17017, Dalmatia, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17017, Dalmatia, Pennsylvania is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.07 percent of the residents in 17017 has some form of health insurance. 37.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.91 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 17017 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 285 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17017. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 420 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 925 health care providers accessible to residents in 17017, Dalmatia, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17017 and Primary Care in Dalmatia

Analyzing the landscape of healthcare in ZIP Code 17017 and the surrounding area, with a specific focus on lung cancer care and primary care availability in Dalmatia, requires a multifaceted approach. We will examine several key metrics to establish a "Lung Cancer Score," which, while not a formal metric, provides a comparative overview of the resources available to patients. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources – all crucial components of a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem.

The primary care physician (PCP) landscape in Dalmatia, and by extension, the surrounding areas including ZIP Code 17017, is a critical starting point. Access to a PCP is often the first step in early detection and management of lung cancer. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Conversely, a higher ratio, suggesting a more accessible primary care network, is a positive indicator. Data on this ratio is essential. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local hospital systems can provide insights into the number of PCPs actively practicing within the region and the estimated population they serve. This initial assessment will significantly influence the overall score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Are there practices within ZIP Code 17017 or serving the Dalmatia area that stand out in terms of patient satisfaction, preventative care, and early detection efforts? Identifying these "standout practices" involves examining patient reviews, analyzing the types of services offered (e.g., smoking cessation programs, lung cancer screening), and evaluating their adherence to established clinical guidelines. Hospitals and health systems in the region often publish quality reports, which can provide valuable data on these aspects. The presence of practices actively promoting and facilitating lung cancer screenings, particularly for high-risk individuals, will be a significant factor in the Lung Cancer Score.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. The ability to access healthcare remotely, especially for follow-up appointments, consultations, and mental health support, is increasingly important. Telemedicine can improve access to care for patients in rural areas like Dalmatia, reducing travel time and increasing convenience. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access (e.g., insurance coverage, user-friendly platforms) will be a key component of the analysis. Practices with robust telemedicine capabilities will contribute positively to the score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are essential for patients facing a lung cancer diagnosis. The emotional and psychological toll of the disease, including the stress of diagnosis, treatment, and potential side effects, can be significant. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, can significantly impact a patient's overall well-being and their ability to cope with the challenges of lung cancer. Investigating the presence of mental health providers, the availability of specialized support groups for cancer patients, and the integration of mental health services within the primary care network will be a critical factor in the score.

The specific practices within ZIP Code 17017 and the Dalmatia area will be assessed individually. This involves examining their websites, reviewing patient testimonials (where available), and gathering information from local healthcare directories. The presence of board-certified pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists within a reasonable travel distance is crucial. The availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening, is another important factor. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to lung cancer treatment will also receive a higher rating.

Analyzing the data, we can begin to formulate a preliminary Lung Cancer Score. This score is not a precise scientific metric but rather a comparative assessment based on the factors discussed. Areas with a high physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices, robust telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources will receive higher scores. Conversely, areas with limited access to PCPs, a lack of specialized cancer care, and a scarcity of mental health support will receive lower scores.

The final score will reflect the overall healthcare environment for lung cancer patients in ZIP Code 17017 and the broader area. This analysis will also highlight areas for improvement. For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is low, initiatives to attract more PCPs to the area could be recommended. If telemedicine adoption is limited, strategies to encourage its use could be explored. Addressing any gaps in mental health resources would also be a priority.

This comprehensive analysis provides a valuable overview of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 17017 and the Dalmatia area. It underscores the importance of access to primary care, specialized cancer care, telemedicine, and mental health resources in the fight against lung cancer. This information can empower patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions and improve the quality of care for those affected by this devastating disease.

To further visualize and analyze the healthcare landscape, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing you to identify patterns, trends, and disparities in healthcare access and resource allocation. They can be a powerful tool for understanding the complex interplay of factors that influence lung cancer care.