17068, New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17068, New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.85 percent of the residents in 17068 has some form of health insurance. 34.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.30 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 17068 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 768 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 125 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17068. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 793 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 24,190 health care providers accessible to residents in 17068, New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania.

This analysis assesses the availability of resources relevant to lung cancer care within ZIP code 17068 (New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) accessibility and related factors. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals seeking lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment in this area. The analysis will not assign a numerical "Lung Cancer Score" but will instead offer a qualitative assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon accessible and responsive primary care. Early detection through screening programs, often initiated by PCPs, is critical for improved patient outcomes. In New Bloomfield, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. Data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health will be examined to determine the approximate number of PCPs serving the population of 17068. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally suggests better access to care. Conversely, a higher ratio could signify longer wait times for appointments and potential challenges in establishing a strong patient-physician relationship, vital for proactive screening and ongoing care.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code matters. Are physicians clustered in a single location, or are they dispersed throughout the community? Centralized practices may offer greater convenience for some, but they could pose accessibility challenges for residents in more rural areas. The proximity of PCP offices to public transportation routes and the availability of parking also influence accessibility. The analysis will assess these factors, considering the geographic characteristics of New Bloomfield and its surrounding areas.

The quality of care is as important as access. The analysis will examine publicly available information about local practices, including their accreditation status, patient satisfaction ratings (where available), and participation in quality improvement initiatives. Hospitals and healthcare systems affiliated with local PCPs often have established protocols for lung cancer screening and referral pathways to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists. The presence of these affiliations will be considered a positive indicator.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. The analysis will investigate the extent to which PCPs in 17068 offer telemedicine consultations. Telemedicine can facilitate initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, potentially reducing the need for in-person visits and improving convenience for patients. The availability of telehealth services, especially for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges, will be viewed favorably.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a significant factor in assessing the overall quality of care. The analysis will explore the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the ZIP code and surrounding areas. The presence of mental health services integrated into primary care practices, or readily accessible referral pathways to mental health providers, will be considered a positive indicator. Support groups for cancer patients and their families are also crucial resources. The analysis will investigate the availability of such groups in the local community.

Standout practices will be identified based on their demonstrated commitment to patient care, innovation, and community engagement. These practices may be characterized by their high patient satisfaction ratings, proactive screening programs, adoption of telemedicine, or integration of mental health services. The analysis will highlight specific examples of best practices, recognizing the efforts of individual physicians and healthcare teams.

The analysis will consider the availability of specialized lung cancer care, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists, in the broader region surrounding 17068. While these specialists may not be located directly within the ZIP code, their proximity and ease of access are crucial for patients requiring advanced diagnostic testing, treatment, and follow-up care. The analysis will assess the travel time and transportation options available for patients seeking specialized care.

The availability of resources for smoking cessation is another important factor. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and effective cessation programs can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease. The analysis will investigate the availability of smoking cessation programs and resources, such as counseling, medication, and support groups, within the community.

The analysis will also consider the socioeconomic factors that can influence access to care. These include income levels, insurance coverage rates, and the prevalence of health disparities. The analysis will acknowledge the potential impact of these factors on the ability of residents to access timely and appropriate lung cancer care.

The analysis will conclude with a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in 17068, highlighting areas where improvements are needed. It will not provide a single numerical score but instead offer a comprehensive overview of the factors that influence lung cancer care access and quality.

This assessment provides a snapshot of the current situation. Healthcare landscapes are dynamic, and the availability of resources can change over time. For a more detailed and interactive view of the healthcare landscape in New Bloomfield and the surrounding area, consider exploring the data through CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data points, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of the resources available to individuals seeking lung cancer care.