17049, Mc Alisterville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17049, Mc Alisterville, Pennsylvania is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 75.22 percent of the residents in 17049 has some form of health insurance. 27.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.70 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 17049 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,061 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 8 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17049. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 574 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,480 health care providers accessible to residents in 17049, Mc Alisterville, Pennsylvania.

The following analysis examines the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 17049, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care, a crucial element in early detection and management. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem in Mc Alisterville, Pennsylvania, and its capacity to address the challenges of lung cancer.

Mc Alisterville, Pennsylvania, a rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare. The density of primary care physicians is a critical factor. A lower physician-to-patient ratio can indicate potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments, preventive screenings, and ongoing care. This metric, when compared to state and national averages, provides a baseline to assess the adequacy of local resources. The analysis would involve identifying the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 17049 ZIP code and comparing that figure to the estimated population. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health will be essential.

The presence of standout practices is another key consideration. These practices, characterized by their commitment to patient care, innovative approaches, and positive patient outcomes, can significantly impact the overall quality of healthcare in the area. Identifying these practices involves reviewing patient reviews, assessing the availability of specialized services (e.g., smoking cessation programs, lung cancer screening), and evaluating their adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Practices with a demonstrated focus on preventative care, including regular check-ups and screening protocols for at-risk individuals, would be particularly noteworthy.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas where geographical barriers can limit access to care. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online educational resources can improve patient convenience and potentially reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of local primary care practices involves examining their websites, inquiring about their services, and reviewing patient feedback. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially extend their reach and provide more accessible care to a wider population.

The availability of mental health resources is a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Primary care practices that offer integrated mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, are better equipped to provide holistic care. The analysis would involve investigating the availability of mental health professionals within the community, assessing the integration of mental health services within primary care practices, and reviewing the availability of support groups or other resources for patients and their families.

Evaluating the effectiveness of lung cancer screening programs is another critical factor. Early detection is paramount in improving survival rates. The analysis would need to investigate the availability of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening within the community. This includes identifying the hospitals and imaging centers that offer LDCT scans, assessing the eligibility criteria for screening, and evaluating the practices' adherence to screening guidelines. Practices that actively promote and facilitate lung cancer screening for eligible patients are making a significant contribution to early detection and improved outcomes.

The analysis would also need to consider the availability of smoking cessation programs. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and helping patients quit smoking is a crucial step in preventing the disease and improving treatment outcomes. Primary care practices that offer smoking cessation counseling, medication, and other support services play a vital role in addressing this public health challenge. The analysis would involve identifying the smoking cessation programs available within the community and assessing the integration of these programs within primary care practices.

Furthermore, the analysis would need to consider the patient experience. This involves gathering information about patient satisfaction with the care they receive, the ease of accessing appointments, the clarity of communication from healthcare providers, and the overall quality of the patient-provider relationship. Patient feedback can be gathered through surveys, online reviews, and other sources. Practices that prioritize patient-centered care and actively seek patient feedback are more likely to provide high-quality care.

The analysis would also need to consider the integration of care across different healthcare providers. Lung cancer care often involves a multidisciplinary team, including primary care physicians, pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists. Effective communication and coordination among these providers are essential for ensuring seamless care. The analysis would involve assessing the extent to which primary care practices collaborate with specialists and other healthcare providers.

Finally, the analysis would need to consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on access to care. Factors such as income, insurance coverage, and transportation can significantly affect a patient's ability to access timely and appropriate care. The analysis would need to consider the socioeconomic characteristics of the community and assess the extent to which these factors may be influencing access to care.

In conclusion, the healthcare landscape in Mc Alisterville, Pennsylvania, presents both opportunities and challenges in the fight against lung cancer. The availability of primary care physicians, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the effectiveness of lung cancer screening programs are all critical factors in determining the quality of care. A comprehensive analysis, incorporating these elements, would provide a valuable assessment of the healthcare ecosystem in ZIP code 17049 and inform efforts to improve lung cancer care in the community.

To visualize and analyze this data in a dynamic and interactive way, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize physician locations, practice locations, and other relevant data points, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas where resources are most needed. Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to enhance your analysis and gain valuable insights into the healthcare environment of Mc Alisterville and beyond.