16130, Hadley, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16130, Hadley, Pennsylvania is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.20 percent of the residents in 16130 has some form of health insurance. 39.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.36 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 16130 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 475 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16130. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 483 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,387 health care providers accessible to residents in 16130, Hadley, Pennsylvania.

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 16130, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services in Hadley, Pennsylvania. A "Lung Cancer Score" is not a standardized metric, but rather a composite assessment based on several key factors influencing a patient's journey from initial screening to treatment and ongoing support. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive lung cancer care.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management lies in accessible and proactive primary care. Hadley, within ZIP code 16130, requires an examination of its primary care physician (PCP) density relative to the population. Insufficient PCP availability can delay crucial screenings, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, recommended for high-risk individuals. Delays in screening can lead to later-stage diagnoses, significantly impacting survival rates. Data on physician-to-patient ratios is essential. Ideally, the ratio should be low, indicating a greater availability of PCPs to serve the community. Public health data, such as that provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and resources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide estimates of these ratios, allowing for a preliminary assessment of access.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes the proactive implementation of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, such as those established by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Practices that actively identify and counsel patients at high risk (e.g., current or former smokers with a significant smoking history) are vital. These practices should have clear protocols for ordering LDCT scans and ensuring timely follow-up for any detected abnormalities. The "Lung Cancer Score" would reward practices demonstrating a commitment to these preventative measures.

Identifying standout practices requires research. This includes examining patient reviews, checking practice websites for information about their approach to preventative care, and contacting the practices directly to ask questions about their screening protocols. Are they actively promoting smoking cessation programs? Do they have dedicated staff trained in cancer prevention? These factors contribute to a higher "Lung Cancer Score."

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments, can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, who may not be readily available in Hadley. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, would receive a higher score.

The integration of mental health resources is a critical, often overlooked, aspect of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis, and the subsequent treatment, can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The "Lung Cancer Score" must account for the availability of mental health support within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referrals. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in cancer-related issues. Practices that proactively screen for mental health concerns and offer integrated mental health services would be highly valued.

The "Lung Cancer Score" would also consider the coordination of care. Does the primary care practice have established relationships with local pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists? Do they have systems in place to ensure seamless communication and information sharing between different healthcare providers? Effective care coordination is essential for navigating the complexities of lung cancer treatment and ensuring patients receive the best possible care.

Evaluating the availability of specialists is also crucial. The proximity to pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and thoracic surgeons is a significant factor. The "Lung Cancer Score" would assess the travel time to these specialists and the availability of specialized services, such as advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and access to clinical trials.

Furthermore, the "Lung Cancer Score" should incorporate data on patient outcomes. While it can be challenging to obtain comprehensive outcome data at the local level, any available information on survival rates, patient satisfaction, and quality of life would be valuable. This data can provide a more complete picture of the effectiveness of the care provided in the area.

The assessment of primary care availability and quality in Hadley, Pennsylvania, is a dynamic process. Regular updates and data collection are necessary to ensure the "Lung Cancer Score" reflects the current healthcare landscape. The score should be a living document, continually refined based on new information and changes in the healthcare system.

In conclusion, the development of a robust "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP code 16130, focusing on Hadley, requires a multifaceted approach. It involves assessing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and examining the integration of mental health resources. This comprehensive analysis should provide valuable insights into the quality and accessibility of lung cancer care in the region.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hadley and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allow you to visualize complex datasets, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and population demographics, providing a powerful tool for analyzing healthcare access and identifying areas for improvement. Explore the possibilities with CartoChrome maps to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment.