17321, Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17321, Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania is 91 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.84 percent of the residents in 17321 has some form of health insurance. 31.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.01 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 17321 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 464 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17321. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 371 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,253 health care providers accessible to residents in 17321, Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Fawn Grove, PA (ZIP Code 17321)

This analysis evaluates the healthcare landscape of Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17321), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. The goal is to provide a nuanced 'Lung Cancer Score' assessment, considering primary care access, physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, all crucial elements in navigating a lung cancer journey. The analysis aims to offer insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, informing residents about the resources available to them.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and high-quality primary care. In Fawn Grove, primary care availability is a critical factor. The geographical isolation of Fawn Grove, coupled with potential transportation challenges for residents, necessitates a robust primary care infrastructure. This includes the presence of family physicians, internal medicine specialists, and nurse practitioners within a reasonable radius. The analysis will delve into the physician-to-patient ratio in the area, comparing it to regional and national averages. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could signal potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and comprehensive care.

Further investigation will focus on the specific practices operating within and around ZIP code 17321. Are there established primary care clinics? Are these clinics accepting new patients? What is the average wait time for appointments? These factors directly impact the ability of individuals to receive prompt screenings, diagnoses, and referrals, all vital components of early lung cancer detection and treatment. The analysis will attempt to identify standout practices, those demonstrating a commitment to preventative care, patient education, and comprehensive services. This may involve assessing the practices' adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), which can facilitate information sharing and coordinated care.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to enhance healthcare access in a rural area like Fawn Grove. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. The analysis will investigate the prevalence of telemedicine services offered by local practices and hospitals. This includes evaluating the types of telemedicine services available (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring) and the technology used. The availability of reliable internet access in the area will also be considered, as this is a prerequisite for effective telemedicine implementation.

Beyond physical health, mental health support is an integral part of cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional and psychological well-being. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health resources in and around Fawn Grove. This includes identifying mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) and support groups. The presence of oncology-specific mental health services, such as counseling for cancer patients and their families, will be particularly relevant. The analysis will also consider the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, as this can facilitate early identification and intervention for patients experiencing emotional distress.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' for Fawn Grove, PA, will consider all these factors, assigning weighted scores based on their relative importance. The physician-to-patient ratio, primary care accessibility, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability will all contribute to the final score. A higher score will indicate a more favorable healthcare environment for lung cancer patients, while a lower score will highlight areas where improvements are needed. The score, while not a definitive measure, will provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape in the area.

The overall accessibility of specialized care is a crucial component of the analysis. While primary care forms the foundation, timely access to pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists is essential for accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment of lung cancer. The analysis will investigate the proximity of specialists to Fawn Grove and the ease with which patients can obtain referrals and appointments. This includes assessing the availability of transportation options for patients who may need to travel to access specialized care.

The analysis will also consider the availability of lung cancer screening programs, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans. Early detection is critical for improving lung cancer outcomes, and the presence of screening programs in the area is a positive indicator. The analysis will investigate the availability of LDCT screening at local hospitals and clinics, as well as the eligibility criteria for these programs.

The analysis will also consider the availability of patient education resources, such as information about lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options. Patient education empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and to actively participate in their care. The analysis will investigate the availability of educational materials and programs offered by local healthcare providers and cancer support organizations.

Finally, the analysis will acknowledge the limitations of the data. Healthcare data can be complex and dynamic, and the availability of specific information may vary. The analysis will rely on publicly available data sources, including government databases, healthcare directories, and practice websites. The analysis will also acknowledge that the 'Lung Cancer Score' is an estimate and should not be interpreted as a definitive assessment of the quality of care. It is intended to provide a general overview of the healthcare landscape in Fawn Grove and to highlight areas where further investigation may be warranted.

The final 'Lung Cancer Score' will be a composite measure, reflecting the overall strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Fawn Grove, PA, in relation to lung cancer care. It will serve as a starting point for residents seeking to understand the resources available to them and to make informed decisions about their healthcare. The score will be accompanied by a summary of key findings and recommendations for improving lung cancer care in the area.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Fawn Grove, PA, and to visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring interactive maps. These maps can provide valuable insights into the location of physicians, clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.