16153, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16153, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.95 percent of the residents in 16153 has some form of health insurance. 39.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.84 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 16153 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 563 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16153. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 377 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,741 health care providers accessible to residents in 16153, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Stoneboro, PA (ZIP Code 16153)**

This analysis aims to assess the quality of lung cancer care and primary care availability within Stoneboro, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16153), considering the resources available to patients, particularly in the context of early detection and treatment. We will evaluate the local medical landscape, focusing on factors that directly impact patient outcomes and access to care. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

The initial step involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio within the specified ZIP code. This metric provides a crucial baseline understanding of access to care. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau will be consulted to determine the number of primary care physicians and specialists (particularly pulmonologists and oncologists) practicing within the 16153 ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This data is then compared to the population of Stoneboro to calculate the ratio.

Beyond simple numbers, the analysis delves into the specific practices within the area. Identifying standout practices requires a multi-faceted approach. We will look for practices that are known for their commitment to preventative care, including robust lung cancer screening programs. This includes examining the availability of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals, as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Practices with established screening programs often demonstrate a proactive approach to early detection, which is critical for improving lung cancer survival rates. We will also consider the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability, enabling efficient information sharing between providers and improved patient coordination.

Telemedicine adoption is another key area of assessment. The ability to offer virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations with specialists located outside the immediate area, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural communities like Stoneboro. We will investigate which practices have embraced telemedicine technologies, the types of services offered virtually, and the platforms utilized. This includes assessing the availability of remote monitoring tools that allow physicians to track patient symptoms and progress. The adoption of telemedicine can mitigate some of the challenges associated with geographical barriers and limited specialist availability.

Mental health resources play a crucial role in cancer care. The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be significant, and access to mental health support is essential for patient well-being and treatment adherence. This analysis will examine the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, who specialize in oncology care. We will investigate whether local practices offer on-site mental health services or have established referral networks with mental health providers. The availability of support groups and patient education programs will also be considered, as these resources can provide valuable emotional support and coping strategies.

A critical aspect of this analysis is evaluating the level of coordination between primary care physicians, pulmonologists, oncologists, and other healthcare professionals involved in lung cancer care. Effective communication and collaboration are essential for ensuring seamless transitions between different stages of care, from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship. We will assess the use of multidisciplinary tumor boards, where specialists from different disciplines meet to discuss individual patient cases and develop comprehensive treatment plans. This collaborative approach can lead to more informed decisions and improved patient outcomes.

The analysis will consider the availability of patient navigation services. Patient navigators can help patients navigate the complex healthcare system, providing assistance with scheduling appointments, understanding treatment options, and accessing financial assistance. These services can be particularly valuable for patients who may be overwhelmed by the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. We will investigate whether local practices offer patient navigation services or partner with organizations that provide these services.

Furthermore, the analysis will assess the availability of resources for smoking cessation. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and providing access to effective smoking cessation programs is crucial for preventing new cases and improving the health of current smokers. We will investigate whether local practices offer smoking cessation counseling, prescribe medications to aid in quitting, and provide referrals to other smoking cessation resources. This includes assessing the availability of educational materials and support groups.

The economic factors influencing healthcare access will also be considered. We will investigate the acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, by local practices. This is particularly important in a rural area where a significant portion of the population may rely on government-funded healthcare programs. The availability of financial assistance programs for patients who are unable to afford the cost of care will also be evaluated.

In conclusion, the “Lung Cancer Score” for Stoneboro, PA (ZIP Code 16153) will be a composite assessment of the factors discussed above. The score will reflect the overall quality of care, the availability of resources, and the accessibility of services for patients with or at risk of lung cancer. The findings will be presented in a clear and concise manner, highlighting areas of strength and weakness.

To visualize and better understand the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital locations, and access to screening facilities, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. This powerful tool allows you to analyze spatial data and gain valuable insights into the healthcare landscape of Stoneboro and surrounding areas.