17238, Needmore, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17238, Needmore, Pennsylvania is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.82 percent of the residents in 17238 has some form of health insurance. 36.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.20 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 17238 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 374 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17238. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 394 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 528 health care providers accessible to residents in 17238, Needmore, Pennsylvania.

This analysis provides a hypothetical “Lung Cancer Score” assessment for primary care physicians within ZIP Code 17238, focusing on factors relevant to early detection and comprehensive care. The analysis also considers the availability of primary care services in the nearby, and potentially underserved, community of Needmore. The score is not a real metric but a framework for evaluating the quality and accessibility of care, especially in a context where timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

The foundation of a strong Lung Cancer Score lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and their ability to provide preventative care. In ZIP Code 17238, the physician-to-patient ratio becomes a critical factor. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per doctor, can potentially limit the time a physician can dedicate to each individual. This impacts the ability to conduct thorough screenings, discuss risk factors, and educate patients about early detection strategies. The score considers the average patient load of practices in the area, with practices managing fewer patients receiving a higher score component.

Standout practices within 17238 are those that demonstrate a commitment to proactive lung cancer screening. This includes actively recommending low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients, particularly those with a history of smoking or other risk factors. The score would evaluate the percentage of eligible patients screened by each practice, the adherence to national guidelines (e.g., those from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force), and the practice's documented protocols for managing patients with suspicious findings. Practices implementing robust screening programs, including clear follow-up plans for patients with positive results, would receive a significantly higher score.

Telemedicine adoption is another key element of the Lung Cancer Score. Telemedicine offers significant advantages, especially in rural or underserved areas. It can improve access to specialists, provide convenient follow-up appointments, and facilitate remote monitoring of patients. The score would assess the availability of telemedicine services within the practices in 17238, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs) and the ease of access for patients. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine to improve patient care would receive a higher score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are crucial in cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health support can significantly impact a patient's well-being and adherence to treatment. The Lung Cancer Score would assess the availability of mental health services within the primary care practices or through referrals. This includes the presence of on-site mental health professionals, partnerships with local mental health providers, and the practice's approach to addressing the emotional needs of patients. Practices that integrate mental health support into their care model would receive a higher score.

Moving beyond ZIP Code 17238, the analysis extends to the community of Needmore. Primary care availability in Needmore is a critical consideration, especially if residents rely on physicians in 17238. The Lung Cancer Score would evaluate the number of PCPs serving Needmore residents, the distance to the nearest primary care facilities, and the availability of transportation options. Communities with limited access to primary care would negatively impact the overall score, highlighting the need for improved healthcare infrastructure.

The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, also influences the score. The proximity of these specialists to both 17238 and Needmore is a factor. The score would consider the travel time to the nearest specialists, the availability of appointments, and the ease of communication between PCPs and specialists. A well-coordinated network of care, with seamless referrals and communication, would contribute to a higher score.

The quality of the healthcare facilities in the area also plays a role. The Lung Cancer Score would evaluate the presence of accredited hospitals, the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment (e.g., CT scanners), and the overall quality of care provided by the local healthcare system. Facilities with a strong reputation for providing high-quality care would positively influence the score.

The analysis also considers the demographic characteristics of the population served. Factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and smoking rates can significantly impact the risk of lung cancer. The score would adjust for these factors, recognizing that areas with higher risk populations require more intensive screening and care.

The Lung Cancer Score is a dynamic assessment, and it's essential to regularly update the information. Changes in physician staffing, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources can all affect the score. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are crucial to ensure that patients have access to the best possible care.

Finally, the score would consider patient education and awareness. Practices that actively educate patients about lung cancer risk factors, early detection methods, and available resources would receive a higher score. This includes providing educational materials, conducting community outreach programs, and promoting awareness campaigns.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 17238 and the surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the data discussed, showing physician locations, specialist availability, and other relevant factors. This visual representation can help to identify areas with limited access to care and inform strategies to improve healthcare outcomes.