17350, New Oxford, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17350, New Oxford, Pennsylvania is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.99 percent of the residents in 17350 has some form of health insurance. 36.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.94 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 17350 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,971 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17350. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,735 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,532 health care providers accessible to residents in 17350, New Oxford, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: New Oxford, PA (ZIP Code 17350)**

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 17350 (New Oxford, Pennsylvania), focusing on factors crucial for early detection and comprehensive patient care. The evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all vital components in managing lung cancer risk and treatment. The goal is to offer insights into the healthcare landscape and its potential impact on patients facing this serious illness.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. In New Oxford, the availability of PCPs relative to the population size directly affects the ease with which individuals can obtain regular checkups, screenings, and follow-up appointments. A higher ratio, meaning fewer patients per physician, generally translates to better access and potentially more proactive healthcare. Conversely, a lower ratio may indicate longer wait times and reduced opportunities for preventative care, including lung cancer screening. Data from various sources, including the Pennsylvania Department of Health and professional medical organizations, will be used to assess the current physician-to-patient ratio within the specified ZIP code. This involves analyzing the number of practicing PCPs and the population served, offering a critical baseline for the overall Lung Cancer Score.

Standout practices in New Oxford are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive lung cancer care. This includes proactive screening programs, such as offering low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients, as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Practices that integrate smoking cessation programs, including counseling and medication assistance, also receive higher scores. Furthermore, practices that collaborate with pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists to ensure seamless patient referrals and coordinated care are considered exemplary. The evaluation will examine the availability of these services within each practice, considering factors like the number of patients screened, the utilization of evidence-based guidelines, and the speed and efficiency of the referral process.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like New Oxford. Telemedicine offers patients convenient access to healthcare services, including consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, receive higher scores. This is particularly relevant for patients who may have mobility issues, live far from the practice, or prefer the convenience of virtual care. The analysis will assess the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of access to these services, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall patient care workflow.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Practices that recognize this and provide access to mental health services, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, are highly valued. The assessment will consider the availability of on-site mental health professionals, partnerships with local mental health providers, and the integration of mental health screenings into routine care. The goal is to identify practices that prioritize the holistic well-being of their patients, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health.

The Lung Cancer Score will be calculated based on the weighted average of these factors. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its importance in providing comprehensive lung cancer care. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of screening programs may be given higher weights than the adoption of telemedicine. The final score will be a numerical value, with higher scores indicating better performance in providing lung cancer care. The score will be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology and the rationale behind the weighting system.

The analysis will identify specific practices within ZIP code 17350 that excel in providing lung cancer care. These standout practices will be highlighted, along with their key strengths and areas of excellence. The goal is to provide patients with information to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

The availability of mental health services is a critical factor. Lung cancer patients often experience significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. Practices that proactively address these needs through counseling, support groups, and psychiatric referrals will receive higher scores. The analysis will examine the presence of on-site mental health professionals, partnerships with local mental health providers, and the integration of mental health screenings into routine patient care.

The Lung Cancer Score is not intended to be a definitive ranking of all practices in New Oxford. Rather, it is designed to provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape and to highlight areas where improvements can be made. The score will be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare environment and to ensure that the information provided remains current and relevant.

The final Lung Cancer Score for each practice will be presented alongside a summary of its strengths and weaknesses. This will allow patients to compare practices and make informed decisions about their healthcare. The analysis will also identify areas where the healthcare system in New Oxford can be improved, such as increasing the number of PCPs, expanding access to screening programs, and enhancing the availability of mental health resources.

The assessment will also consider the practices' commitment to patient education and empowerment. Practices that provide patients with information about lung cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and treatment options will receive higher scores. This includes providing educational materials, offering smoking cessation programs, and encouraging patients to participate in shared decision-making. The goal is to empower patients to take an active role in their healthcare and to make informed decisions about their health.

The analysis will also consider the practices' use of technology to improve patient care. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to streamline patient care, offer online portals for patients to access their medical information, and utilize telehealth platforms to provide remote consultations will receive higher scores. The goal is to identify practices that are leveraging technology to improve efficiency, enhance patient access to care, and improve the overall patient experience.

The analysis will also consider the practices' commitment to community outreach and engagement. Practices that participate in community health events, partner with local organizations to provide health education, and actively engage with the community to address health disparities will receive higher scores. The goal is to identify practices that are committed to improving the health of the entire community, not just their own patients.

The Lung Cancer Score is designed to be a dynamic tool that can be used to improve the quality of lung cancer care in New Oxford. By providing patients with information about the healthcare landscape, highlighting areas where improvements can be made, and recognizing practices that excel in providing lung cancer care, the analysis can contribute to better health outcomes for patients.

The analysis will also consider the practices' commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Practices that have a diverse staff, provide culturally competent care, and actively work to address health disparities will receive higher scores. The goal is to identify practices that are committed to providing equitable care to all patients, regardless of their race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or other factors.

The analysis will also consider the practices' commitment to continuous quality improvement. Practices that regularly monitor their performance, collect patient feedback, and implement changes to improve patient care will receive higher scores. The goal is to identify practices that are committed to ongoing improvement and to providing the best possible care to their patients.

The final analysis will provide a comprehensive overview of the lung cancer care landscape in New Oxford, Pennsylvania. The Lung Cancer Score, the identification of standout practices, and the discussion of key factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources will provide valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

**For a visual representation of these healthcare resources and their geographic distribution, visit CartoChrome maps. Explore the healthcare landscape of New Oxford and discover the resources available to you.**