17120, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17120, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 0.00 percent of the residents in 17120 has some form of health insurance. 0.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 0.00 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 17120 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 50 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17120. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 18,067 health care providers accessible to residents in 17120, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on assessing the quality of lung cancer care within the context of primary care availability in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, specifically targeting the 17120 ZIP code. This assessment will consider factors impacting patient access, quality of care, and overall health outcomes, including physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and mental health support.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in robust primary care. Early detection, crucial for improved survival rates, is often facilitated by primary care physicians (PCPs) who can identify risk factors, order screening tests, and make timely referrals to specialists. In Harrisburg, the availability of PCPs directly impacts the efficiency of this critical process. A high physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to delayed appointments, potentially hindering timely diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a favorable ratio, where there are sufficient PCPs to meet the population's needs, is a strong indicator of accessible care.

The 17120 ZIP code, like any area, likely experiences variations in primary care availability. Some neighborhoods may have a higher concentration of PCPs than others, creating disparities in access. Analyzing data on PCP distribution, including the number of physicians per 1,000 residents, is essential for understanding the landscape of primary care within the area. This data provides a starting point for evaluating the overall health of the community in regard to lung cancer care.

Beyond the sheer number of physicians, the quality of primary care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within the 17120 ZIP code is crucial. These practices may demonstrate excellence in several areas, including patient education, preventive screenings, and effective communication with patients. Researching these practices involves assessing their patient satisfaction scores, their adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer screening, and their use of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate care coordination.

EHRs, for instance, are critical tools for streamlining the healthcare process. They enable seamless information sharing between PCPs, pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists involved in a patient's care. This coordination is especially important in lung cancer treatment, which often involves a multidisciplinary approach. Practices that effectively utilize EHRs are better positioned to provide coordinated, comprehensive care.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor to consider. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and remote monitoring, can significantly improve patient access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or living in areas with limited access to specialists. Analyzing the prevalence of telemedicine services within the 17120 ZIP code, including the types of services offered and the patient population served, provides valuable insights into the accessibility of care.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but vital aspect of lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health support services, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, is critical for addressing these needs. Assessing the availability of these resources within the 17120 ZIP code, including the proximity of mental health providers and the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, is essential for providing comprehensive care.

Evaluating the landscape of lung cancer care in Harrisburg requires a multi-faceted approach. It's not simply about the number of doctors, but also about the quality of their care, the availability of technology to support that care, and the presence of resources to address the emotional and psychological needs of patients.

The presence of specialized lung cancer centers or clinics within or near the 17120 ZIP code is also a significant factor. These centers often offer comprehensive services, including advanced diagnostic tools, specialized treatment options, and access to clinical trials. Assessing the proximity of these centers and their accessibility to residents of the 17120 ZIP code is crucial.

Additionally, the availability of support services such as smoking cessation programs and patient navigation services can significantly impact patient outcomes. Smoking cessation programs can help individuals quit smoking, reducing their risk of developing lung cancer. Patient navigators can assist patients in navigating the complex healthcare system, coordinating appointments, and accessing resources.

Analyzing the data surrounding these factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the availability of specialized centers and support services, allows for a comprehensive assessment of the quality of lung cancer care in the 17120 ZIP code and the primary care availability in Harrisburg. This analysis provides a foundation for identifying areas of strength and weakness, ultimately informing efforts to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of lung cancer in the community.

To visualize the data and gain deeper insights into the distribution of healthcare resources, access to primary care physicians, and the availability of specialized services in the Harrisburg area, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic, interactive platform for analyzing geographic data and understanding the spatial relationships between healthcare resources and the population they serve. Explore CartoChrome maps today to gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Harrisburg.