17347, Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17347, Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.37 percent of the residents in 17347 has some form of health insurance. 32.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.14 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 17347 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,616 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17347. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,074 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,536 health care providers accessible to residents in 17347, Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Mount Wolf, PA (ZIP Code 17347)

Analyzing the availability and quality of lung cancer care within Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17347) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on key indicators, including primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Lung Cancer Score' assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care access. Early detection is crucial, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. Assessing primary care availability in Mount Wolf involves examining the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and surrounding areas. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Data on the average wait times for appointments, both for routine check-ups and for patients with suspected lung cancer symptoms, is essential. This includes an evaluation of same-day or next-day appointment availability, a crucial factor in managing urgent health concerns.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves assessing the practices’ commitment to preventative care, including the promotion of smoking cessation programs and the provision of lung cancer screening services, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and the interoperability of these systems are also vital. EHRs facilitate the seamless sharing of patient information between PCPs, specialists, and other healthcare providers, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of errors.

Identifying standout practices within and near Mount Wolf is crucial. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to excellence in patient care, offering comprehensive services and employing innovative approaches. This analysis should consider factors like patient satisfaction scores, the use of evidence-based guidelines, and the integration of specialized services. For example, a practice that actively participates in clinical trials or offers specialized pulmonary services would be considered a standout. The presence of board-certified pulmonologists and oncologists within a reasonable distance is also a key factor.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who have difficulty traveling. Assessing the availability of telehealth services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and educational resources, is crucial. The types of telemedicine services offered, such as the availability of virtual appointments with specialists, are also critical. The ease of use of these platforms and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care process are also important.

The impact of lung cancer extends beyond the physical realm. The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can have a profound impact on patients’ mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into the healthcare system is essential. This analysis must evaluate the availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, for lung cancer patients. The integration of mental health professionals into the care team, such as the availability of on-site therapists or the ability to refer patients to mental health specialists, is a key indicator of a comprehensive approach to care. The availability of resources that address the emotional and psychological challenges associated with a lung cancer diagnosis, such as support groups or educational materials, is also essential.

The overall ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for Mount Wolf, PA (ZIP code 17347) would be a composite of these factors. The score would reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, providing a valuable benchmark for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. A high score would indicate strong primary care access, a high physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the availability of telemedicine services, and the integration of mental health resources. A lower score would indicate areas for improvement, such as limited primary care access, a shortage of specialists, a lack of telemedicine adoption, or insufficient mental health support.

This analysis must also consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact access to care. The presence of a significant population of uninsured or underinsured individuals can create barriers to accessing healthcare services. The availability of financial assistance programs and the acceptance of various insurance plans by local practices are therefore important considerations. The geographic distribution of healthcare resources within the ZIP code and surrounding areas is also a factor. The distance patients must travel to access care can impact their ability to receive timely and appropriate treatment.

The specific data points used to calculate the ‘Lung Cancer Score’ would include the number of PCPs and specialists practicing within the ZIP code and surrounding areas, the physician-to-patient ratio, the average wait times for appointments, the availability of lung cancer screening services, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and patient satisfaction scores. This data would be collected from various sources, including public health agencies, healthcare provider directories, insurance company databases, and patient surveys.

The final ‘Lung Cancer Score’ would be presented as a numerical value, with a corresponding explanation of the methodology and the key findings. The score would be accompanied by a detailed report that provides a comprehensive overview of the local healthcare ecosystem, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses and identifying areas for improvement. This report would be a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, providing the information needed to make informed decisions about lung cancer care in Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Mount Wolf, PA, consider exploring **CartoChrome maps**. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that allow you to visualize data, identify patterns, and gain insights into the availability and accessibility of healthcare services in your area.