16665, Newry, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16665, Newry, Pennsylvania is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.25 percent of the residents in 16665 has some form of health insurance. 22.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.25 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 16665 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 129 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16665. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 34 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 926 health care providers accessible to residents in 16665, Newry, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Newry, PA (ZIP Code 16665)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in Newry, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16665), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care. We examine primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, and the adoption of innovative technologies and resources, ultimately aiming to assess the overall preparedness of the local healthcare system to address the challenges of lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon robust primary care. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) within the Newry area is crucial for early detection, screening, and coordinated care. A high concentration of PCPs, coupled with ease of access to appointments, significantly improves the chances of catching lung cancer at a treatable stage. Conversely, a shortage of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer patient outcomes. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. We need to determine how many PCPs are actively serving the population within the 16665 ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This data, ideally sourced from state licensing boards and healthcare provider directories, will reveal the density of primary care services available.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are they concentrated in a few large practices, or are they spread throughout the community? A more dispersed network can improve access for patients in rural or underserved areas. The accessibility of these practices is also vital. Do they accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid? Do they offer evening or weekend hours to accommodate working individuals? These factors contribute to the overall accessibility of primary care services.

Identifying standout practices within the Newry area is equally important. We must look beyond basic metrics and evaluate practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in lung cancer-related care. This includes practices that actively promote lung cancer screening, particularly for high-risk individuals (e.g., current or former smokers). We would look for practices that utilize evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, and that collaborate effectively with specialists, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. Furthermore, practices that prioritize patient education and support are highly valuable. This involves providing patients with clear information about their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential side effects.

The adoption of telemedicine is a significant factor in modern healthcare. Telemedicine, the practice of providing healthcare services remotely via technology, can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas. In the context of lung cancer, telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of patients' conditions, and access to support groups. The degree to which primary care practices in Newry have embraced telemedicine is a crucial indicator of their ability to adapt to the evolving needs of patients. We need to assess the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote monitoring devices, and the overall integration of telemedicine into the practices' workflow.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, is essential for patients' well-being. We need to investigate the availability of mental health professionals within the Newry area, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. We need to determine if primary care practices offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers. The presence of support groups specifically for lung cancer patients and their families is also a positive indicator.

The availability of specialized services, such as pulmonology and oncology, is also essential. While primary care physicians are the first point of contact, patients diagnosed with or suspected of having lung cancer require specialized care. The proximity and accessibility of pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons are crucial factors in determining the quality of lung cancer care in Newry. We need to assess the availability of these specialists, the waiting times for appointments, and the overall coordination of care between primary care physicians and specialists.

Evaluating the infrastructure supporting lung cancer care is also important. This includes the availability of diagnostic imaging services, such as CT scans and PET scans, and the presence of radiation therapy facilities. The efficiency of the referral process and the overall coordination of care between different healthcare providers are also crucial factors.

Data collection and analysis are essential to create an accurate Lung Cancer Score. This would involve gathering information from various sources, including healthcare provider directories, state licensing boards, insurance companies, and patient surveys. The data would be analyzed to assess the physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the overall quality of lung cancer-related care. The final score would reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Newry, providing valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

In conclusion, the healthcare landscape in Newry, PA, presents a complex picture. A thorough analysis of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and specialized services is essential to assess the preparedness of the local healthcare system to address the challenges of lung cancer. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the factors that contribute to the quality of lung cancer care in Newry and for identifying areas for improvement.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and their accessibility within Newry and surrounding areas, consider exploring the power of visual data. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and insightful way to visualize the information discussed, enabling you to identify healthcare access points and assess the overall health landscape in detail.