17253, Saltillo, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17253, Saltillo, Pennsylvania is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.98 percent of the residents in 17253 has some form of health insurance. 32.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.91 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 17253 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 92 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17253. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 45 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 231 health care providers accessible to residents in 17253, Saltillo, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17253 & Saltillo Primary Care

This analysis delves into the healthcare landscape of ZIP Code 17253, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care, particularly the availability and quality of primary care services in the nearby town of Saltillo. We aim to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to patients and the potential challenges they face. This evaluation is not a definitive ranking but rather a comprehensive assessment based on available data and publicly accessible information.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on strong primary care. Early detection through screening, timely referrals to specialists, and ongoing management of co-morbidities are all critical. Therefore, primary care availability in Saltillo is a significant determinant of the Lung Cancer Score for residents of 17253.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial indicator. A low ratio can indicate limited access to care, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can be used to estimate these ratios. If Saltillo demonstrates a shortage of primary care physicians, the Lung Cancer Score will be negatively impacted. The analysis considers the number of primary care physicians actively practicing in Saltillo, divided by the population served, to arrive at a ratio reflecting accessibility.

Standout practices, those demonstrating excellence in patient care and a commitment to lung cancer prevention and treatment, are also examined. This involves identifying practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs, offer lung cancer screening (particularly to high-risk individuals), and have established referral pathways to pulmonologists and oncologists. We look for practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate care coordination and track patient outcomes. The presence of these features significantly boosts the Lung Cancer Score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important. Telemedicine offers potential solutions to geographical barriers and can improve access to specialists, especially for patients in rural areas. Practices that offer telehealth consultations for primary care, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment will receive a higher score. The analysis assesses the availability of telehealth services, the types of services offered, and the ease of access for patients in 17253 and surrounding areas.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are vital for lung cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health support is crucial for coping with the disease and its treatment. The analysis considers the availability of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) in the area, the presence of support groups specifically for cancer patients, and the integration of mental health services into primary care practices. Practices that actively screen for depression and anxiety and offer referrals to mental health services will be viewed favorably.

The Lung Cancer Score also considers the availability of diagnostic imaging services, such as CT scans, in the area. Timely access to these services is crucial for early detection and accurate staging of lung cancer. The analysis examines the number of imaging centers in the region, the wait times for appointments, and the availability of advanced imaging technologies.

We evaluate the presence of any community outreach programs focused on lung cancer prevention and early detection. This includes programs that promote smoking cessation, provide education about lung cancer risk factors, and offer free or low-cost lung cancer screenings. The presence of such programs demonstrates a commitment to public health and proactive care.

Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are used to gather information on lung cancer incidence and mortality rates in the region. This data is used to contextualize the analysis and assess the overall burden of lung cancer in the community.

The analysis considers the availability of patient navigation services. Patient navigators help patients navigate the complex healthcare system, providing support with scheduling appointments, understanding treatment options, and accessing financial assistance. The presence of patient navigation services can significantly improve the patient experience and outcomes.

The analysis also considers the presence of any clinical trials for lung cancer in the region. Participation in clinical trials can provide patients with access to cutting-edge treatments and contribute to advancements in lung cancer research.

The Lung Cancer Score is not a single number but a composite assessment based on multiple factors. Each factor is weighted based on its relative importance to lung cancer care. The final score reflects the overall quality and accessibility of lung cancer-related services in the area.

The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is also assessed. The analysis considers the number of specialists practicing in the region, their board certifications, and their experience in treating lung cancer. The presence of a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including surgeons, radiation oncologists, and pathologists, is also evaluated.

The analysis also considers the financial aspects of care. The cost of healthcare, including the cost of diagnostic tests, treatments, and medications, can be a significant barrier to care for many patients. The analysis considers the availability of financial assistance programs, the acceptance of insurance plans, and the affordability of healthcare services in the region.

The analysis also explores the level of patient satisfaction with healthcare services in the area. This is based on patient reviews, surveys, and other feedback mechanisms. Patient satisfaction is an important indicator of the quality of care and the overall patient experience.

The analysis will incorporate information from the US Census Bureau to determine the demographic composition of the population in 17253 and Saltillo. This includes factors such as age, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. This information is used to identify any disparities in access to care and to tailor the analysis to the specific needs of the community.

The analysis will also consider the geographic location of healthcare facilities in relation to the population. This includes factors such as the distance patients must travel to access care, the availability of public transportation, and the presence of any geographical barriers.

The analysis will also consider the availability of palliative care services. Palliative care focuses on providing comfort and support to patients with serious illnesses, such as lung cancer. The availability of palliative care services can significantly improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

The final Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 17253 and the primary care situation in Saltillo will be a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape, providing valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the system. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and to advocate for policies that support better lung cancer care.

For a visual representation of these healthcare resources and their geographic distribution, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive maps that can help you visualize physician locations, hospital access, and other critical data points, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 17253 and Saltillo.