17316, East Berlin, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17316, East Berlin, Pennsylvania is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.76 percent of the residents in 17316 has some form of health insurance. 30.82 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.47 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 17316 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,888 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17316. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,656 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,487 health care providers accessible to residents in 17316, East Berlin, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score: An Analysis for East Berlin, PA (ZIP Code 17316)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians within ZIP code 17316 (East Berlin, Pennsylvania), considering factors relevant to early detection and comprehensive patient care, specifically focusing on elements crucial for lung cancer prevention and treatment. The goal is to evaluate the availability and quality of services that impact patient outcomes, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. This assessment is not a formal medical evaluation but a data-driven overview.

East Berlin, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The availability of primary care physicians is a foundational element. A favorable physician-to-patient ratio is critical. This ratio indicates the number of patients served by each physician, reflecting the potential for individual attention and timely appointments. A low ratio, meaning more physicians per patient, generally translates to better access and more comprehensive care. Conversely, a high ratio can lead to longer wait times, potentially delaying crucial screenings and follow-up appointments for lung cancer risk assessment. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with information from professional directories and insurance provider networks, can be used to estimate this ratio.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of local practices are vital. Are the practices accepting new patients? Are they equipped with modern diagnostic tools, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scanners, which are crucial for early lung cancer detection in high-risk individuals? Do they have established protocols for smoking cessation counseling and referral to specialized programs? The presence of these elements significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score. Practices with robust screening programs, comprehensive smoking cessation support, and a proactive approach to patient education would score higher. Practices that are part of larger health systems often have advantages in terms of resources and access to specialists.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can enhance access to care, especially for individuals in rural areas. It can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists, including pulmonologists and oncologists. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine platforms for these purposes would receive a higher score. This includes offering virtual appointments for medication management, providing remote monitoring for patients with chronic respiratory conditions, and offering telehealth consultations for smoking cessation counseling.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked but is essential for lung cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Practices that offer on-site counseling services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals would receive a higher score. This includes providing access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups to address anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges that can arise during treatment.

Specific practices within East Berlin would be evaluated based on these criteria. For example, a practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio, offering LDCT screening, comprehensive smoking cessation programs, and telemedicine capabilities, along with on-site mental health support, would be considered a standout. Conversely, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, limited screening options, and no mental health support would score lower. The analysis would also consider the availability of specialized services, such as pulmonology and oncology, within a reasonable distance.

The Lung Cancer Score is a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weights would be determined based on their relative importance in influencing patient outcomes. For instance, the availability of LDCT screening and access to mental health resources might be weighted more heavily than the availability of telemedicine, though all factors contribute to the overall score. The score would be presented on a scale, allowing for a clear comparison of the healthcare landscape in East Berlin.

The analysis would also consider the demographic characteristics of the population served by these practices. Factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and smoking prevalence can influence the risk of lung cancer and the need for specific services. Practices serving populations with higher risk factors would be evaluated based on their ability to address these needs. This includes providing culturally sensitive care and outreach programs targeting vulnerable populations.

Furthermore, the analysis would consider the accessibility of information and resources. Do the practices have user-friendly websites with clear information about their services, including screening programs and smoking cessation support? Do they offer patient education materials in multiple languages, if necessary? Practices that prioritize patient education and communication would receive a higher score.

Finally, the analysis would consider the overall quality of care provided by the practices. This includes factors such as patient satisfaction, adherence to clinical guidelines, and outcomes data, where available. While obtaining comprehensive outcomes data can be challenging, the analysis would leverage available information from sources such as patient surveys and public health reports. Practices with a demonstrated commitment to quality improvement would receive a higher score.

In conclusion, this Lung Cancer Score analysis provides a data-driven assessment of the primary care landscape in East Berlin, PA (ZIP Code 17316). By evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, this analysis aims to identify strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare system and provide insights into how to improve access to care and patient outcomes. This information can be invaluable for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers in their efforts to address the challenges of lung cancer prevention and treatment in this community.

To visualize the healthcare landscape and explore the distribution of resources in East Berlin and surrounding areas, we encourage you to utilize the power of spatial analysis. **Explore the data and gain deeper insights with CartoChrome maps.**