06783, Roxbury, Connecticut Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 06783, Roxbury, Connecticut is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.05 percent of the residents in 06783 has some form of health insurance. 35.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.76 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 06783 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 355 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06783. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 609 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,767 health care providers accessible to residents in 06783, Roxbury, Connecticut.

## Lung Cancer Score: An Analysis for Roxbury, CT (ZIP Code 06783)

This analysis examines the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 06783, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. The goal is to assess the availability and quality of care, with particular emphasis on primary care resources in Roxbury and the surrounding area. The analysis culminates in a "Lung Cancer Score" that reflects the overall health of the community in relation to lung cancer outcomes.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician Density:**

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and robust primary care. In Roxbury, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio requires careful consideration. Data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards are essential to ascertain the number of practicing primary care physicians within a reasonable radius of Roxbury. This includes not just those directly located within the town, but also those serving the broader community, especially in neighboring towns like Woodbury, Washington, and New Milford. A lower physician-to-patient ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to improved access to care, allowing for more frequent check-ups, screenings, and early interventions.

The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or community health centers in the vicinity is another significant aspect. These centers often serve vulnerable populations and may offer crucial services such as smoking cessation programs and lung cancer screenings. Investigating the presence and capacity of these centers is vital.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided by primary care physicians and any specialist practices that serve the Roxbury area. This involves evaluating factors such as:

* **Accreditation and Certifications:** Are practices accredited by reputable organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)? Are physicians board-certified in their specialties?
* **Screening Practices:** Do practices actively promote and facilitate lung cancer screenings for eligible patients, particularly those with a history of smoking or other risk factors?
* **Patient Satisfaction:** What are the patient satisfaction scores and ratings for these practices? Are patients satisfied with the communication, accessibility, and overall quality of care they receive?
* **Referral Networks:** Do practices have established referral networks to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists who can provide advanced care for lung cancer?
* **Use of Evidence-Based Guidelines:** Do practices adhere to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment?

Information on these factors can be gleaned from online reviews, patient surveys, and publicly available data from healthcare organizations.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly enhance access to care, especially in rural areas like Roxbury. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and specialists is crucial. This includes:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Do physicians offer virtual consultations for routine check-ups, follow-up appointments, and chronic disease management?
* **Remote Monitoring:** Do practices utilize remote monitoring technologies to track patient health metrics, such as blood pressure or blood sugar levels?
* **Access to Specialists:** Does telemedicine facilitate access to specialists, such as pulmonologists or oncologists, who may not be readily available in Roxbury?

The degree to which telemedicine is integrated into the healthcare system can impact patient access, convenience, and potentially, early detection and management of lung cancer.

**Mental Health Resources and their Role:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental health. The availability of mental health resources is therefore an integral part of a comprehensive care model. This includes:

* **Mental Health Professionals:** Are there mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, available in or near Roxbury?
* **Support Groups:** Are there lung cancer support groups or other support networks available to patients and their families?
* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Do primary care practices and specialist practices integrate mental health services into their care models?

Addressing the mental health needs of patients can improve their overall well-being and potentially enhance their ability to cope with the challenges of lung cancer.

**Lung Cancer Score:**

Based on the factors discussed above, a "Lung Cancer Score" can be developed. This score is not a single numerical value but rather a composite assessment reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in relation to lung cancer. The score considers:

* **Primary Care Access:** Physician-to-patient ratio, presence of FQHCs.
* **Quality of Care:** Accreditation, screening practices, patient satisfaction.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Availability of virtual consultations and remote monitoring.
* **Mental Health Resources:** Availability of mental health professionals and support services.

Each of these factors is weighted based on its relative importance. For example, primary care access might be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption. The score can be presented in a format that is easily understood, such as a color-coded system (e.g., green for excellent, yellow for fair, red for poor) or a descriptive narrative. The score should also include specific recommendations for improvement.

**Conclusion:**

This analysis provides a preliminary assessment of the healthcare landscape in Roxbury, CT (ZIP Code 06783) concerning lung cancer. Further research, including data collection from local healthcare providers and patient interviews, is needed to refine the "Lung Cancer Score" and develop targeted interventions to improve lung cancer outcomes in the community. This analysis highlights the importance of accessible primary care, high-quality screening practices, telemedicine integration, and comprehensive mental health support in the fight against lung cancer.

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