17038, Jonestown, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17038, Jonestown, Pennsylvania is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.60 percent of the residents in 17038 has some form of health insurance. 38.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.05 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 17038 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,958 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 43 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17038. An estimate of 12 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,354 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 9,431 health care providers accessible to residents in 17038, Jonestown, Pennsylvania.

The following analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 17038 (Jonestown, PA) with a focus on primary care availability and related resources. This evaluation aims to provide insights into the accessibility and quality of care for individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer. The analysis considers factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and robust primary care. Jonestown, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in this regard. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment. Publicly available data, such as that from the US Department of Health and Human Services, can offer insights into the general physician-to-population ratio within Lebanon County, where Jonestown is located. This data provides a baseline understanding of primary care availability. However, it's essential to recognize that this is a broad overview and does not necessarily reflect the specific realities within Jonestown itself.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the local healthcare ecosystem. This includes examining the quality of care provided by individual practices, as well as the availability of specialized services. This would involve reviewing online patient reviews, and potentially contacting local healthcare providers directly. Some practices may be particularly noteworthy for their patient-centered approach, their commitment to preventive care, or their expertise in managing chronic conditions that can increase lung cancer risk, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A focus on preventative care, including smoking cessation programs and early detection screenings, is paramount in improving lung cancer outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to greatly improve access to care, especially in rural areas like Jonestown. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. The availability of telemedicine services for primary care, pulmonology, and oncology within the 17038 ZIP code is a key indicator of care accessibility. This includes evaluating the types of telemedicine platforms used, the range of services offered, and the ease of use for patients.

The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is substantial. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive care. This includes assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the community. Additionally, it is crucial to investigate whether primary care practices have established referral pathways to mental health services and whether there are support groups or other resources available for patients and their families. A holistic approach to care acknowledges the importance of addressing the psychological and emotional needs of patients alongside their physical health.

Specific practices to consider in Jonestown and the surrounding area would include those affiliated with larger healthcare systems, such as Penn State Health or UPMC. These systems often have more resources and a broader network of specialists. Investigating the affiliations of local primary care physicians and their access to specialists is important. Furthermore, exploring the availability of lung cancer screening programs, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, is essential. Early detection is a crucial factor in improving lung cancer survival rates.

The evaluation of lung cancer care within Jonestown also requires consideration of the socioeconomic factors that can impact health outcomes. This includes assessing the percentage of the population that has health insurance, as well as the availability of financial assistance programs for patients who are unable to afford treatment. Social determinants of health, such as access to healthy food, safe housing, and transportation, can also influence a patient's ability to receive and adhere to treatment.

The analysis of lung cancer care in Jonestown should be viewed as a dynamic process. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatments, and policies emerging regularly. Therefore, it is important to regularly update this analysis to reflect these changes. This can be achieved by continuously monitoring healthcare data, reviewing patient feedback, and engaging with local healthcare providers.

The assessment of the primary care landscape in Jonestown and its impact on lung cancer care highlights several key areas for improvement. Enhancing the physician-to-patient ratio, promoting telemedicine adoption, and increasing the availability of mental health resources are critical steps toward improving patient outcomes. Furthermore, strengthening the focus on preventive care, including smoking cessation programs and early detection screenings, is essential.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Jonestown and the surrounding areas, including the location of healthcare providers, the availability of services, and the demographics of the population, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful visualization tool that can help you analyze and understand complex healthcare data. They allow you to see the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, identify areas with limited access to care, and make informed decisions about healthcare planning and resource allocation.