16142, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16142, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.95 percent of the residents in 16142 has some form of health insurance. 31.42 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.76 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 16142 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,563 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16142. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 992 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,708 health care providers accessible to residents in 16142, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score: A New Wilmington, PA (16142) Analysis

This analysis assesses the quality of lung cancer care and primary care accessibility within and around New Wilmington, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16142). The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" that considers factors crucial for patient well-being, from physician availability to mental health support. This score isn't a single number but a composite evaluation based on various metrics.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care is access to skilled primary care physicians (PCPs). A strong PCP network in New Wilmington is vital. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A lower ratio, indicating more patients per doctor, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less personalized care. The analysis considers the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas, factoring in the population size of New Wilmington and its immediate vicinity. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and publicly available physician directories are used to determine this ratio.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. The analysis investigates the practices within 16142, focusing on their commitment to preventative care, including lung cancer screening recommendations for high-risk individuals. Practices that actively promote and facilitate screening, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients, receive higher marks. This includes examining whether practices adhere to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for lung cancer screening.

Furthermore, the analysis evaluates the availability of specialized care. While New Wilmington might not have oncologists or pulmonologists within its immediate boundaries, access to these specialists within a reasonable travel distance is crucial. The analysis considers the proximity of cancer centers and pulmonary specialists in nearby cities like Pittsburgh or Youngstown, factoring in travel time and ease of access. The efficiency of referral processes from local PCPs to these specialists is also assessed.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in the "Lung Cancer Score." The ability to consult with doctors remotely, particularly for follow-up appointments or consultations, can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. The analysis investigates which primary care practices and specialist offices offer telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of use of their telemedicine platforms. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, making it a seamless part of their care delivery, receive higher marks.

The emotional and psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is profound. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the "Lung Cancer Score." The analysis examines the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, within the local community and their willingness to work with cancer patients. It also considers whether local practices offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers. Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of their patients receive higher scores.

Standout practices are identified based on a combination of factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, commitment to preventative care, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health services. These practices serve as models for other healthcare providers in the area. This analysis will highlight these practices, providing a snapshot of their strengths and contributions to patient care. The goal is to identify those that go above and beyond in providing comprehensive care.

The analysis also considers the availability of support groups and patient education resources. Access to support groups can provide patients with a sense of community and emotional support. Patient education resources, such as educational materials on lung cancer treatment and management, are crucial for empowering patients to actively participate in their care. The analysis will evaluate the availability of these resources in New Wilmington and the surrounding areas.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is dynamic and subject to change. Healthcare landscapes are constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and care models emerging. This analysis will be updated regularly to reflect these changes and provide the most current and relevant information. This includes monitoring changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the expansion of mental health services.

The analysis also examines the insurance landscape in New Wilmington. Understanding the types of insurance accepted by local practices and specialists is crucial for patients. The analysis considers the acceptance of major insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, and the availability of financial assistance programs for patients who may have difficulty affording care.

In conclusion, this "Lung Cancer Score" analysis provides a detailed assessment of lung cancer care and primary care accessibility in New Wilmington, PA (16142). It considers physician availability, preventative care practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and other critical factors. This information is intended to empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and to highlight areas for improvement within the local healthcare system.

For a visual representation of these findings, including geographic mapping of physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to visualize healthcare data, providing a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in New Wilmington and beyond.