17314, Delta, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17314, Delta, Pennsylvania is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.62 percent of the residents in 17314 has some form of health insurance. 33.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.42 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 17314 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,591 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17314. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,048 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 514 health care providers accessible to residents in 17314, Delta, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Delta, PA (ZIP Code 17314)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support within Delta, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17314), focusing on primary care availability and physician performance. The goal is to assess the overall "Lung Cancer Score" for the area, considering factors crucial for timely diagnosis and effective care. This score, although not a formal metric, reflects the accessibility and quality of care available to residents.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management lies in early detection. This, in turn, depends heavily on the availability and responsiveness of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Delta, the "Lung Cancer Score" is initially impacted by the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnostic procedures. Publicly available data, such as that from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, needs to be analyzed to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 17314. This data would be compared to state and national averages to gauge the relative accessibility of primary care.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of primary care practices significantly affects the "Lung Cancer Score." Several factors contribute to this assessment. The adoption of evidence-based practices, such as adherence to U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for lung cancer screening (specifically, low-dose computed tomography or LDCT scans for eligible individuals), is critical. Practices that proactively identify and refer high-risk patients for screening contribute positively to the score. Conversely, practices that lag in adopting these guidelines or that fail to adequately counsel patients on smoking cessation strategies would negatively impact the score.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into practice profiles. This involves evaluating the availability of specialized services, such as on-site or readily accessible radiology services for LDCT scans. Practices that have established referral networks with pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons are also more likely to provide comprehensive care. Reviewing patient testimonials and practice ratings, where available, can offer valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the overall quality of care. This information, combined with data on staff training and the use of electronic health records (EHRs), helps to build a more complete picture of each practice's capabilities.

Telemedicine adoption represents another crucial aspect of the "Lung Cancer Score." The ability to offer virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management, can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas like Delta. Telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms and have trained staff to effectively utilize them would receive a higher score in this area. This is particularly important for patients undergoing treatment, allowing for more frequent check-ins and monitoring of side effects.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but essential component of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or through referrals to qualified mental health professionals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The availability of support groups, both in-person and virtual, also contributes positively to the "Lung Cancer Score." Practices that proactively screen for mental health concerns and offer resources to address them are better positioned to support patients throughout their cancer journey.

Analyzing the availability of these resources is crucial. This includes assessing the proximity of cancer centers and specialized treatment facilities to Delta. Travel time to these facilities can significantly impact the patient experience. The availability of transportation assistance programs for patients who may face financial or logistical challenges is also an important consideration. The "Lung Cancer Score" reflects not only the quality of care but also the ease with which patients can access it.

In summary, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Delta, PA (ZIP Code 17314) is a multifaceted assessment. It considers the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of evidence-based practices, the availability of specialized services, the integration of telemedicine, and the provision of mental health support. The score is also influenced by the accessibility of cancer centers and support services. The exact score can only be determined through a comprehensive data analysis.

This analysis highlights the importance of understanding the local healthcare landscape in Delta, PA. To gain a visual understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, cancer centers, and support services, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the data discussed above, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the healthcare environment.