17327, Glen Rock, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17327, Glen Rock, Pennsylvania is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.57 percent of the residents in 17327 has some form of health insurance. 30.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.45 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 17327 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,886 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17327. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,429 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,999 health care providers accessible to residents in 17327, Glen Rock, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score: Glen Rock, PA (ZIP Code 17327) - A Primary Care Perspective

This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive 'Lung Cancer Score' for primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 17327 ZIP code, focusing on their preparedness to address lung cancer prevention, early detection, and patient support. The assessment considers factors crucial for effective lung cancer care, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources. Furthermore, the analysis will specifically examine primary care availability within the town of Glen Rock.

The foundation of a strong lung cancer care system begins with accessible primary care. Glen Rock, a small community, relies heavily on its local PCPs. A crucial element of this accessibility is the physician-to-patient ratio. A favorable ratio, indicating a sufficient number of physicians to serve the population, is vital. A high ratio can lead to appointment delays, potentially hindering timely screenings and follow-up care. Data analysis, including publicly available sources and potentially local surveys (if available), would reveal the current ratio. This data point is a fundamental building block for the Lung Cancer Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of individual practices are important. Are practices accepting new patients? This is a critical consideration, as access to a PCP is the gateway to preventative care, including lung cancer screenings for eligible individuals. The presence of electronic health records (EHRs) is another essential element. EHRs facilitate efficient information sharing between specialists, radiology centers, and patients. This streamlined communication is crucial for coordinating care, tracking patient history, and ensuring adherence to screening guidelines.

Standout practices within the 17327 ZIP code would be those demonstrating exceptional commitment to lung cancer prevention and early detection. This could include practices actively promoting smoking cessation programs, offering comprehensive patient education materials, and proactively identifying and screening high-risk individuals. Identifying these practices requires in-depth research, potentially involving patient reviews, interviews with healthcare professionals, and analysis of practice websites and patient resources.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool in modern healthcare, and its adoption by PCPs is a significant factor in the Lung Cancer Score. Telemedicine enables remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists, especially beneficial for patients in rural areas or those with mobility issues. Practices offering telemedicine services can provide more convenient access to care, potentially improving patient adherence to screening recommendations and follow-up appointments. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining practice websites, patient portals, and interviews with physicians to understand the extent of their telemedicine capabilities.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive care. PCPs should be equipped to identify patients who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. The Lung Cancer Score considers the presence of on-site mental health professionals or partnerships with local mental health providers. This ensures patients have access to the support they need throughout their journey. Investigating this aspect involves examining practice websites, reviewing patient resources, and potentially surveying local mental health providers to assess their accessibility to PCP patients.

The specific application of the Lung Cancer Score requires a methodology that assigns weights to each factor. For example, physician-to-patient ratios might carry a significant weight, reflecting their fundamental importance. The presence of EHRs and telemedicine capabilities could also be weighted heavily. Practices demonstrating proactive screening efforts and strong mental health support would receive higher scores. The final score would provide a comparative ranking of PCPs within the 17327 ZIP code, highlighting those best positioned to address lung cancer care.

The overall primary care availability within Glen Rock is also a key consideration. Are there enough PCPs to meet the needs of the community? Are practices clustered in specific areas, creating potential access disparities? This assessment involves analyzing the geographic distribution of practices, considering population density, and identifying any potential gaps in care. The availability of urgent care facilities and after-hours care options is also relevant, ensuring patients have access to care when needed.

The research would involve examining publicly available data, such as the US Census Bureau and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), to gather information on physician density and population demographics. Local resources, such as the Glen Rock Borough website or the local library, could provide additional information on community health initiatives and local healthcare providers.

The Lung Cancer Score is not just about ranking physicians; it's about understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Glen Rock. This analysis can inform community health initiatives, guide patients in choosing a PCP, and highlight areas where improvements are needed. The goal is to promote better lung cancer outcomes for the residents of Glen Rock.

This analysis provides a framework for assessing the primary care landscape in Glen Rock, PA (17327) from a lung cancer perspective. The specific data points and weighting system would need to be determined through thorough research and analysis. This approach will enable residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

For a visual representation of the data, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping tools that can help you visualize the healthcare landscape in Glen Rock and make informed decisions about your health.