17109, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17109, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.76 percent of the residents in 17109 has some form of health insurance. 35.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.91 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 17109 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,117 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 45 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17109. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,050 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 17,699 health care providers accessible to residents in 17109, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score: Harrisburg, PA (ZIP Code 17109) - A Primary Care Perspective**

This analysis evaluates the primary care landscape within ZIP code 17109 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and patient support. The goal is to assess the accessibility and quality of care available to residents, ultimately providing a "Lung Cancer Score" based on key performance indicators. This score, while not a single number, is a composite of the factors discussed.

The foundation of lung cancer care rests on accessible and proactive primary care. Early detection is crucial for improved outcomes, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients. The availability of PCPs, their willingness to screen high-risk individuals, and their ability to coordinate care are all critical elements.

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

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental metric. An ideal ratio allows PCPs sufficient time to provide comprehensive care, including preventive screenings, thorough examinations, and patient education. While specific data for ZIP code 17109 requires localized research, general trends for Harrisburg and Dauphin County can be examined. Areas with a higher concentration of PCPs, or practices that are accepting new patients, will receive a higher score. Conversely, areas with a shortage of PCPs or long wait times for appointments will negatively impact the score.

The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is also a crucial factor. PCPs must be able to refer patients promptly and efficiently to specialists for further evaluation and treatment. The proximity of hospitals with advanced diagnostic capabilities, such as CT scanners and bronchoscopy suites, is another important consideration.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. Practices that actively promote lung cancer screening, particularly for individuals meeting the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines (e.g., current or former smokers with a significant smoking history), will score higher. This includes proactively offering low-dose CT scans and educating patients about the benefits and risks.

Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient risk factors, manage screening schedules, and facilitate communication with specialists will also be highly rated. Furthermore, practices with a demonstrated commitment to patient-centered care, as evidenced by patient satisfaction surveys and positive online reviews, will receive a higher score. Practices that participate in quality improvement initiatives and adhere to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and management will be considered superior.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in underserved areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that offer telehealth consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations (where appropriate) will receive a higher score. This is especially relevant for patients who may find it difficult to travel to a clinic or hospital.

Telemedicine can also facilitate remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment or recovery, allowing PCPs to identify potential complications early and intervene promptly. The adoption of telehealth platforms that are secure, user-friendly, and integrated with EHR systems is crucial for maximizing the benefits of telemedicine.

**Mental Health Resources and Patient Support**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive care. Practices that have established relationships with mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, and can readily refer patients for support will receive a higher score.

This includes access to support groups, both in-person and online, where patients can share experiences and receive emotional support from others facing similar challenges. The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan, with PCPs actively screening for symptoms of depression and anxiety, is essential.

**Specific Considerations for Harrisburg (17109)**

The analysis will need to consider specific factors relevant to Harrisburg. This includes the demographics of the population, including the prevalence of smoking and other risk factors for lung cancer. The socioeconomic status of residents will also be considered, as this can impact access to care and adherence to treatment plans.

Identifying any community-based programs or initiatives that promote lung cancer awareness and screening will be important. This could include partnerships with local organizations, such as the American Lung Association or the American Cancer Society.

**Conclusion: A Holistic Assessment**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 17109 will be a nuanced assessment, reflecting the interplay of various factors. It is not a simple numerical ranking but a comprehensive evaluation of the primary care landscape's ability to support lung cancer prevention, early detection, and patient care. The score will reflect the availability of PCPs, the quality of care provided, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources.

By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care system in 17109, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare and advocate for improvements in access and quality of care.

**Call to Action**

To gain a deeper understanding of the primary care landscape in Harrisburg, PA (ZIP Code 17109), and visualize the distribution of resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps provide valuable insights into physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data. Visit CartoChrome today to visualize the data and make informed decisions about your healthcare.