17059, Mifflintown, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17059, Mifflintown, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.54 percent of the residents in 17059 has some form of health insurance. 35.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.77 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 17059 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,722 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17059. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,482 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,376 health care providers accessible to residents in 17059, Mifflintown, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17059 & Primary Care in Mifflintown

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 17059, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania, a key component of early detection and management. A comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" is not a standardized metric, but rather a composite evaluation considering factors impacting patient access to care, the quality of services, and the resources available for lung cancer prevention, screening, and treatment.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in robust primary care. In Mifflintown, the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs) is paramount. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians serving a larger population, can lead to appointment delays, reduced screening rates, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater access to care. Data on this ratio, ideally specific to Mifflintown, is essential for determining the initial score. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) would provide valuable insights.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care matters. Practices that actively promote lung cancer screening, particularly for high-risk individuals (smokers and former smokers with a significant smoking history), deserve higher marks. This includes practices that adhere to established screening guidelines, utilize low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, and have clear protocols for follow-up care. The presence of dedicated nurses or care coordinators specializing in cancer prevention and management further enhances the score.

Standout practices within the 17059 area, if any, would be identified by their commitment to proactive patient care. This might involve offering extended hours, providing same-day appointments for urgent needs, or actively reaching out to patients to schedule screenings. These practices demonstrate a patient-centered approach, crucial for encouraging early detection and engagement in treatment. Identifying these practices requires researching local healthcare providers, possibly through online reviews, patient testimonials, or direct contact with the practices themselves.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in healthcare access. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments or consultations with specialists, can significantly improve patient convenience and reduce barriers to care, especially for those in rural areas like Mifflintown. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering both video and phone consultations, would receive a higher score. This includes assessing the ease of use of the telemedicine platform, the availability of technical support, and the integration of telemedicine into the practice's overall workflow.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis, and the subsequent treatment, can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. Practices that offer access to mental health professionals, either on-site or through referrals, are better equipped to support patients through this challenging journey. The availability of support groups, counseling services, and psychiatric care would all contribute to a higher score. Assessing this requires examining the practice's partnerships with mental health providers, the availability of educational materials on mental health, and the integration of mental health screening into routine patient care.

Furthermore, the availability of resources for smoking cessation is critical. Primary care practices should offer or refer patients to programs that provide counseling, medication, and other support to help them quit smoking. This is a key element in preventing lung cancer and improving patient outcomes. The score should reflect the practice's commitment to smoking cessation, including the availability of smoking cessation specialists and the use of evidence-based strategies.

The "Lung Cancer Score" should also consider the availability of specialists. While primary care is the cornerstone, access to pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons is essential for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. The proximity of these specialists to Mifflintown, and the ease with which patients can access their services, are important factors. This includes assessing the wait times for appointments, the availability of specialists who accept the patient's insurance, and the coordination of care between primary care physicians and specialists.

The score should also consider the presence of a local hospital or medical center equipped to handle lung cancer cases. This includes the availability of advanced imaging equipment, such as PET scans, and the presence of a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals who can provide comprehensive care. The quality of the hospital's cancer program, as assessed by organizations like the American College of Surgeons, would also be factored into the score.

Finally, patient education is a crucial element. Practices that provide patients with clear, concise information about lung cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and treatment options deserve higher marks. This includes the availability of educational materials, the use of patient navigators to guide patients through the healthcare system, and the provision of support services such as financial counseling.

In conclusion, assessing the "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP code 17059 and primary care availability in Mifflintown requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, evaluating the quality of primary care practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources, smoking cessation programs, and specialist care. This comprehensive analysis provides a valuable snapshot of the landscape of lung cancer care, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician availability, and other relevant data within ZIP code 17059 and surrounding areas, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you visualize and analyze healthcare data, enabling you to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.