06417, Deep River, Connecticut Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 06417, Deep River, Connecticut is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.81 percent of the residents in 06417 has some form of health insurance. 35.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.14 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 06417 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 916 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06417. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 910 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,190 health care providers accessible to residents in 06417, Deep River, Connecticut.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Deep River, CT (ZIP Code 06417)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for physicians within the 06417 ZIP code, focusing on factors influencing patient outcomes, particularly accessibility and quality of care. The assessment also considers the primary care landscape in Deep River, Connecticut, a critical component of early detection and management of lung cancer. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.

The foundation of this score rests on the premise that early detection and effective treatment significantly improve lung cancer survival rates. Therefore, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) for screening and referrals, access to specialists, integration of mental health services, and the adoption of innovative technologies like telemedicine are all crucial considerations.

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

Deep River, like many rural or semi-rural areas, faces potential challenges regarding primary care access. Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios is paramount. A high ratio, meaning a smaller number of physicians serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data from sources like the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the US Census Bureau, and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can be cross-referenced to estimate these ratios. A comprehensive assessment would require a detailed examination of the number of PCPs actively practicing in the 06417 ZIP code, the age distribution of the population, and any potential influx of patients from surrounding areas.

Furthermore, the presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or community health centers (CHCs) in or near Deep River would be a positive indicator, as these facilities often serve vulnerable populations and offer comprehensive services. The analysis will also consider the availability of same-day appointments and after-hours care options, as these factors directly impact a patient's ability to seek timely medical attention.

**Standout Practices and Their Contributions:**

Identifying standout practices within the 06417 area requires a review of various factors. This includes the practice's commitment to preventative care, such as actively promoting lung cancer screening guidelines for at-risk individuals (e.g., those with a history of smoking or exposure to other carcinogens). Practices with robust electronic health record (EHR) systems that facilitate efficient communication and data sharing are also highly valued.

A critical aspect of a practice's performance is its referral network. The analysis will investigate the ease with which PCPs can refer patients to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists. Practices with established relationships with leading hospitals and cancer centers in the region, such as Yale New Haven Health or Hartford Healthcare, would receive a higher score. The presence of multidisciplinary care teams, where specialists collaborate to develop individualized treatment plans, is another key indicator of quality.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

The adoption of telemedicine is a significant factor in the Lung Cancer Score. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility issues. It allows for virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients' conditions. Practices that offer telemedicine services for routine check-ups, medication management, and mental health support will receive a higher score.

The analysis will also consider the types of telemedicine services offered. Are video consultations available? Does the practice use remote patient monitoring devices to track vital signs? The ability to conduct virtual lung cancer screenings, though limited, can also be a factor. Telemedicine's ability to connect patients with specialists located further away is a significant advantage, particularly in a field where expertise can be concentrated in larger medical centers.

**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**

The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis is substantial. Therefore, the availability and integration of mental health resources are critical components of the Lung Cancer Score. The analysis will assess whether practices offer or refer patients to mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists.

The integration of mental health services within the primary care setting is particularly beneficial. This can involve co-locating mental health providers within the practice or establishing strong referral pathways to external mental health services. The analysis will also consider the availability of support groups, educational resources, and patient navigation services to help patients cope with the challenges of their diagnosis and treatment. The presence of social workers or patient advocates who can assist with navigating the healthcare system and accessing financial assistance is also crucial.

**Overall Lung Cancer Score and Conclusion:**

The final Lung Cancer Score for physicians in the 06417 ZIP code will be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its perceived importance in influencing patient outcomes. The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, along with a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare environment in Deep River.

This analysis is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in Deep River, CT. It highlights areas where the community excels and identifies areas where improvements can be made to enhance the quality of care for lung cancer patients. The availability of timely access to primary care, the quality of specialist referrals, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources are all vital.

**Explore the Deep River, CT healthcare landscape in greater detail. Use CartoChrome maps to visualize physician locations, primary care availability, and other relevant data. Gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.**