelines, have established streamlined referral pathways to pulmonologists and oncologists, and actively participate in community outreach programs focused on cancer awareness.

The proximity and accessibility of specialized care, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists, is another key element. While this analysis focuses on primary care, the ability to seamlessly transition patients to specialists is crucial. The Lung Cancer Score will consider the distance to the nearest hospitals with comprehensive cancer centers, the availability of specialists within the region, and the efficiency of the referral process. Practices with strong relationships with specialists and well-established referral protocols will be viewed favorably.

The analysis also considers the availability of resources for patients diagnosed with lung cancer. This includes access to patient navigators, who can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, and support groups that provide emotional support and peer-to-peer learning. The presence of these resources within the community or through partnerships with local hospitals and cancer centers contributes positively to the overall score.

The assessment process will involve gathering data from multiple sources, including public health databases, healthcare provider directories, practice websites, and potentially, publicly available patient satisfaction surveys. This data will be analyzed to create a comprehensive picture of the primary care landscape in Gilman and its ability to support lung cancer prevention, early detection, and management. The final "Lung Cancer Score" will reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in 06336, providing insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

In conclusion, the "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP code 06336 and the primary care landscape in Gilman is not a simple metric but a holistic assessment of the factors influencing lung cancer care. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, the presence of standout practices, and the accessibility of specialized care. This multifaceted approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment and its ability to support patients at risk for or diagnosed with lung cancer.

To visualize and better understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of primary care practices, hospitals, and specialists within and around ZIP code 06336, we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. This tool can help you gain a spatial perspective on the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions about your health.