17339, Lewisberry, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17339, Lewisberry, Pennsylvania is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.97 percent of the residents in 17339 has some form of health insurance. 30.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.22 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 17339 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,191 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17339. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,119 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,612 health care providers accessible to residents in 17339, Lewisberry, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score: An Analysis of Primary Care in Lewisberry, PA (ZIP Code 17339)

This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" for primary care physicians in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17339), focusing on factors critical for early detection, diagnosis, and support for patients facing this challenging disease. The score considers physician availability, access to diagnostic tools, integration of mental health services, and the adoption of modern technologies like telemedicine. A higher score indicates a more robust and patient-centered approach to lung cancer care.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer care strategy is the availability of primary care physicians. In Lewisberry, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial starting point. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, combined with information from healthcare directories, provides a baseline. We must assess the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code and compare it to the estimated population. A lower physician-to-patient ratio, indicating fewer doctors for a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. This is a significant negative factor in our scoring.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care provided by these physicians is paramount. We must investigate the practices of individual doctors within the area. This involves reviewing publicly available information, such as patient reviews, practice websites, and any accreditations or certifications held by the physicians. Practices that emphasize preventative care, offer comprehensive health screenings, and actively participate in continuing medical education (CME) related to lung cancer detection and treatment will receive higher scores.

One key aspect of lung cancer care is access to diagnostic tools. Primary care physicians play a vital role in the initial screening and referral process. The availability of advanced imaging technologies, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, is crucial for early detection, especially for individuals at high risk (e.g., smokers or former smokers). The analysis must assess whether the primary care practices in Lewisberry have established relationships with local hospitals or imaging centers that offer these services. Practices that proactively facilitate access to these crucial diagnostic tools will receive a higher score.

Telemedicine is transforming healthcare delivery, and its adoption is particularly relevant in rural areas like Lewisberry. Telemedicine allows patients to access care remotely, which can be especially beneficial for those with mobility issues or limited transportation options. The analysis will evaluate the extent to which primary care practices in the area utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, will be viewed favorably in the scoring.

Lung cancer is a physically and emotionally taxing disease. The mental health of patients is often overlooked, but it is a crucial component of overall well-being and recovery. The analysis will examine the integration of mental health services within the primary care practices in Lewisberry. Do the practices have on-site therapists or counselors? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals in the community? Practices that prioritize mental health support, either directly or through strong referral networks, will receive a significant boost in their scores.

Furthermore, the analysis must consider the practices' approach to patient education and support. Do the practices provide patients with information about lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options? Do they offer support groups or connect patients with resources like the American Lung Association or the National Cancer Institute? Practices that actively engage in patient education and provide access to support resources will be recognized for their commitment to comprehensive care.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will also factor in the practices' ability to coordinate care. Lung cancer treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, with specialists in pulmonology, oncology, and surgery. The analysis will assess the practices' ability to effectively coordinate care, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration between different healthcare providers. Practices with well-established referral pathways and a strong track record of coordinating care will receive higher scores.

The analysis will also consider the practices' use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs can improve care coordination, facilitate communication, and enhance patient safety. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively, allowing for easy access to patient information and streamlined communication with other healthcare providers, will be viewed favorably.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" for each primary care practice in Lewisberry (ZIP Code 17339) will be a composite score, reflecting the factors discussed above. The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing patients to easily compare and contrast the different practices in the area. The score will be updated regularly to reflect changes in healthcare practices and the availability of resources.

This analysis is not intended to provide medical advice. The "Lung Cancer Score" is intended to be a tool to help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare. Patients should always consult with their primary care physician to discuss their individual health needs and concerns.

For a visual representation of these findings, including the geographical distribution of primary care practices, access to diagnostic facilities, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive visualization of the data, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lewisberry and surrounding areas.