17318, Emigsville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17318, Emigsville, Pennsylvania is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17318 has some form of health insurance. 37.84 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.61 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 17318 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 147 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17318. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 54 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,501 health care providers accessible to residents in 17318, Emigsville, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Emigsville, PA (ZIP Code 17318)

This analysis focuses on evaluating the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer detection and treatment within the Emigsville, PA (ZIP Code 17318) area. The assessment considers factors influencing early detection, access to primary care, and the overall support system for patients. We will assess the landscape based on publicly available data and general industry trends, acknowledging that a complete and definitive "Lung Cancer Score" requires granular, proprietary data.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in robust primary care. Regular checkups, screenings, and the ability to establish a trusting relationship with a physician are crucial for early detection and intervention. In Emigsville, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical metric. Physician-to-patient ratios offer a snapshot of access. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide insights into these ratios. However, the actual availability also hinges on factors like insurance acceptance, practice size, and the willingness of physicians to take on new patients.

The presence of standout practices within the area significantly impacts the quality of care. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, including lung cancer screenings. They may have implemented robust systems for patient education, risk assessment, and referral pathways to specialists. Identifying these practices involves researching their services, patient reviews, and participation in quality improvement initiatives. Online resources like Healthgrades and Vitals can provide patient feedback and information on physician specialties and services offered. Furthermore, local hospital systems and community health organizations often highlight exceptional practices within their networks.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. Telemedicine offers the potential to increase access to care, particularly for patients who may have mobility issues or live in areas with limited access to specialists. In the context of lung cancer, telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients. The degree to which practices in Emigsville have embraced telemedicine, including the types of services offered and the technology used, is a crucial element of the evaluation. This includes assessing the availability of virtual screening consultations, remote symptom monitoring, and virtual support groups.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked but are a vital component of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis and its treatment can profoundly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services is essential. Assessing the availability of these resources in Emigsville requires examining the presence of mental health providers, the integration of mental health services within primary care practices, and the availability of support groups specifically for cancer patients. The presence of partnerships between local hospitals, cancer centers, and mental health organizations is a positive indicator.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for Emigsville, PA (ZIP Code 17318) is influenced by the interplay of these factors. A high score would indicate a favorable environment characterized by a good physician-to-patient ratio, readily available primary care, standout practices committed to preventative care, widespread telemedicine adoption, and robust mental health support. Conversely, a low score would suggest potential challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive lung cancer care. The actual score would be a weighted average of these factors, with each factor's weight reflecting its relative importance in the overall patient experience.

To further refine this analysis, we need to delve into the specifics of the practices within the ZIP code. This involves researching individual physician profiles, examining the services they offer, and assessing their commitment to preventative care. The availability of lung cancer screening programs, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, is a critical factor. We must also evaluate the referral pathways to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists. The efficiency and timeliness of these referrals significantly impact patient outcomes.

Additionally, the presence of community resources, such as support groups and patient advocacy organizations, contributes to a positive patient experience. These organizations provide valuable information, emotional support, and assistance navigating the healthcare system. Assessing the presence and accessibility of these resources is an important component of the overall evaluation.

The financial aspects of care also play a role. The acceptance of various insurance plans, the availability of financial assistance programs, and the transparency of pricing are all factors that can impact a patient's ability to access care. Examining these aspects provides a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Emigsville.

In conclusion, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Emigsville, PA (ZIP Code 17318) reflects a complex interplay of factors. While this analysis provides a general overview, a more detailed assessment would require in-depth research into individual practices, the availability of specific services, and the overall support system for patients. This includes assessing the availability of screening programs, referral pathways, mental health resources, and financial assistance programs.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Emigsville, and to compare it to other areas, consider exploring the data using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a geographically informed view of physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data points, allowing for a visual comparison of access to care and other factors influencing lung cancer care.