17322, Felton, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17322, Felton, Pennsylvania is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.31 percent of the residents in 17322 has some form of health insurance. 31.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.48 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 17322 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,176 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17322. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 905 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,606 health care providers accessible to residents in 17322, Felton, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Felton, PA (ZIP Code 17322)

This analysis assesses the quality of lung cancer care and related primary care resources available to residents of Felton, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17322). The evaluation considers factors impacting early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient well-being, focusing on the availability and accessibility of healthcare services within the specified geographic area. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, explore telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of a comprehensive approach to lung cancer care.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management lies in early detection. This necessitates a robust primary care infrastructure capable of providing regular screenings, particularly for individuals at high risk due to smoking history, age, and family history. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio in Felton reveals the potential for access challenges. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer doctors per resident, could lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility, allowing for more proactive and timely interventions. Data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health would be key to determine the exact ratio for primary care physicians within the 17322 ZIP code. This data would then be compared to state and national averages to gauge the relative strength of the local primary care capacity.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. Standout practices would demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, including actively promoting lung cancer screenings, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients. These practices would have well-established protocols for identifying at-risk individuals, counseling patients on smoking cessation, and coordinating care with specialists. A review of patient reviews, practice websites, and potentially direct outreach to local practices would reveal their screening rates, adherence to national guidelines (e.g., those from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force), and the presence of dedicated smoking cessation programs. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs and educational initiatives would also score favorably.

The adoption of telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Felton. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, and even mental health services remotely. Assessing the availability of telemedicine within the local healthcare landscape involves identifying primary care practices and specialist offices offering virtual appointments. Information on the types of telemedicine services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring) and the platforms used (e.g., secure video conferencing software) would be crucial. The ease of access to these services, including insurance coverage and technical support, would also factor into the evaluation.

The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is significant. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive care. This assessment involves identifying mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, who are accessible to residents of Felton. The proximity of these professionals, their acceptance of various insurance plans, and their experience in treating patients with cancer are key considerations. Partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers would be particularly beneficial, facilitating seamless referrals and integrated care. Furthermore, the availability of support groups, counseling services, and educational resources specifically tailored to lung cancer patients and their families would be highly valued.

Analyzing the data available, we can then begin to formulate a ‘Lung Cancer Score’. This score would be a composite measure, weighting the different factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio would be a baseline indicator of access. The quality of primary care practices, assessed through screening rates, adherence to guidelines, and smoking cessation programs, would contribute significantly to the score. The adoption of telemedicine would be a positive factor, particularly in a rural setting. Finally, the availability of mental health resources would be another critical component. A higher score would indicate a more robust and accessible healthcare system, better equipped to address the needs of lung cancer patients.

The final analysis would also consider the presence of any specialized cancer centers or hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of Felton. The proximity of these facilities, the types of treatments offered (e.g., surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy), and the availability of clinical trials would all influence the overall score. Collaboration and coordination between primary care practices, specialists, and cancer centers are essential for providing seamless and effective care.

The ‘Lung Cancer Score’ would not only reflect the current state of healthcare resources but also highlight areas for improvement. This could include advocating for increased physician recruitment, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, and expanding mental health services. The ultimate goal is to ensure that residents of Felton have access to the best possible care, leading to earlier detection, improved treatment outcomes, and a better quality of life for those affected by lung cancer.

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