06607, Bridgeport, Connecticut Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 06607, Bridgeport, Connecticut is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.70 percent of the residents in 06607 has some form of health insurance. 64.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 28.18 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 06607 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,295 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06607. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 787 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,241 health care providers accessible to residents in 06607, Bridgeport, Connecticut.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Bridgeport, CT (ZIP Code 06607)**

This analysis evaluates the landscape of lung cancer care within the Bridgeport, Connecticut ZIP code 06607, focusing on primary care availability, physician resources, and related healthcare infrastructure. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the accessibility and quality of care for individuals in this area, considering factors that influence early detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. In Bridgeport (06607), assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) relative to the population. A low physician-to-patient ratio can significantly hinder access to preventative screenings, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, crucial for early lung cancer detection. Delays in diagnosis often lead to poorer outcomes. The analysis will consider the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code, identifying areas where access might be limited, particularly for underserved populations.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes evaluating the adoption of evidence-based practices, such as adherence to guidelines for lung cancer screening eligibility. The analysis will investigate how many primary care practices in 06607 actively promote and facilitate LDCT screenings for eligible patients. Furthermore, the analysis will assess the integration of smoking cessation programs within primary care settings, as smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. These programs are vital for preventing new cases and improving the health of current smokers.

The availability of specialized care is also critical. The analysis will examine the presence and accessibility of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and medical oncologists within and near the 06607 ZIP code. Proximity to these specialists is a key factor in timely diagnosis and treatment. The analysis will consider the patient-to-specialist ratios, assessing the potential for delays in appointments and treatment initiation. The presence of multidisciplinary cancer care teams, which bring together various specialists to develop comprehensive treatment plans, will also be evaluated.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas. The analysis will assess the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and specialists in 06607. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, potentially improving access to care for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The analysis will evaluate the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of access for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care continuum.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's mental health. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health resources for lung cancer patients in 06607. This includes evaluating the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices, cancer centers, and community health organizations. The analysis will consider the availability of support groups, counseling services, and psychiatric care specifically tailored to the needs of cancer patients. Addressing the psychological impact of lung cancer is crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Specific practices in 06607 will be evaluated for their standout performance in lung cancer care. This includes identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to early detection through high rates of LDCT screening, provide comprehensive smoking cessation programs, and offer integrated mental health support. Practices that have adopted innovative approaches, such as telemedicine or patient navigation services, will also be recognized. The analysis will consider patient reviews and feedback to gain insights into the patient experience.

The analysis will also consider the broader healthcare environment in Bridgeport, including hospital infrastructure, cancer center resources, and community health initiatives. The presence of a comprehensive cancer center with advanced treatment options, such as radiation therapy and immunotherapy, is a significant asset. The analysis will assess the availability of clinical trials and research opportunities for lung cancer patients in the area.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 06607 will be a composite score based on the factors discussed above. The score will reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of lung cancer care in the area. The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing residents and healthcare providers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. The analysis will also identify areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing mental health support.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 06607 is a critical metric. A low ratio can lead to increased wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. The analysis will determine the current ratio and compare it to national averages and benchmarks. The analysis will also consider the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code, identifying areas where access might be limited, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The analysis will also examine the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) by primary care practices and specialists in 06607. EHRs can facilitate the sharing of patient information, improve care coordination, and enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery. The analysis will assess the extent to which EHRs are used in the area and their impact on patient care.

The analysis will consider the availability of transportation services for patients in 06607. Transportation challenges can hinder access to medical appointments, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those who lack reliable transportation. The analysis will assess the availability of public transportation, ride-sharing services, and other transportation assistance programs.

Finally, the analysis will consider the overall demographics of the 06607 population, including age, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Understanding the demographic characteristics of the population is essential for identifying disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. The analysis will consider the unique needs of different populations and recommend strategies for addressing health inequities.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Bridgeport (06607) and visualize the data discussed, including physician locations, primary care availability, and resource distribution, explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing complex healthcare data and identifying areas of need.