17005, Berrysburg, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17005, Berrysburg, Pennsylvania is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.90 percent of the residents in 17005 has some form of health insurance. 44.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.48 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 17005 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 63 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17005. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 62 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,503 health care providers accessible to residents in 17005, Berrysburg, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17005 & Primary Care in Berrysburg

This analysis assesses the quality of lung cancer care and primary care access within ZIP code 17005 (likely encompassing the town of Annville, Pennsylvania) and the broader context of primary care availability in Berrysburg, Pennsylvania, offering a "Lung Cancer Score" based on key factors. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care is robust primary care. Berrysburg, a smaller community near Annville, will be evaluated for its primary care infrastructure. A critical metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio indicates a potential strain on resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater access. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, when combined, can offer a preliminary estimate of this ratio. This data will be juxtaposed with the population of Berrysburg to determine the accessibility of primary care.

Within ZIP code 17005, we must examine the availability of specialists. A high-quality lung cancer program requires pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists. The presence of these specialists, their board certifications, and their affiliations with hospitals and cancer centers are crucial indicators. Proximity to larger medical centers, such as those in Hershey or Harrisburg, is a significant advantage, providing access to advanced diagnostic tools like PET scans and advanced treatment options, including clinical trials.

Another key factor is the adoption of telemedicine. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or with mobility issues. The availability of virtual consultations with primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and oncologists is a positive sign. Telemedicine can facilitate remote monitoring, follow-up appointments, and even remote support groups. The degree to which healthcare providers in 17005 are utilizing these technologies will be assessed.

Mental health resources are often overlooked, but they are integral to a comprehensive lung cancer care plan. A cancer diagnosis is emotionally taxing. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical social workers, is crucial. These resources can help patients cope with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The presence of support groups, both in-person and virtual, is another positive indicator. The analysis will examine the availability of these resources within the Annville area and their accessibility to patients.

Standout practices within 17005 will be identified. This involves examining patient reviews, the quality of care metrics, and the range of services offered. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, have a strong focus on early detection, and actively participate in community outreach programs will be highlighted. Information will be gathered from various sources, including online reviews, hospital websites, and professional directories.

The analysis will also consider the availability of smoking cessation programs. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Access to evidence-based smoking cessation programs, including counseling and medication, is essential for preventing lung cancer and improving patient outcomes. The presence of such programs within 17005 and Berrysburg will be assessed.

For Berrysburg, the focus will be on primary care accessibility. If primary care access is limited, it can negatively impact lung cancer outcomes. Early detection is critical for improving survival rates. Without readily available primary care, patients may delay seeking medical attention, leading to later-stage diagnoses. The analysis will consider the availability of primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants in Berrysburg and the surrounding areas.

The Lung Cancer Score will be a composite measure, incorporating these factors. It is important to note that this score is not a definitive judgment but rather an assessment based on available data. The score will reflect the overall quality of lung cancer care and primary care access in the specified areas. The score will be based on a grading system, with higher scores indicating better care and greater accessibility.

The analysis will consider the cost of care. The affordability of healthcare is a significant factor for many patients. The analysis will assess the availability of financial assistance programs, insurance coverage, and the overall cost of lung cancer treatment in the area. This will include the cost of diagnostic tests, treatment, and follow-up care.

The analysis will also consider the diversity of the healthcare workforce. A diverse healthcare workforce can better serve the needs of a diverse patient population. The analysis will examine the representation of different racial and ethnic groups within the healthcare workforce in 17005.

The final Lung Cancer Score will be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It will provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape and highlight areas for improvement. It will also help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare.

The analysis will strive to be as objective as possible, relying on publicly available data and credible sources. However, it is important to acknowledge that data limitations may exist. The analysis will clearly state any limitations and provide context for the findings. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and informative assessment of lung cancer care and primary care access in the specified areas.

For a more detailed and visually rich understanding of the healthcare landscape in 17005 and Berrysburg, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data. **Visit CartoChrome maps to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, identify areas with limited access, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in lung cancer care.**