06758, Lakeside, Connecticut Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 06758, Lakeside, Connecticut is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 06758 has some form of health insurance. 84.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.00 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 06758 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06758. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 27 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,132 health care providers accessible to residents in 06758, Lakeside, Connecticut.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Lakeside, CT (ZIP Code 06758)

Analyzing the overall health landscape within Lakeside, Connecticut (ZIP Code 06758), requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis delves into the availability of primary care physicians, assesses physician-to-patient ratios, examines the presence and adoption of telemedicine, and explores the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an overall health score, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the community.

The foundation of a healthy community rests upon accessible primary care. Evaluating the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) serving the population of 06758 is critical. This involves identifying the number of active PCPs, including family medicine doctors, general practitioners, and internal medicine specialists, within the zip code. Data from various sources, including insurance provider directories, state medical boards, and online physician finders, must be compiled and analyzed. Furthermore, it's essential to consider the patient panel sizes of these physicians. Are the practices accepting new patients? Are wait times for appointments reasonable? These factors significantly impact the accessibility of care.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial metric. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health organizations recommend specific ratios to ensure adequate access to care. Comparing the number of PCPs in 06758 to the estimated population of the zip code provides a numerical representation of access. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment availability, and potentially, poorer health outcomes. Conversely, a high ratio suggests a greater availability of primary care services. The analysis should benchmark the physician-to-patient ratio against both state and national averages to provide context.

Identifying standout practices within Lakeside is important. This involves evaluating practices based on several criteria. Patient reviews, online ratings, and testimonials provide insights into patient satisfaction. Practices with consistently positive feedback, highlighting factors like patient-centered care, clear communication, and efficient appointment scheduling, should be recognized. Additionally, practices that offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day appointments contribute to improved accessibility. Furthermore, practices that embrace a team-based approach, incorporating nurses, medical assistants, and other healthcare professionals, often provide more comprehensive and coordinated care.

Telemedicine adoption is rapidly changing healthcare delivery. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services within 06758 is crucial. This involves identifying practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services. The analysis should consider the types of telemedicine services offered (e.g., video visits, phone consultations, secure messaging), the ease of use of the platforms, and the insurance coverage for these services. Practices that actively promote and integrate telemedicine into their care models demonstrate a commitment to improving access and convenience for patients, particularly those with mobility limitations or who live in geographically isolated areas.

Mental health resources are an integral part of overall health. The analysis must evaluate the availability of mental health services within 06758. This includes identifying psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), and other mental health professionals. The analysis should assess the availability of these professionals, their acceptance of insurance, and their wait times for appointments. Furthermore, it is important to evaluate the presence of community mental health centers, support groups, and other resources that provide mental health support. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices, where PCPs screen for mental health conditions and offer basic counseling, is a positive indicator of a comprehensive approach to health.

The overall health score for Lakeside (06758) is a composite metric, reflecting the findings of the above analysis. It is not a simple numerical score but a comprehensive assessment based on the factors discussed. The score would be categorized into tiers, such as “Excellent,” “Good,” “Fair,” or “Poor,” with each tier supported by specific evidence from the analysis. The final score should reflect the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A higher score would indicate a community with greater access to quality healthcare services, while a lower score would highlight areas needing improvement.

The analysis would also identify areas for improvement. These might include the need for more PCPs, the expansion of telemedicine services, or the increased availability of mental health resources. The analysis should also provide recommendations for addressing these shortcomings. This could involve attracting new physicians to the area, promoting the adoption of telemedicine by existing practices, or advocating for increased funding for mental health services.

In conclusion, assessing the overall health of Lakeside (06758) requires a thorough examination of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the community's healthcare system and identifies areas for improvement.

Want a visual representation of Lakeside's healthcare landscape? Explore the power of spatial data with CartoChrome maps. Visualize physician locations, patient demographics, and resource distribution to gain deeper insights into health disparities and access to care.