17361, Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17361, Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.18 percent of the residents in 17361 has some form of health insurance. 34.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.61 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 17361 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,259 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17361. An estimate of 54 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,777 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 15,729 health care providers accessible to residents in 17361, Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below provides a preliminary assessment of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer care within the ZIP code 17361, focusing on Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas. This assessment considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, all factors that can significantly impact a patient's journey from diagnosis to treatment and recovery. This is not a definitive ranking but rather an informed overview.

The availability of primary care physicians is a critical starting point. Early detection of lung cancer often hinges on regular checkups and screening recommendations from primary care providers. Within Shrewsbury (ZIP code 17361), the concentration of primary care physicians, relative to the population, forms a crucial metric. A higher physician-to-patient ratio generally suggests easier access to appointments and potentially shorter wait times, which can be vital for timely diagnosis and intervention. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratio within the area requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with physician directories and insurance provider networks. This data, when analyzed, provides a foundational understanding of access to care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality and characteristics of primary care practices are paramount. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? Do they have electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate information sharing with specialists? Practices that embrace technology, such as EHRs, often demonstrate a commitment to efficiency and patient-centered care. These factors contribute to a practice's overall score in terms of patient access and support.

Standout practices within the Shrewsbury area, if any, would likely be characterized by a combination of factors. These might include a demonstrated commitment to preventative care, including lung cancer screening recommendations for eligible patients. They may also have a strong focus on patient education, providing resources and support to help patients understand their risk factors and the importance of early detection. Patient testimonials and online reviews can offer insights into the patient experience, highlighting practices known for their compassionate care and effective communication.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of modern healthcare delivery, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to care. Practices that have integrated telemedicine into their operations can provide follow-up appointments, medication management, and even some initial consultations remotely. This is especially valuable for patients undergoing cancer treatment, who may experience fatigue and other side effects that make travel difficult. Investigating the availability of telemedicine services within primary care practices in Shrewsbury is essential.

The mental health of lung cancer patients is often overlooked, yet it is a critical component of their overall well-being. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Primary care practices that recognize this and offer or facilitate access to mental health resources demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive patient care. This might involve on-site mental health professionals, referrals to local therapists or counselors, or partnerships with support groups. Investigating the availability of mental health support within primary care practices in the area is a key element of this analysis.

The Shrewsbury area, like many communities, may experience variations in healthcare access based on insurance coverage and socioeconomic factors. Patients with limited financial resources or lacking adequate insurance may face greater challenges in accessing care. Understanding the acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, by primary care practices is an important consideration. Additionally, the availability of financial assistance programs or patient navigation services can help bridge the gap for patients who struggle to afford care.

To conduct a comprehensive assessment, one would need to gather data from multiple sources. This includes physician directories, insurance provider websites, online reviews, and potentially direct contact with primary care practices. The information should be organized and analyzed to create a scoring system that reflects the factors discussed above. This score would then provide a preliminary ranking of primary care resources within the ZIP code 17361, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.

The analysis would also consider the proximity of specialized care, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists. While this analysis focuses on primary care, the availability of specialists in the surrounding areas is crucial for patients diagnosed with lung cancer. The ease of access to these specialists, including travel time and appointment availability, can significantly impact patient outcomes.

In conclusion, assessing the healthcare landscape in Shrewsbury, PA (ZIP code 17361) for lung cancer care requires a multi-faceted approach. The availability of primary care physicians, their practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and access to specialized care all contribute to the overall quality of care available to patients. The data gathered would then be analyzed to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Shrewsbury and surrounding areas, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and other relevant resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable insights into healthcare access and availability, helping you visualize the data and make informed decisions.