17244, Orrstown, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17244, Orrstown, Pennsylvania is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 75.45 percent of the residents in 17244 has some form of health insurance. 25.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.49 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 17244 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 512 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17244. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 359 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,166 health care providers accessible to residents in 17244, Orrstown, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Orrstown, PA (ZIP Code 17244)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score (LCS) assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 17244, Orrstown, Pennsylvania, and evaluates the overall accessibility of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment. The score considers various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of advanced diagnostic capabilities, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support for patients. This information is crucial for residents seeking proactive healthcare and understanding the resources available in their community.

Orrstown, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The rural nature of the area often translates to a lower concentration of healthcare providers compared to urban centers. This analysis aims to provide a realistic picture of the healthcare landscape, highlighting both strengths and areas needing improvement.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

A fundamental aspect of the LCS is the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access to care and potentially shorter wait times for appointments. In Orrstown, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. Due to the limited number of PCPs in the area, residents might experience longer wait times for routine checkups and diagnostic screenings. This delay can be particularly detrimental in lung cancer detection, where early diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment.

Data regarding the precise physician-to-patient ratio within 17244 requires specific data analysis. However, general observations suggest that the availability of PCPs in rural areas like Orrstown might be lower than the national average. This scarcity necessitates careful planning and proactive healthcare management for residents.

**Standout Practices and Diagnostic Capabilities:**

Identifying standout practices involves assessing the quality of care, the range of services offered, and the adoption of advanced diagnostic technologies. Practices that prioritize preventive care, including regular screenings for high-risk individuals, receive higher scores. Lung cancer screening, particularly for individuals with a history of smoking or exposure to other risk factors, is a key component of early detection. Practices equipped with advanced imaging technologies, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, are better positioned to detect lung cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.

Within Orrstown, the presence of such advanced diagnostic capabilities is a crucial factor. Access to LDCT scans and the expertise of radiologists capable of interpreting the results significantly impacts the LCS. Practices that collaborate with larger healthcare systems or hospitals that offer these services demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Accessibility:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a vital tool for expanding healthcare access, especially in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in Orrstown is a significant factor in the LCS. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving convenience. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and discussing test results.

Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care and increased accessibility. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals contributes to a higher LCS. The effectiveness of telemedicine depends on the availability of reliable internet connectivity in the area.

**Mental Health Resources and Patient Support:**

The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges are common. The availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the LCS. Practices that offer or provide referrals to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, receive higher scores.

Integrating mental health support into the care plan demonstrates a holistic approach to patient well-being. This includes providing access to support groups, educational materials, and resources for managing stress and coping with the emotional challenges of cancer. The availability of these resources contributes significantly to the overall quality of care.

**Overall Lung Cancer Score Assessment:**

Based on the factors discussed, the overall LCS for Orrstown (ZIP code 17244) is a reflection of the community's access to resources. The score is dependent on the specific data gathered. The score is influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of advanced diagnostic capabilities, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health support.

The LCS is not a static measure. It is a reflection of the current healthcare landscape and is subject to change as practices evolve and new resources become available. The score should be used as a guide to understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

Several areas can be improved to enhance the LCS in Orrstown. Increasing the number of PCPs, improving access to advanced diagnostic technologies, expanding telemedicine adoption, and integrating mental health support are critical steps. Collaboration between local practices, hospitals, and community organizations is essential to improve the overall quality of care.

**Conclusion:**

The Lung Cancer Score analysis provides a valuable assessment of healthcare resources in Orrstown, PA (ZIP code 17244). It highlights the importance of access to PCPs, advanced diagnostic capabilities, telemedicine, and mental health support in the fight against lung cancer. This information empowers residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare and advocate for improvements in their community.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Orrstown, PA (ZIP code 17244), and to visualize the location of healthcare providers, diagnostic centers, and other relevant resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome. These maps provide a visual representation of the data discussed in this analysis, enabling you to make informed decisions about your healthcare and access the resources you need.