17260, Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17260, Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.78 percent of the residents in 17260 has some form of health insurance. 65.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.78 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 17260 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 178 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17260. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 349 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 38 health care providers accessible to residents in 17260, Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17260 & Shirleysburg Primary Care

This analysis examines the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 17260, focusing on factors pertinent to lung cancer care, and specifically assesses the availability and quality of primary care services in Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania, a community within that ZIP code. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering various elements that impact a patient's journey, from early detection to treatment and support. This score is not a single number but rather a composite of observations and assessments across several key areas.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care is early detection. This is heavily reliant on access to primary care physicians (PCPs) who can screen for risk factors, order necessary imaging, and refer patients to specialists. Shirleysburg, as a smaller community within the 17260 ZIP code, presents a unique challenge. The availability of PCPs is the first crucial element. A low physician-to-patient ratio indicates potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments and preventative care. Data on the number of PCPs actively practicing within Shirleysburg and their patient load is essential for a preliminary assessment. Publicly available resources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health data, and local hospital websites can provide some of this information. However, the accuracy of such data can vary, and the information is often not current.

Beyond simple availability, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes the PCP's awareness of lung cancer screening guidelines, their willingness to discuss risk factors like smoking history, and their proactive approach to ordering low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients. The "Lung Cancer Score" must consider the adoption of evidence-based practices by local PCPs. This requires investigating the prevalence of practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) and their ability to flag high-risk patients for screening. The score would also consider the availability of patient education materials and the PCP's commitment to shared decision-making, where patients are actively involved in their care.

Specialist availability is another crucial factor. The "Lung Cancer Score" must consider the proximity to pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists. The presence of a comprehensive cancer center within a reasonable driving distance significantly improves the score. The presence of these specialists within the 17260 ZIP code would be highly beneficial. However, it's more likely that patients in Shirleysburg would need to travel to larger towns or cities for specialist consultations and treatment. The travel time and accessibility to these specialized services are important considerations.

Telemedicine adoption is another important consideration. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists for consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring. The "Lung Cancer Score" needs to assess the extent to which local practices and specialists utilize telemedicine platforms. This includes evaluating the types of telemedicine services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring) and the ease of access for patients. The availability of reliable internet connectivity in Shirleysburg is also a factor, as it is essential for successful telemedicine adoption.

Mental health support is a critical aspect of lung cancer care, and the "Lung Cancer Score" must reflect this. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's mental well-being. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential. The score should assess the accessibility of these resources within the 17260 ZIP code and the ease with which patients can access them. This includes evaluating the availability of mental health professionals who specialize in oncology or have experience working with cancer patients.

Standout practices are also an important component of the analysis. Identifying practices that excel in lung cancer care can help inform patients and highlight best practices. The "Lung Cancer Score" should consider factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the use of innovative technologies, and the practice's commitment to community outreach and education. Identifying practices that offer comprehensive care, including smoking cessation programs and support groups, would positively impact the score.

The analysis should also consider the availability of support services beyond medical care. This includes access to patient navigators, financial assistance programs, and transportation services. These resources can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and alleviate some of the burdens associated with a cancer diagnosis. The "Lung Cancer Score" should assess the availability of these support services within the 17260 ZIP code and the ease with which patients can access them.

Data collection for this analysis can be challenging. It requires gathering information from various sources, including physician directories, hospital websites, insurance providers, and patient advocacy groups. The accuracy and completeness of the data will significantly impact the validity of the "Lung Cancer Score." Regular updates are also necessary to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for the 17260 ZIP code, and specifically for primary care availability in Shirleysburg, would be a composite score. This score would not be a single number but rather a reflection of the overall quality and accessibility of lung cancer care within the region. It would consider the availability of PCPs, the quality of primary care, the availability of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of standout practices and support services.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" would provide valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It can help patients make informed decisions about their care, identify areas for improvement in the healthcare system, and guide resource allocation to improve the quality of lung cancer care in the 17260 ZIP code.

To further enhance your understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 17260 and gain a more comprehensive view of the factors discussed, including physician locations, specialist availability, and proximity to cancer centers, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data analysis. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of these critical elements, allowing you to identify areas of strength and areas where improvements are needed. Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment.