17026, Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17026, Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.30 percent of the residents in 17026 has some form of health insurance. 36.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.28 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 17026 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 904 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 41 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17026. An estimate of 12 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 504 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,475 health care providers accessible to residents in 17026, Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Fredericksburg, PA (ZIP Code 17026)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians within ZIP code 17026 (Fredericksburg, PA), focusing on factors relevant to early detection, patient support, and access to care. The score considers physician availability, resource utilization, and telemedicine integration. The goal is to offer insights for patients seeking quality primary care in the area, particularly those at risk for or concerned about lung cancer.

Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Its rural setting and proximity to larger metropolitan areas like Harrisburg influence the availability and accessibility of medical services. The Lung Cancer Score aims to capture these nuances, providing a nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access to Care:**

A crucial element of the Lung Cancer Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric reflects the potential burden on primary care physicians and the ease with which patients can secure appointments. In Fredericksburg, the ratio likely varies depending on the specific practice and the surrounding areas. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and local healthcare providers would be essential to determine the precise ratio within the 17026 ZIP code. Public health data, combined with information on physician practices, will provide a more accurate picture.

Access to care extends beyond physician availability. It encompasses factors like insurance acceptance, office hours, and the ability to accommodate patients with disabilities. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans and offer flexible scheduling, including evening or weekend appointments, score higher in this category. Furthermore, the presence of multilingual staff or translation services can improve access for diverse patient populations.

**Standout Practices and Their Contributions:**

Identifying standout practices involves assessing their commitment to early lung cancer detection and patient care. This includes evaluating their screening protocols, such as the use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals. Practices that actively promote and facilitate LDCT screening, following the guidelines of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), will receive higher scores.

Beyond screening, standout practices often excel in patient education and support. This includes providing information about lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options. They may also offer smoking cessation programs and connect patients with support groups. The integration of patient navigators, who guide patients through the complexities of the healthcare system, is another positive indicator.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Fredericksburg. Its adoption can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote locations. Practices that offer telehealth consultations for routine check-ups, medication management, and follow-up appointments will receive higher scores.

Telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, who may not be readily available in Fredericksburg. This is particularly important for lung cancer patients, who often require multidisciplinary care. The ability to conduct virtual consultations with specialists can streamline the diagnostic and treatment process.

The quality of telemedicine services is also crucial. Practices should ensure that their telehealth platforms are secure, user-friendly, and integrated with electronic health records. They should also provide adequate training for both physicians and patients on how to use these platforms effectively.

**Mental Health Resources and Patient Support:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. Access to mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive care. Practices that offer on-site counseling services or have established referral networks with mental health professionals will receive higher scores.

Support groups, both in-person and virtual, can provide invaluable emotional support and peer-to-peer learning. Practices that actively promote and facilitate access to these resources demonstrate a commitment to patient well-being. This includes providing information about local support groups and online resources.

Furthermore, practices should address the potential for social isolation among lung cancer patients. They can do this by connecting patients with community resources, such as transportation services and social activities.

**Specific Considerations for Fredericksburg:**

The Lung Cancer Score for Fredericksburg must consider the specific demographics and healthcare infrastructure of the area. The prevalence of smoking, the age distribution of the population, and the proximity to larger medical centers all influence the risk of lung cancer and the availability of resources.

For example, if a significant portion of the population is employed in industries with potential exposure to carcinogens, such as construction or manufacturing, this should be factored into the risk assessment. The availability of occupational health services and their collaboration with primary care physicians are also important considerations.

The presence of a local hospital or medical center is another key factor. Practices that are affiliated with a hospital that offers comprehensive lung cancer services, including diagnostic imaging, surgery, and chemotherapy, will receive higher scores. The coordination of care between primary care physicians and specialists is essential for optimal patient outcomes.

**Conclusion:**

The Lung Cancer Score is a dynamic assessment that reflects the evolving healthcare landscape. It provides a valuable framework for evaluating primary care practices in Fredericksburg, PA, and for guiding patients towards the best possible care. The score considers physician availability, screening protocols, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. By understanding these factors, patients can make informed decisions about their healthcare and improve their chances of early detection and successful treatment.

For a comprehensive visual analysis of healthcare resources in Fredericksburg and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital affiliations, and access to specialized services, visit CartoChrome maps. Explore the interactive maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions about your health.