17251, Roxbury, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17251, Roxbury, Pennsylvania is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 66.67 percent of the residents in 17251 has some form of health insurance. 28.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.81 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 17251 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 21 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17251. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 16 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,149 health care providers accessible to residents in 17251, Roxbury, Pennsylvania.

The following analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for physicians practicing within ZIP code 17251, focusing on primary care availability in Roxbury, Pennsylvania. This score considers factors crucial to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape, enabling informed decisions for residents and potential patients.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and robust primary care. In Roxbury, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical determinant of the Lung Cancer Score. High PCP availability, measured by the physician-to-patient ratio, is essential for early detection. A low ratio, indicating more patients per doctor, can lead to delayed screenings and diagnoses. Conversely, a favorable ratio allows for more proactive care, including regular check-ups, smoking cessation counseling, and timely referrals for imaging studies like low-dose CT scans, which are crucial for catching lung cancer in its early stages.

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in Roxbury requires analyzing data from various sources. This includes information from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and private healthcare databases. The analysis should consider the number of practicing PCPs within the 17251 ZIP code and the estimated population served. Furthermore, it’s important to examine the distribution of these physicians. Are they concentrated in a few large practices, or are they spread out, ensuring access across the community? The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and their capacity to serve underserved populations also impacts the score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Standout practices within the 17251 ZIP code will demonstrate a commitment to lung cancer screening guidelines, as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This includes offering low-dose CT scans to high-risk individuals, such as current or former smokers with a significant smoking history. The practices’ adherence to these guidelines, their patient education efforts, and their tracking of screening rates are all important factors in the Lung Cancer Score. Practices that actively engage in smoking cessation programs and provide resources to help patients quit smoking will also receive higher marks.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, ensuring secure and user-friendly platforms, will contribute positively to the score. Telemedicine can also facilitate consultations with specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, who may not be readily available in Roxbury.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health support, either within the primary care practice or through referrals to external providers, significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and provide or facilitate access to counseling, therapy, and support groups will be considered more favorably. Integration of mental health services into the care plan is crucial for holistic patient support.

The Lung Cancer Score also considers the presence and accessibility of specialists. While this analysis focuses on primary care, the availability of pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists within a reasonable distance is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. The ease with which PCPs can refer patients to these specialists, and the waiting times for appointments, are important indicators of the overall healthcare system’s efficiency. The score will reflect the strength of the referral network and the proximity of specialized care centers.

Furthermore, the score should evaluate the practices’ use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information between providers, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of medical errors. Practices with robust EHR systems that allow for seamless information exchange will receive higher marks. The ability to track patient data, including screening results, treatment plans, and outcomes, is crucial for improving the quality of care and identifying areas for improvement.

The analysis should also consider the practice's commitment to patient education. Providing patients with clear and concise information about lung cancer, its risk factors, screening guidelines, and treatment options is essential. Practices that offer educational materials, host informational sessions, or utilize online resources will be viewed favorably. Patient empowerment through education is a key component of effective lung cancer care.

Finally, the Lung Cancer Score should reflect the overall patient experience. This includes factors such as wait times for appointments, the friendliness and responsiveness of staff, and the ease of navigating the healthcare system. Practices that prioritize patient satisfaction and actively seek feedback will be recognized for their commitment to providing high-quality care.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for physicians in ZIP code 17251, with a focus on primary care availability in Roxbury, is a multifaceted assessment. It takes into account physician-to-patient ratios, adherence to screening guidelines, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, specialist access, EHR usage, patient education efforts, and overall patient experience. This comprehensive approach provides a valuable tool for residents and potential patients seeking to understand the quality of lung cancer care in their community.

For a detailed, interactive map visualizing the healthcare landscape in Roxbury and surrounding areas, including physician locations, specialist availability, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. Gain a visual understanding of the healthcare environment and make informed decisions about your health.