20057, Washington, District of Columbia Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 20057, Washington, District of Columbia is 100 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.62 percent of the residents in 20057 has some form of health insurance. 7.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 96.12 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 20057 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 929 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 137 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 20057. An estimate of 29 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 22 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 19,364 health care providers accessible to residents in 20057, Washington, District of Columbia.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Physicians and Resources in ZIP Code 20057 and Washington State**

This analysis provides an assessment of lung cancer care resources available to residents of ZIP Code 20057, specifically focusing on primary care physician (PCP) availability and related factors within the broader context of Washington State. The goal is to evaluate the accessibility and quality of care, considering elements such as physician-to-patient ratios, standout medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial components in a patient's journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from lung cancer.

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer care begins with access to a PCP. In ZIP Code 20057, located within the state of Washington, the availability of PCPs is a critical factor. Physician-to-patient ratios serve as a primary indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer patients per physician, generally suggests improved access to care. Data from the Washington State Department of Health, in conjunction with national datasets from organizations like the Association of American Medical Colleges, can provide insight into these ratios within the specific ZIP code and surrounding areas. This data will need to be analyzed to understand the local landscape.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality and accessibility of the available PCPs are paramount. The analysis must consider factors like the acceptance of new patients, insurance coverage acceptance (including Medicare and Medicaid, which are crucial for many cancer patients), and the availability of evening or weekend appointments. These factors significantly impact the patient experience, especially for individuals experiencing symptoms that may indicate lung cancer, necessitating prompt attention.

Washington State, as a whole, has made strides in healthcare. It is important to identify standout practices within and around ZIP Code 20057. These practices often demonstrate excellence in several areas. They may have integrated patient-centered care models, emphasizing communication and shared decision-making. They may also have established robust referral networks, allowing for seamless transitions to specialists, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, all essential for lung cancer treatment. The identification of these practices requires a review of patient satisfaction surveys, peer reviews, and clinical outcomes data.

Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative force in healthcare delivery, and its adoption rate is a key consideration. The analysis will assess the prevalence of telemedicine services offered by PCPs and specialists within the target area. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. It can also facilitate follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health consultations, all important elements in lung cancer care. The availability of secure video conferencing platforms, remote monitoring technologies, and electronic health records integration are all factors to be assessed.

The psychological and emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be substantial. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of a comprehensive care plan. The analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health services within the community, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. The integration of mental health services into primary care settings, such as co-located behavioral health specialists, is highly desirable. The assessment will also consider the availability of resources specifically tailored to the needs of cancer patients and their families, such as support groups focused on coping with the diagnosis, treatment side effects, and end-of-life care.

The analysis should also consider the presence of community resources that support lung cancer patients. This includes access to patient navigators who can help patients navigate the healthcare system, understand their treatment options, and connect with support services. The availability of financial assistance programs, such as those offered by the American Cancer Society or the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, is also an important factor. The presence of smoking cessation programs and educational resources aimed at prevention and early detection is also important.

The assessment will also consider the presence of specialty clinics and hospitals in and around ZIP Code 20057. These facilities often provide advanced diagnostic and treatment options, including the latest in imaging technology, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and targeted therapies. The analysis will evaluate the proximity of these facilities, the availability of specialized staff (e.g., radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, thoracic surgeons), and the volume of lung cancer cases treated.

The evaluation will also consider the availability of clinical trials. Participation in clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments and contribute to the advancement of lung cancer research. The analysis will assess the presence of clinical trial programs at local hospitals and research institutions.

The effectiveness of the healthcare system depends on the collaboration between different healthcare providers. The analysis will assess the presence of established referral networks between PCPs, specialists, and hospitals. The presence of integrated electronic health record systems that facilitate communication and data sharing is also an important factor.

The analysis will synthesize all of the data points to provide a comprehensive assessment of lung cancer care resources in ZIP Code 20057 and Washington State. This assessment will include an overall score, as well as individual scores for each of the key areas discussed above. This will allow for a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in this area.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and access to care in the context of lung cancer, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. These maps can visualize the data discussed in this analysis, allowing for a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape.