06492, Wallingford, Connecticut Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 06492, Wallingford, Connecticut is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.26 percent of the residents in 06492 has some form of health insurance. 31.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.31 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 06492 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,120 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 49 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06492. An estimate of 20 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 8,730 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,980 health care providers accessible to residents in 06492, Wallingford, Connecticut.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Wallingford, CT (ZIP Code 06492)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score, evaluating the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 06492 (Wallingford, CT) with a specific focus on factors relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. The assessment considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, ultimately aiming to gauge the community’s preparedness in addressing this significant health concern. This score is not a definitive judgment but rather an indicator of the overall environment.

Wallingford, CT, a suburban community, benefits from its proximity to larger metropolitan areas, offering access to specialized medical facilities. However, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) within the immediate ZIP code is a crucial starting point. A robust primary care infrastructure serves as the initial point of contact for individuals experiencing symptoms potentially related to lung cancer. Early detection is paramount; therefore, readily accessible PCPs are essential for facilitating timely screenings, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, for high-risk individuals.

The physician-to-patient ratio within 06492 is a key metric. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced physician availability for preventative care and patient education. Researching the average patient load of PCPs in the area, and comparing it to national averages, provides insight into the accessibility of primary care services. Publicly available data from the Connecticut Department of Public Health or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can offer valuable information on physician distribution and patient demographics.

Standout practices within Wallingford, CT, are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive lung cancer care. This includes practices actively participating in lung cancer screening programs, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools, and fostering strong referral networks to pulmonologists and oncologists. Practices that prioritize patient education, providing resources on smoking cessation and lung cancer prevention, are also highly commendable. Identifying these practices requires examining online reviews, patient testimonials, and, ideally, direct communication with the practices themselves to understand their specific approaches to lung cancer care.

Telemedicine adoption plays a vital role in enhancing access to care, particularly for patients who may face mobility challenges or reside in areas with limited access to specialized medical expertise. The availability of telehealth consultations with PCPs, pulmonologists, and oncologists can significantly improve patient convenience and facilitate quicker access to specialist opinions. Assessing the extent of telemedicine integration within Wallingford practices involves investigating their online presence, reviewing patient feedback, and directly inquiring about their telehealth capabilities.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical aspect of a comprehensive Lung Cancer Score. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound emotional impact on patients and their families. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is crucial for addressing anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges associated with the disease. Evaluating the availability of these resources within the Wallingford community involves researching local mental health providers, support groups, and the integration of mental health services within medical practices.

Furthermore, the presence of specialized cancer centers or affiliations with larger hospitals that offer comprehensive cancer care is an important factor. These centers often provide multidisciplinary teams, including pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and support staff, all working collaboratively to provide the best possible care. Assessing the proximity and accessibility of these specialized facilities is an essential component of the Lung Cancer Score analysis.

To refine the analysis, data from various sources is necessary. This includes information from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the American Medical Association (AMA), and local hospital systems. Examining publicly available datasets on physician distribution, patient demographics, and healthcare utilization rates can offer valuable insights into the healthcare landscape within 06492.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Wallingford, CT (ZIP code 06492) reflects a complex interplay of factors. The availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the presence of specialized cancer care facilities all contribute to the community's preparedness in addressing lung cancer. A high score indicates a robust healthcare environment with readily accessible resources for early detection, treatment, and patient support. Conversely, a lower score may highlight areas where improvements are needed to enhance the community's ability to combat lung cancer effectively.

This analysis offers a snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Wallingford, CT, and provides a framework for understanding the community's readiness to address lung cancer. It is essential to continually monitor and update this assessment as healthcare practices and resources evolve.

For a more detailed and visually rich understanding of the healthcare landscape in Wallingford, CT, and to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Visualize the data, identify areas of strength and weakness, and gain a deeper understanding of the community's healthcare environment.