06357, Niantic, Connecticut Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 06357, Niantic, Connecticut is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.40 percent of the residents in 06357 has some form of health insurance. 37.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.97 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 06357 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,667 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06357. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,249 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,625 health care providers accessible to residents in 06357, Niantic, Connecticut.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Niantic, CT (ZIP Code 06357)

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within Niantic, Connecticut (ZIP code 06357), focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, ultimately providing a "Lung Cancer Score" perspective. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to patients and identify areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and robust primary care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients, playing a crucial role in early detection through screening and referral. In Niantic, assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of PCPs serving the population, the ease of scheduling appointments, and the acceptance of various insurance plans. The availability of PCPs directly impacts the likelihood of timely diagnosis and treatment, influencing the overall Lung Cancer Score.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potential delays in diagnosis. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests a more accessible healthcare system. This analysis considers the number of PCPs, pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists practicing within the 06357 ZIP code and the surrounding areas, factoring in the population size to determine the physician-to-patient ratios. This data is crucial for understanding the potential strain on the healthcare system and its impact on lung cancer patients.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. This involves evaluating factors such as the experience and specialization of physicians, the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment (e.g., low-dose CT scanners), the utilization of evidence-based treatment protocols, and patient satisfaction levels. Practices with a demonstrated commitment to early detection, comprehensive treatment, and supportive care will receive higher ratings, contributing positively to the Lung Cancer Score.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in the context of lung cancer care. Telemedicine offers several benefits, including improved access to specialists, reduced travel burdens for patients, and the potential for remote monitoring of patients' conditions. The analysis will assess the extent to which practices in Niantic offer telemedicine services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online patient portals. Practices that embrace telemedicine will be recognized for their commitment to patient convenience and improved access to care.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but essential component of lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is crucial for providing patients with the support they need to cope with their illness. The analysis will examine the availability of mental health services in Niantic, including the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices, the availability of support groups, and the accessibility of mental health resources for lung cancer patients.

The Lung Cancer Score is a composite measure that reflects the overall quality and accessibility of lung cancer care in Niantic. It is derived from a weighted average of the factors discussed above, including primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for lung cancer patients, while a lower score suggests areas for improvement.

The analysis will delve into the specific practices and healthcare providers within the 06357 ZIP code. This includes identifying the names of PCPs, pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists, along with their affiliations and contact information. The analysis will also investigate the availability of specialized services, such as smoking cessation programs, palliative care, and support groups, which can significantly improve the quality of life for lung cancer patients.

The assessment of primary care availability will consider the number of PCPs accepting new patients, the average wait times for appointments, and the range of insurance plans accepted. This information is crucial for patients seeking timely access to care. The analysis will also explore the availability of after-hours care and weekend appointments, which can be particularly important for patients experiencing symptoms or needing urgent medical attention.

The evaluation of standout practices will involve a review of their websites, patient reviews, and other publicly available information. This will help identify practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in lung cancer care. The analysis will also consider the use of innovative technologies and treatment approaches, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapy, which can improve patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption will be assessed by examining the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online patient portals. Practices that embrace telemedicine will be recognized for their commitment to patient convenience and improved access to care. The analysis will also explore the use of telemedicine for remote monitoring of patients' conditions and for providing education and support.

The availability of mental health resources will be assessed by examining the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices, the availability of support groups, and the accessibility of mental health resources for lung cancer patients. The analysis will also explore the availability of specialized mental health services, such as individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management.

By considering all these factors, the Lung Cancer Score provides a comprehensive assessment of the resources available to lung cancer patients in Niantic. This information can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to improve the quality and accessibility of lung cancer care. The analysis will also highlight areas for potential improvement, such as increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, and improving access to mental health resources.

The final Lung Cancer Score for Niantic (ZIP code 06357) will be presented as a concise summary, reflecting the overall strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in supporting lung cancer patients. This score, along with the detailed analysis, will provide valuable insights for patients seeking care, healthcare providers looking to improve their services, and policymakers aiming to enhance the healthcare infrastructure in the region. The goal is to empower patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their care and to drive improvements in the overall quality of lung cancer care in Niantic.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the Lung Cancer Score, we encourage you to explore the data using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing complex data and identifying patterns and trends.