17304, Aspers, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17304, Aspers, Pennsylvania is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.67 percent of the residents in 17304 has some form of health insurance. 26.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.56 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 17304 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 588 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17304. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 316 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,867 health care providers accessible to residents in 17304, Aspers, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below assesses the landscape of lung cancer care access within ZIP code 17304 (Hanover, PA) and the primary care environment in Aspers, PA, focusing on factors relevant to patient outcomes, including physician availability, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. This is not a formal medical evaluation, but an overview based on publicly available information and general industry trends.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Hanover, PA (ZIP Code 17304)**

Access to timely and effective lung cancer care is multifaceted, involving early detection, specialist availability, and supportive resources. In Hanover, PA, the starting point is understanding the physician landscape. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. Public data sources, like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, can provide estimates of the population within 17304. Comparing this to the number of oncologists, pulmonologists, and primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the ZIP code or immediately adjacent areas will give a preliminary sense of accessibility. A lower ratio (more physicians per patient) generally suggests better access. However, this ratio alone doesn't tell the whole story.

Standout practices, or those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive lung cancer care, are worth identifying. This involves looking for practices that offer a multidisciplinary approach, meaning they integrate pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, and potentially thoracic surgeons. Does the practice have a dedicated lung cancer screening program, adhering to guidelines from organizations like the American Cancer Society? Do they participate in clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments? Are they affiliated with larger healthcare systems that provide advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities?

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially for patients in rural or underserved areas. Does any practice in 17304 offer telehealth consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, or even initial consultations? Telemedicine can reduce travel burdens, improve access to specialists, and enhance patient convenience. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine, especially those offering it across various specialties related to lung cancer care, would score higher.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being. Does the practice or associated healthcare systems provide access to mental health professionals, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, specializing in oncology? Are support groups available for patients and their families? Integration of mental health services within the care pathway is a sign of a patient-centered approach.

**Primary Care Availability in Aspers, PA**

Primary care forms the bedrock of preventative care, including early lung cancer detection. The availability of PCPs in Aspers, PA, is paramount. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in Aspers itself is crucial. If the number of PCPs is low relative to the population, patients may face challenges in securing timely appointments for routine checkups and screenings. This can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide insights into primary care access in the area.

The proximity of Aspers to larger healthcare hubs, such as Gettysburg or Harrisburg, is a factor. Even if primary care availability is limited within Aspers, easy access to PCPs in nearby towns can mitigate the issue. Travel time and transportation options become important considerations.

The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) by primary care practices is another indicator. EHRs facilitate better communication between physicians, improve care coordination, and can streamline referrals to specialists. Practices utilizing EHRs effectively, particularly those integrated with systems used by specialists, would be more highly regarded.

The integration of preventative services is key. Does the primary care practice offer lung cancer screening, such as low-dose CT scans, for eligible patients (based on age and smoking history)? Do they actively promote smoking cessation programs? These preventative measures can significantly impact early detection and treatment success.

**Overall Assessment**

Evaluating the lung cancer care landscape involves a nuanced assessment. A high physician-to-patient ratio is a positive indicator, but it must be coupled with other factors. Standout practices will have a multidisciplinary approach, incorporate telemedicine where appropriate, and provide mental health support. Primary care availability is critical for early detection, and practices should offer preventative services.

The information available publicly is often limited. A comprehensive assessment would require a deeper dive, including direct contact with practices and healthcare systems. It's also important to remember that this analysis is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Patients should always consult with their healthcare providers to determine the best course of treatment.

**Conclusion**

Understanding the healthcare landscape is complex. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data discussed above, allowing you to explore physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and access to resources within 17304 and Aspers, PA. Explore the CartoChrome platform to gain a more comprehensive and visual understanding of the healthcare resources available in these areas.