17070, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17070, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.54 percent of the residents in 17070 has some form of health insurance. 32.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.61 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 17070 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,184 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 160 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17070. An estimate of 22 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,867 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 34,338 health care providers accessible to residents in 17070, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: New Cumberland, PA (ZIP Code 17070)**

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17070), focusing on factors crucial for early detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being. The score considers physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of resources essential for managing lung cancer. The goal is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape and identify areas of strength and potential improvement.

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

Access to timely and appropriate care is paramount in lung cancer management. A fundamental element of this is the physician-to-patient ratio within the New Cumberland area. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access, which can significantly improve patient outcomes. Data from reputable sources, such as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and local hospital systems, should be analyzed to determine the actual PCP-to-population ratio. This data should be compared to state and national averages to understand how New Cumberland compares.

Furthermore, the analysis must evaluate the availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, within a reasonable distance. Lung cancer often requires a multidisciplinary approach, and the proximity and availability of these specialists are vital for coordinated care. The presence of comprehensive cancer centers or affiliations with larger hospitals that offer specialized lung cancer programs is a positive indicator.

**Practice Characteristics and Early Detection Strategies**

The practices of individual PCPs in New Cumberland should be assessed based on their approach to lung cancer screening and prevention. This involves looking at the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, especially for individuals at high risk (e.g., current or former smokers with a significant smoking history). Practices that actively promote screening using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), will receive higher scores.

The analysis also needs to assess the practices’ use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their ability to track patients’ smoking history and risk factors. EHRs can facilitate the identification of at-risk patients and the timely ordering of screening tests. Practices that integrate smoking cessation programs into their care plans are also viewed favorably. These programs can include counseling, medication prescriptions, and referrals to support groups.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact**

Identifying standout practices within New Cumberland is crucial. This involves highlighting those that demonstrate exceptional commitment to lung cancer care. These practices may have a higher rate of LDCT screenings, a strong focus on patient education, or a well-coordinated referral system for specialists. They might also participate in clinical trials or research related to lung cancer.

The analysis should examine the patient experience at these standout practices. This includes evaluating patient satisfaction scores, the ease of scheduling appointments, and the overall communication between physicians and patients. Reviews from patients on platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals can offer valuable insights into the quality of care provided.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Role**

Telemedicine has become an increasingly important component of healthcare delivery, especially in rural or underserved areas. Its adoption by PCPs in New Cumberland can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments. The analysis should assess the extent to which practices offer telehealth consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual follow-up appointments.

Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for lung cancer patients. It can allow for remote monitoring of symptoms, virtual consultations with specialists, and access to support groups and educational resources. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their care plans will receive higher scores.

**Mental Health Resources and Holistic Care**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient’s mental health. The analysis must evaluate the availability of mental health resources for lung cancer patients in New Cumberland. This includes assessing whether PCPs screen for depression and anxiety, and whether they offer referrals to mental health professionals.

The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan is crucial for holistic patient well-being. Practices that collaborate with therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups will be viewed favorably. The availability of palliative care services, which focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life, is also an important factor.

**Conclusion: The Lung Cancer Score**

The final Lung Cancer Score for PCPs in New Cumberland will be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weighting will reflect the relative importance of each factor in determining the quality of lung cancer care. For example, access to screening and early detection strategies might be weighted more heavily than the availability of telemedicine.

The score will provide a valuable tool for patients seeking primary care in the area. It will help them make informed decisions about their healthcare and choose a PCP who is committed to providing high-quality lung cancer care.

**Explore the Healthcare Landscape with CartoChrome Maps**

To visualize and understand the healthcare landscape of New Cumberland, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome's interactive mapping platform allows you to visualize physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources. You can analyze the data discussed in this report and gain a deeper understanding of the local healthcare environment. Visit CartoChrome today to begin your exploration.