06498, Westbrook, Connecticut Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 06498, Westbrook, Connecticut is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.07 percent of the residents in 06498 has some form of health insurance. 43.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.03 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 06498 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 561 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06498. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,180 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 367 health care providers accessible to residents in 06498, Westbrook, Connecticut.

The analysis below provides a Lung Cancer Score ranking for primary care physicians practicing within ZIP code 06498, focusing on Westbrook, Connecticut. This score considers factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to offer a comprehensive view of primary care access and quality in the area, particularly as it relates to lung cancer care.

Westbrook, like many communities, faces unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. A key metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to increased wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings or follow-up care for lung cancer patients. Analyzing publicly available data, such as state licensing boards and insurance provider directories, helps determine the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 06498 ZIP code and the estimated patient population. This data provides a baseline for understanding access to care.

Standout practices are identified by assessing several factors. These include the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment, such as low-dose CT scanners for lung cancer screening, and the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer prevention and management. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, promoting smoking cessation and lung cancer awareness, also receive higher scores. Furthermore, practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, including clear communication, shared decision-making, and culturally sensitive services, are prioritized.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical component of the Lung Cancer Score. Telemedicine offers significant advantages, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. It can improve access to specialists, facilitate remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment, and provide convenient follow-up appointments. Practices that have integrated telemedicine into their workflows, offering virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online patient portals, are rated more favorably. The ease of access to virtual care can significantly impact early detection and management of lung cancer.

Mental health resources are often overlooked, but are essential for patients battling lung cancer. The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can cause significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. Primary care practices that have established relationships with mental health professionals, either through on-site services or referrals, are given higher scores. These practices should also provide resources for patients, such as support groups, educational materials, and access to behavioral health therapists. Integrated mental health services can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

The Lung Cancer Score is not a static number; it is a dynamic reflection of the healthcare landscape. It considers the availability of resources, the adoption of best practices, and the commitment to patient-centered care. It aims to provide a snapshot of the quality of primary care in Westbrook, specifically in the context of lung cancer. The score is a composite, calculated using a weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor is assigned a weight based on its relative importance to lung cancer care. For example, access to screening is weighted more heavily than the availability of on-site exercise classes.

The analysis will consider factors such as the practice's affiliation with a larger healthcare system, the availability of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate care coordination, and the practice's participation in quality improvement initiatives. Practices that are part of larger healthcare systems may have access to more resources and specialists. EHRs improve communication between providers and streamline the management of patient information. Participation in quality improvement initiatives demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the implementation of evidence-based practices.

The data for the Lung Cancer Score is gathered from various sources, including public records, insurance provider directories, practice websites, and patient reviews. The information is then analyzed and weighted to generate the final score. The score is not intended to be a definitive ranking, but rather a tool to inform patients about the quality of primary care in their area. It is crucial to remember that this is a snapshot in time, and the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving.

The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, in the area is also considered. While the primary care physician is the first point of contact for many patients, access to specialists is critical for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. Practices that have established referral networks with specialists receive higher scores. This ensures that patients can access the specialized care they need in a timely manner.

The analysis also considers the practice's commitment to patient education. Practices that provide patients with educational materials about lung cancer prevention, screening, and treatment are given higher scores. This includes information about smoking cessation, healthy lifestyle choices, and the importance of early detection. Patient education empowers patients to take an active role in their own care.

The Lung Cancer Score aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of primary care in Westbrook, Connecticut, in the context of lung cancer. It highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each practice, providing patients with valuable information to make informed decisions about their healthcare. The score is a tool to promote better care and improve patient outcomes.

The final Lung Cancer Score will provide a ranking of primary care physicians in ZIP code 06498, considering the factors discussed above. This ranking will not only assist patients in selecting a primary care physician but also encourage practices to improve their services and provide better care for their patients. This is particularly important for patients at risk of or diagnosed with lung cancer.

To visualize the geographic distribution of primary care physicians, access points, and other relevant data points within the 06498 ZIP code, we invite you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps can help you better understand the healthcare landscape in Westbrook and make informed decisions about your health.