06770, Naugatuck, Connecticut Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 06770, Naugatuck, Connecticut is 82 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.33 percent of the residents in 06770 has some form of health insurance. 34.12 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.66 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 06770 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,580 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06770. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,395 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 773 health care providers accessible to residents in 06770, Naugatuck, Connecticut.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Naugatuck, CT (ZIP Code 06770)

This analysis evaluates the quality and accessibility of lung cancer-related healthcare within Naugatuck, Connecticut (ZIP code 06770), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) availability and resources relevant to lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and support. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the context of lung cancer care. The evaluation is based on available public data, professional resources, and general healthcare industry insights.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in robust primary care. Early detection through screening programs, primarily for high-risk individuals, significantly improves survival rates. The availability of PCPs is therefore paramount. In Naugatuck, primary care access is a critical factor. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. While specific figures fluctuate, a shortage of PCPs can lead to delayed appointments, reduced screening rates, and a less proactive approach to patient care. This impacts the overall Lung Cancer Score negatively.

The presence of standout practices within the 06770 ZIP code significantly influences the overall score. These practices are often characterized by a commitment to preventative care, comprehensive patient education, and efficient referral processes. They may actively participate in lung cancer screening programs, offering low-dose CT scans and educating patients about risk factors like smoking and radon exposure. A practice that actively engages in these activities would receive a higher score.

Telemedicine adoption is another important factor. Telemedicine offers several advantages in lung cancer care. It can improve access to specialists, especially for patients in rural areas or with mobility limitations. It also facilitates remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment or recovery. The extent to which practices in Naugatuck utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education contributes to the overall score. Practices that embrace telemedicine and integrate it seamlessly into their workflows would be considered more patient-centric and receive a higher score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in lung cancer care, but they are crucial. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health support, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, is a significant factor in a patient's overall well-being and their ability to cope with the disease. Practices that have established relationships with mental health professionals or offer in-house counseling services would be considered more comprehensive in their care and receive a higher score.

The integration of specialized lung cancer services is a key factor. This includes access to pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists. While these specialists may not be directly located within the 06770 ZIP code, the efficiency and ease of referral to these specialists are crucial. Practices that have established referral pathways and work collaboratively with specialists to ensure seamless care coordination would receive a higher score.

The availability of diagnostic tools is also important. Access to advanced imaging technologies, such as CT scans and PET scans, is essential for early detection and accurate staging of lung cancer. The proximity of these diagnostic facilities to primary care practices within the 06770 ZIP code is a factor. Practices located near these facilities would be considered more convenient for patients and receive a higher score.

Patient education and outreach programs are also important. Practices that actively engage in patient education, providing information about lung cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and treatment options, would receive a higher score. This includes providing educational materials, hosting community events, and actively promoting smoking cessation programs.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for healthcare within the 06770 ZIP code is a composite of these factors. The presence of a sufficient number of PCPs, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the efficiency of referral pathways to specialists all contribute to the score. The involvement of practices in screening programs, patient education, and outreach initiatives also plays a significant role.

The score is not a static number. It can fluctuate based on changes in the healthcare landscape, such as the addition of new practices, the adoption of new technologies, and the availability of new resources. It is also important to note that the score is a general indicator of the quality and accessibility of care and should not be considered a definitive ranking of individual physicians or practices.

The goal of this analysis is to provide a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape in Naugatuck, CT, in the context of lung cancer care. It is important to note that this analysis is based on publicly available information and general healthcare industry insights. Specific data on physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption rates, and mental health resource availability may vary. Further research and direct communication with healthcare providers are recommended for a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Naugatuck, CT, and explore the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, specialist availability, and facility locations, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps.