08067, Pedricktown, New Jersey Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 08067, Pedricktown, New Jersey is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.81 percent of the residents in 08067 has some form of health insurance. 34.27 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.00 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 08067 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 410 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 08067. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 284 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,533 health care providers accessible to residents in 08067, Pedricktown, New Jersey.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: 08067 & Pedricktown Primary Care

This analysis examines the landscape of lung cancer care accessibility and primary care resources within ZIP code 08067 (Pedricktown, NJ) and its immediate surrounding areas. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. A "Lung Cancer Score" is implicitly derived by evaluating key components, including physician availability, access to diagnostic tools, and the integration of supportive services.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Pedricktown, the geographic isolation and relatively small population size raise concerns about PCP density. A low physician-to-patient ratio could lead to delayed diagnoses, as patients might face longer wait times for appointments or experience difficulties establishing a consistent relationship with a primary care provider. This, in turn, can impact the timely detection of lung cancer, which is crucial for improved survival rates. The overall availability of primary care physicians becomes a critical determinant of the Lung Cancer Score.

The presence of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, is another crucial factor. While Pedricktown itself might not have a high concentration of these specialists, the proximity to larger medical centers in nearby towns like Woodstown, or even further afield in Wilmington, Delaware, becomes essential. The Lung Cancer Score considers the ease of access to these specialists, taking into account travel times, public transportation options, and the availability of specialist appointments. The integration of these specialists into a coordinated care pathway is also important.

Diagnostic capabilities are a cornerstone of effective lung cancer management. Access to advanced imaging technologies, such as CT scans and PET scans, is paramount for early detection and staging of the disease. The presence of these technologies within local hospitals or imaging centers significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score. The availability of these diagnostic tools, coupled with the expertise of radiologists in interpreting the results, directly influences the speed and accuracy of diagnosis.

Treatment options available in the immediate vicinity also play a significant role. The presence of radiation therapy centers, chemotherapy infusion suites, and surgical facilities are all important factors. The Lung Cancer Score reflects the availability of these treatment modalities and their proximity to the patient population. The quality of these facilities, as indicated by factors like accreditation and patient satisfaction, further influences the score.

Beyond the purely medical aspects, the availability of supportive services is crucial for patients navigating a lung cancer diagnosis. These services include access to mental health professionals, support groups, and palliative care specialists. The Lung Cancer Score considers the presence of these resources and their accessibility to patients. Mental health support is particularly important, as a lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating. Support groups provide a valuable platform for patients to connect with others facing similar challenges. Palliative care, which focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life, is also a vital component of comprehensive lung cancer care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in the modern healthcare landscape. The ability to conduct virtual consultations with specialists, receive remote monitoring, and access educational resources through telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Pedricktown. The Lung Cancer Score takes into account the availability of telemedicine services and their integration into the overall care plan. The extent to which local practices have embraced telemedicine technologies directly impacts the score.

The integration of mental health resources is another key consideration. The stress and anxiety associated with a lung cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. The Lung Cancer Score considers the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, and their integration into the patient’s care plan. The ease with which patients can access these services, whether through referrals from their primary care physicians or through direct access, is a critical factor. The availability of specialized mental health support for cancer patients is particularly important.

Standout practices within the 08067 area, or those serving the area, are important to identify. While a comprehensive list is not possible, an analysis would identify practices with a strong reputation for patient care, those that have invested in advanced technologies, and those that have demonstrated a commitment to patient education and support. These practices, by their example, can serve as models for others in the area. Their commitment to early detection, comprehensive treatment, and patient-centered care would positively influence the Lung Cancer Score.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Pedricktown is a critical factor. A low ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to care. The Lung Cancer Score is directly impacted by this ratio, and efforts to improve it, such as attracting new physicians to the area or expanding the capacity of existing practices, would be highly beneficial. The specific ratio needs to be assessed using publicly available data from sources like the US Department of Health & Human Services.

The availability of resources for smoking cessation is also an important factor. Lung cancer is strongly associated with smoking, and providing patients with access to smoking cessation programs can significantly improve their chances of survival. The Lung Cancer Score considers the availability of these programs, including counseling services, nicotine replacement therapy, and prescription medications. The integration of these programs into the overall care plan is also important.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for Pedricktown and its surrounding area is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including physician availability, access to diagnostic tools, treatment options, supportive services, and the adoption of telemedicine. While the specific score cannot be definitively quantified without a detailed data analysis, it is clear that the availability of primary care physicians, the proximity to specialists and advanced technologies, and the integration of supportive services are all critical determinants of the overall quality of lung cancer care. The presence of standout practices and the adoption of telemedicine further enhance the score.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of 08067 and surrounding areas, explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome.