16733, Hazel Hurst, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16733, Hazel Hurst, Pennsylvania is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 16733 has some form of health insurance. 79.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 26.52 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 16733 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 14 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16733. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 118 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 354 health care providers accessible to residents in 16733, Hazel Hurst, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical "Lung Cancer Score" for primary care physicians in the 16733 ZIP code, focusing on factors that contribute to early detection and comprehensive care, and assessing primary care availability in Hazel Hurst, Pennsylvania. This is a simulated assessment, and actual data may vary. The goal is to illustrate how such a score might be constructed and utilized, emphasizing the importance of access to care and proactive screening.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is a composite metric, reflecting several key areas. These include physician-to-patient ratios, access to screening technologies, telemedicine availability, mental health support integration, and the overall commitment to preventative care. It's crucial to understand that this is not a definitive ranking, but rather an illustrative tool to highlight areas of strength and weakness within the local healthcare landscape.

In ZIP code 16733, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can potentially limit access to timely appointments and screenings. The ideal is a favorable ratio, allowing physicians to dedicate sufficient time to each patient. This analysis assumes a baseline ratio, and any significant deviation would heavily influence the score. The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is also considered, as prompt referrals are vital for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.

A standout practice within the 16733 ZIP code, hypothetically named "Hickory Creek Primary Care," might demonstrate a strong commitment to lung cancer screening. This could be evidenced by actively promoting low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients, adhering to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines. They would have a documented system for identifying high-risk individuals (e.g., current or former smokers) and proactively offering screening. Their score would be significantly boosted by a robust patient education program on lung cancer risks, symptoms, and the importance of early detection.

Telemedicine adoption plays a crucial role in improving access to care, especially in rural areas like Hazel Hurst. Practices utilizing telemedicine for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations would receive a higher score. Telemedicine reduces travel burdens, making healthcare more accessible for patients, particularly those with mobility issues or limited transportation options. The quality of the telemedicine platform, including its ease of use and integration with electronic health records, also influences the assessment.

The integration of mental health resources is another vital component of the Lung Cancer Score. A cancer diagnosis, and the subsequent treatment, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Practices that offer on-site counseling services, or have strong referral networks to mental health professionals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This includes screening for depression and anxiety, and providing support groups or educational resources. This integration is particularly important in a rural setting where mental health services might be geographically limited.

In Hazel Hurst, the assessment of primary care availability focuses on several factors. First, the number of primary care physicians practicing within a reasonable distance of the community is essential. Secondly, the operating hours of these practices, including evening and weekend availability, are considered. Thirdly, the acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, ensures access for a broader population. The presence of urgent care facilities or after-hours clinics also contributes to the overall availability score.

The "Lung Cancer Score" also considers the practice's use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate better coordination of care, allowing physicians to easily access patient information, track screening results, and communicate with specialists. Practices with fully integrated EHR systems, that also allow patients to access their records and communicate with their providers, would receive a higher score. This ensures that crucial information, such as smoking history and screening results, is readily available.

The commitment to preventative care is a cornerstone of a high Lung Cancer Score. This includes not just screening for lung cancer, but also addressing other risk factors, such as smoking cessation support and promoting healthy lifestyles. Practices that offer smoking cessation programs, either in-house or through referrals, would receive a positive score. The availability of resources for healthy eating, exercise, and stress management also contributes to the overall assessment.

The assessment process also evaluates the practice's communication strategies. Practices that proactively communicate with patients about screening recommendations, and provide clear and concise information about lung cancer risks and symptoms, are rated higher. This includes utilizing various communication channels, such as patient portals, email, and phone calls. The ability to provide information in multiple languages, catering to the diverse needs of the community, is also considered.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Hazel Hurst also takes into account the accessibility of the healthcare facilities. This includes the physical accessibility of the buildings, ensuring they are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It also considers the availability of public transportation options and the proximity of pharmacies and other essential services. Accessibility is a critical factor in ensuring that all residents, regardless of their physical limitations or socioeconomic status, can access the care they need.

The hypothetical "Hickory Creek Primary Care" practice, in addition to the factors already mentioned, might also actively participate in community outreach programs. This could include sponsoring health fairs, providing educational materials to local schools, and partnering with community organizations to raise awareness about lung cancer prevention and early detection. Such proactive engagement would significantly enhance their Lung Cancer Score, demonstrating a commitment to the health and well-being of the community.

Finally, the assessment considers the practice's patient satisfaction scores. Patient feedback is a valuable indicator of the quality of care provided. Practices with high patient satisfaction scores, as measured through surveys or online reviews, would receive a higher score. This reflects the practice's commitment to providing patient-centered care and ensuring that patients feel heard and respected. This includes the ease of making appointments, the wait times, and the overall experience within the practice.

For a comprehensive visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 16733 and the surrounding areas, including the location of primary care physicians, specialist availability, and other relevant data points, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping solutions that can help you visualize and analyze healthcare access, identify underserved areas, and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.