06906, Stamford, Connecticut Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 06906, Stamford, Connecticut is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.23 percent of the residents in 06906 has some form of health insurance. 37.27 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.51 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 06906 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,862 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06906. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,364 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,185 health care providers accessible to residents in 06906, Stamford, Connecticut.

The analysis below assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 06906 (Stamford, Connecticut), focusing on primary care availability and related resources. This assessment considers factors crucial to early detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support. The goal is to paint a comprehensive picture of the healthcare ecosystem for individuals facing or at risk of lung cancer in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible primary care. In Stamford, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts early detection. PCPs are the first line of defense, crucial for administering screenings, educating patients about risk factors (smoking history, environmental exposures), and referring individuals with suspicious symptoms for further diagnostic testing. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access to care, allowing for more personalized attention and potentially earlier intervention. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Connecticut Department of Public Health, coupled with data from healthcare directories and insurance providers, can be used to estimate this ratio within 06906. A concerningly high ratio might indicate longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings or follow-up care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of PCPs across the ZIP code is important. Are practices concentrated in certain areas, leaving underserved pockets? Are there enough practices accepting new patients, particularly those with Medicare or Medicaid? Addressing these questions reveals potential disparities in access. Furthermore, the characteristics of the practices themselves matter. Do they offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day sick visits? These factors can significantly improve patient convenience and encourage timely care-seeking behavior.

Within the primary care landscape, certain practices may stand out. These “standout practices” often demonstrate a commitment to proactive lung cancer screening, utilizing evidence-based guidelines for recommending low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals. They may have dedicated staff trained in smoking cessation counseling, providing patients with the support they need to quit smoking, a crucial step in reducing lung cancer risk. Identifying these standout practices involves analyzing patient reviews, assessing their participation in quality improvement programs, and examining their adherence to screening guidelines.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly for patients with chronic conditions like lung cancer. Its adoption within 06906 is an important factor. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments, reducing the burden on patients and improving access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or living in areas with limited transportation options. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining which practices offer virtual appointments, the types of services offered via telemedicine (e.g., specialist consultations, mental health counseling), and the technology infrastructure available (e.g., secure video platforms, patient portals).

The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is significant. Mental health support is an essential component of comprehensive care. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is crucial for addressing anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges that patients may face. The availability of these resources within 06906 can be assessed by examining the number of mental health providers in the area, their integration with primary care practices, and the availability of support groups and other mental health services specifically tailored to cancer patients.

Furthermore, the availability of resources that address social determinants of health (SDOH) is important. SDOH, such as socioeconomic status, access to healthy food, and transportation, can significantly impact a patient's ability to access and adhere to treatment. Assessing the availability of resources that address these SDOH, such as food banks, transportation assistance programs, and financial counseling services, provides a more complete picture of the support available to lung cancer patients in 06906.

Analyzing the data requires a multi-faceted approach. Publicly available data sources, such as the U.S. Census Bureau, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), provide demographic information, healthcare utilization data, and information on provider networks. Healthcare directories, insurance provider websites, and online review platforms can be used to identify PCPs, assess practice characteristics, and gauge patient satisfaction. The Connecticut State Medical Society and local hospital systems can provide information on physician affiliations, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.

Synthesizing this information into a “Lung Cancer Score” for 06906 involves assigning weights to each factor based on its relative importance. Physician-to-patient ratio, adherence to screening guidelines, and availability of mental health support would likely receive higher weights. The final score would reflect the overall quality and accessibility of lung cancer care within the ZIP code. This score, however, is only a snapshot in time and requires ongoing monitoring and updates.

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. The impact of new medical technologies, changes in insurance coverage, and the emergence of new treatment options necessitate continuous evaluation. Regular updates to the “Lung Cancer Score” are essential to ensure its relevance and usefulness. Furthermore, the score should be used as a tool for improvement. Identifying areas of weakness can help healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations develop strategies to enhance access to care, improve patient outcomes, and reduce the burden of lung cancer in Stamford.

This analysis, though comprehensive, is limited by the availability of public data. Some information, such as the specific practices that consistently adhere to lung cancer screening guidelines, may be difficult to obtain without direct engagement with healthcare providers. However, the insights gained from this analysis can be used to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the strengths and weaknesses of the lung cancer care ecosystem in 06906. This information can then be used to advocate for improvements in access, quality, and patient support.

Are you interested in visualizing this data and gaining a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Stamford and beyond? Explore the power of geographic data visualization with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you identify areas with high physician-to-patient ratios, visualize the distribution of mental health resources, and pinpoint the locations of standout practices.