17098, Williamstown, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17098, Williamstown, Pennsylvania is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.53 percent of the residents in 17098 has some form of health insurance. 47.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.45 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 17098 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 601 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17098. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 362 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,508 health care providers accessible to residents in 17098, Williamstown, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on providing a 'Lung Cancer Score' for physicians and primary care resources within ZIP Code 17098, encompassing Williamstown, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas. This score, while not a formal, standardized metric, aims to assess the accessibility and quality of care related to lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, based on available data and general healthcare trends. The evaluation considers factors like physician availability, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, all of which significantly impact patient outcomes.

The foundation of a strong 'Lung Cancer Score' begins with accessible primary care. In Williamstown, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. Physician-to-patient ratios are a primary indicator. A low ratio, meaning a higher number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests better access and potentially more proactive care. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards can provide insights into physician distribution within the ZIP Code. The analysis will assess this data to determine the physician-to-patient ratio, comparing it to state and national averages.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices themselves. Standout practices in Williamstown would demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, including robust lung cancer screening programs for high-risk individuals (e.g., current or former smokers). This includes offering or facilitating low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, the recommended screening method for eligible individuals. Practices that proactively engage in patient education about lung cancer risk factors, smoking cessation programs, and early detection strategies would receive higher scores. The analysis will seek information about practices' screening protocols, patient education materials, and partnerships with specialists.

Telemedicine adoption is another key component. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth, and its continued use is vital. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists, especially beneficial for patients in rural areas like Williamstown. Practices that offer telemedicine services, particularly for initial consultations, medication management, and post-treatment follow-up, would be viewed favorably. The analysis will investigate which practices offer telehealth options and the types of services available remotely.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' also considers the availability of mental health resources. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health support is crucial for patients. Practices that have integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals would be given a higher score. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in cancer care. The analysis will evaluate the availability of these resources within the practices themselves or through their referral networks.

Specialist availability is another crucial factor. While primary care physicians are the first point of contact, access to specialists, particularly pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, is essential for diagnosis and treatment. The analysis will assess the proximity of specialists to Williamstown. The presence of a local hospital with a dedicated cancer center and a multidisciplinary team, including radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists, would significantly enhance the 'Lung Cancer Score'. The analysis will consider the proximity and quality of specialist care available to residents of ZIP Code 17098.

The analysis will also consider the availability of smoking cessation programs. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and access to effective cessation programs is critical for prevention. Practices that offer or refer patients to evidence-based smoking cessation programs, including counseling and medication, would be scored higher. The analysis will examine the availability of these programs within the practices or through community resources.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' will be a composite assessment, weighing each factor based on its relative importance. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, specialist availability, and smoking cessation programs are all considered. Each factor will be assigned a score, and the overall 'Lung Cancer Score' will be determined by combining these individual scores. The resulting score provides a general assessment of the accessibility and quality of lung cancer-related care available in the area.

The final score will be a general indication of the healthcare landscape. The goal is to offer a general overview of the healthcare resources within the specified area. The analysis will not be a substitute for professional medical advice. Patients should consult with their physicians for personalized healthcare recommendations.

The analysis will be based on publicly available data, information obtained from healthcare providers, and general healthcare trends. The data will be assessed and interpreted to create the 'Lung Cancer Score'. The methodology will be transparent and clearly outlined in the analysis. The information will be updated periodically to reflect changes in healthcare availability and quality.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' analysis for doctors in ZIP Code 17098 and primary care availability in Williamstown provides a general overview of the healthcare landscape. This analysis can be enhanced by visualizing the data on a map.

**Click here to explore a CartoChrome map of healthcare resources in Williamstown and surrounding areas. Visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your community.**