07450, Ridgewood, New Jersey Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 07450, Ridgewood, New Jersey is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.62 percent of the residents in 07450 has some form of health insurance. 16.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 90.07 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 07450 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,057 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 07450. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,435 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,390 health care providers accessible to residents in 07450, Ridgewood, New Jersey.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Ridgewood, NJ (ZIP Code 07450)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians within the 07450 ZIP code, specifically focusing on Ridgewood, NJ. It considers factors crucial for early detection, effective treatment, and comprehensive patient care, ultimately aiming to offer insights into the quality and accessibility of lung cancer-related resources in the area. The score is a composite of several weighted metrics, reflecting the overall strength of the local healthcare ecosystem in addressing lung cancer.

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer management is early detection. This hinges on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) who are proactive in screening and possess the resources to facilitate timely referrals. The physician-to-patient ratio in Ridgewood is a critical starting point. A higher ratio, indicating a larger patient load per physician, can potentially impact the time a doctor can dedicate to each patient, including the crucial time needed for detailed risk assessments and discussions about lung cancer screening. This analysis examines the current ratio, factoring in the number of practicing PCPs, the estimated population served, and the presence of specialists who can aid in the diagnostic process.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Standout practices are identified based on several factors. These include their adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer screening, their utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate seamless information sharing, and their integration of patient education materials. Practices that proactively engage patients in discussions about smoking cessation and risk reduction are also prioritized. The analysis will delve into the specific screening protocols employed by local practices, assessing their adoption of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals, as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

The availability of specialized care is another essential component. The analysis considers the proximity and accessibility of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and oncologists within and around the 07450 ZIP code. This includes assessing the time it takes to schedule appointments, the breadth of services offered, and the integration of these specialists with the primary care network. Furthermore, the analysis explores the presence of multidisciplinary tumor boards, where specialists collaborate to develop comprehensive treatment plans for individual patients.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in the context of lung cancer care. Telemedicine can improve access to specialists, facilitate remote monitoring of patients, and provide convenient avenues for follow-up appointments and consultations. This analysis evaluates the extent to which local practices and specialists utilize telemedicine platforms, assessing the types of services offered remotely and the ease of access for patients. The presence of virtual support groups and educational resources also factors into the score.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a crucial element of comprehensive care. This analysis assesses the accessibility of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the Ridgewood area. It considers the integration of mental health services into the primary care setting, the availability of support groups for patients and their families, and the presence of resources that address the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis.

The analysis also examines the availability of smoking cessation programs and resources. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and effective cessation programs are critical for preventing the disease and improving patient outcomes. The score considers the types of programs offered, the success rates of these programs, and the accessibility of nicotine replacement therapy and other cessation aids.

Moreover, the analysis considers the integration of patient navigation services. Patient navigators can assist patients in navigating the complex healthcare system, coordinating appointments, providing emotional support, and ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care. The presence of these services and their effectiveness in improving patient outcomes are factored into the overall score.

The Lung Cancer Score is not just a numerical rating; it is a holistic assessment of the healthcare landscape in Ridgewood. It reflects the collective efforts of physicians, specialists, hospitals, and support services in providing comprehensive lung cancer care. The analysis will strive to identify areas of strength and areas where improvements can be made.

Finally, the analysis will examine the insurance landscape in the area. The types of insurance plans accepted by local practices and specialists, the availability of financial assistance programs for patients, and the affordability of healthcare services are all important factors in determining the accessibility of care.

This detailed analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the lung cancer care ecosystem in Ridgewood, NJ (07450). It offers insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, providing valuable information for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Ridgewood, including the locations of physicians, specialists, hospitals, and support services, we recommend exploring the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. These maps offer a dynamic and user-friendly way to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the resources available in the area.