17201, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17201, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.53 percent of the residents in 17201 has some form of health insurance. 39.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.78 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 17201 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,395 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17201. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,276 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,705 health care providers accessible to residents in 17201, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

The following analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score (LCS) assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP Code 17201, centered on Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. This score considers factors critical to early lung cancer detection and overall patient care, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals at risk, specifically highlighting areas of strength and potential improvement.

The foundation of a strong LCS rests on accessible primary care. In Chambersburg, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to easier access to appointments and potentially more time for preventative care discussions, including lung cancer screening recommendations. Conversely, a higher ratio may lead to longer wait times and less personalized attention. This analysis will attempt to assess the current physician-to-patient ratio within the specified ZIP code, using publicly available data and healthcare databases. This data will be contextualized within the broader regional and national benchmarks to gauge the relative accessibility of primary care in Chambersburg.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of individual practices significantly impact the LCS. Standout practices are those that proactively implement evidence-based practices, including regular lung cancer screening for eligible patients. This involves adherence to guidelines from organizations such as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), which recommends annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for individuals meeting specific risk criteria (age, smoking history). Practices with robust screening programs, including efficient referral pathways to pulmonologists and comprehensive follow-up care, will receive higher scores. The analysis will assess the availability of these services within the practices of PCPs in 17201.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers several advantages in the context of lung cancer care. It can facilitate initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and even provide access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, especially for remote monitoring of patients with chronic conditions like COPD (a significant risk factor for lung cancer) and for delivering smoking cessation counseling, will be viewed favorably. The analysis will investigate the extent of telemedicine integration among Chambersburg PCPs, focusing on the types of services offered and the ease of access for patients.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are integral to a comprehensive LCS. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally taxing, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services or have strong referral networks to mental health professionals demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health support within the practices of PCPs in 17201, including on-site counseling, partnerships with mental health providers, and awareness of mental health resources within the community.

Specific practices in Chambersburg will be assessed based on the above criteria. This analysis will attempt to identify standout practices that excel in multiple areas. These practices will be recognized for their commitment to preventative care, their proactive approach to lung cancer screening, their embrace of telemedicine, and their attention to the mental well-being of their patients. Conversely, practices that fall short in these areas will be identified, highlighting areas where improvements are needed to enhance the overall LCS for the community.

The analysis will also consider the availability of smoking cessation programs. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and effective cessation programs are crucial for reducing risk. Practices that actively offer or refer patients to smoking cessation programs, including counseling and medication, will receive higher scores. This includes assessing the availability of resources such as nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, and varenicline.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the level of patient education provided by the PCPs. This includes educating patients about the risks of lung cancer, the importance of early detection, and the benefits of screening. Practices that provide clear and concise information about lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, and screening options will be viewed more favorably.

The data used for this analysis will be gathered from various sources, including public health databases, insurance provider directories, and healthcare websites. The data will be carefully analyzed and validated to ensure accuracy. The final LCS will be a composite score based on the weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weighting of each factor will be determined based on its relative importance in improving patient outcomes.

The final LCS for each practice will be presented in a clear and concise manner, allowing patients to easily compare and contrast the performance of different PCPs in Chambersburg. The analysis will also provide recommendations for improving the overall LCS in the community. These recommendations may include promoting the adoption of telemedicine, increasing the availability of mental health resources, and encouraging the implementation of evidence-based lung cancer screening programs.

In conclusion, this Lung Cancer Score analysis provides a valuable assessment of the healthcare landscape in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. By considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and smoking cessation programs, this analysis offers a comprehensive view of the quality of primary care available to residents of ZIP Code 17201. The findings will provide valuable insights for patients seeking primary care and will highlight areas where improvements can be made to enhance the overall LCS for the community.

For a detailed, interactive map of healthcare providers in Chambersburg and the surrounding areas, including those identified in this analysis, visit CartoChrome maps.