06794, Washington Depot, Connecticut Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 06794, Washington Depot, Connecticut is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.22 percent of the residents in 06794 has some form of health insurance. 42.89 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.90 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 06794 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 212 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06794. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 217 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,713 health care providers accessible to residents in 06794, Washington Depot, Connecticut.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical “Lung Cancer Score” assessment for primary care physicians within the 06794 ZIP code, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. This score is not based on real-time data, but rather a conceptual framework for evaluating the quality of care available in this specific area. The analysis also considers the availability of primary care services in Washington Depot, CT, and its impact on lung cancer outcomes.

The “Lung Cancer Score” is a multifaceted evaluation. It considers several key areas: early detection capabilities, access to specialists, the integration of mental health support, and the overall patient experience. The score is not a single number but a composite of various factors, each contributing to a holistic view of the healthcare landscape.

**Early Detection and Screening:**

A crucial element of the Lung Cancer Score is the availability and utilization of lung cancer screening programs, primarily low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans. The analysis would assess how many primary care physicians (PCPs) in 06794 actively recommend LDCT screening for eligible patients (those who meet the criteria set by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, USPSTF). This includes factors like age, smoking history, and exposure to other risk factors. The score would also evaluate the ease of access to these screenings. Are there facilities nearby that offer LDCT scans? What is the wait time for appointments? The score would consider the physicians' knowledge of the latest screening guidelines and their willingness to engage in shared decision-making with patients regarding screening options.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access to Care:**

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to care. The analysis would examine the number of PCPs practicing within 06794 and the surrounding areas, taking into account the population size. The availability of same-day or next-day appointments for acute respiratory illnesses, which could be early indicators of lung issues, would also be a consideration. The analysis would also explore the availability of after-hours care and weekend appointments.

**Specialist Access and Referral Networks:**

Early detection is only the first step. The Lung Cancer Score would also evaluate the ease of access to pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and oncologists. The analysis would investigate the referral networks of the PCPs in 06794. Do they have established relationships with specialists at nearby hospitals or cancer centers? What is the average wait time for referrals? The score would consider the proximity of these specialists and the efficiency of the referral process. The speed with which patients are seen by specialists can significantly impact their prognosis.

**Standout Practices and Innovation:**

The analysis would identify any standout practices within the 06794 ZIP code. This could include practices that have implemented innovative programs to improve lung cancer care. Examples include:

* **Dedicated Lung Cancer Screening Programs:** Practices that have established their own screening programs, including patient education, risk assessment, and follow-up care.
* **Patient Navigation Services:** Practices that provide patient navigators to guide patients through the complex healthcare system, helping them schedule appointments, understand treatment options, and access support services.
* **Smoking Cessation Programs:** Practices that offer comprehensive smoking cessation programs, including counseling, medication, and support groups.
* **Data-Driven Approaches:** Practices that use data analytics to track patient outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and personalize care.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

The use of telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare. The Lung Cancer Score would assess the adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in 06794. Are they offering virtual consultations for routine follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education? Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients who live in rural areas or have mobility issues. The analysis would consider the availability of telemedicine platforms and the physicians' comfort level with using them.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. The Lung Cancer Score would evaluate the availability of mental health resources for patients. Do the PCPs in 06794 have access to mental health professionals, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, to whom they can refer patients? Are there any support groups or counseling services available in the area? The analysis would consider the integration of mental health services into the overall care plan.

**Primary Care Availability in Washington Depot:**

Washington Depot, CT, while not a ZIP code itself, is a nearby town, and its primary care availability significantly impacts the overall care landscape for residents of 06794. The analysis would consider the number of PCPs practicing in Washington Depot, the services they offer, and their accessibility. The proximity of Washington Depot to 06794, and the ease of travel between the two areas, would also be assessed. The analysis would also consider the availability of any specialized services, such as a cancer center or pulmonology practice, in Washington Depot.

**Patient Experience and Communication:**

The Lung Cancer Score would also consider the patient experience. This includes factors like the ease of scheduling appointments, the wait times in the waiting room, and the clarity of communication from the physicians and their staff. The analysis would consider patient reviews and feedback to assess the overall satisfaction with the care provided. The score would also evaluate the physicians' communication skills and their ability to explain complex medical information in a clear and understandable manner.

**Conclusion:**

This conceptual "Lung Cancer Score" analysis provides a framework for evaluating the quality of primary care services in 06794 and the surrounding areas. By considering factors such as early detection capabilities, access to specialists, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas for improvement. This analysis is crucial for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions about healthcare access and quality.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in 06794 and Washington Depot, and to visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you identify the location of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, providing valuable insights into the accessibility and availability of care.