17368, Wrightsville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17368, Wrightsville, Pennsylvania is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.09 percent of the residents in 17368 has some form of health insurance. 28.58 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.84 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 17368 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,440 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17368. An estimate of 47 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,061 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 14,157 health care providers accessible to residents in 17368, Wrightsville, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Wrightsville, PA (ZIP Code 17368)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care resources in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17368), with a specific focus on factors relevant to early lung cancer detection and patient support. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" analysis, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, all crucial elements in a patient's journey from potential diagnosis to treatment. This analysis is not a formal medical evaluation, and all findings are based on publicly available information and general industry trends.

Wrightsville, a small borough in York County, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Its relative proximity to larger urban centers like York City and Lancaster County influences the availability of specialized care, but the immediate access to primary care providers within the borough itself is a critical starting point. The success of early lung cancer detection hinges on consistent primary care, fostering trust, and enabling proactive screening.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access:**

Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 17368 requires detailed data, often proprietary or not publicly released. However, we can make informed estimates based on publicly available resources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The population of Wrightsville is relatively small, suggesting a potential challenge in maintaining a robust primary care network. A low physician-to-patient ratio can indicate potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments, leading to delays in screenings or diagnostic evaluations. This is a crucial factor in the "Lung Cancer Score."

Furthermore, the availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is likely limited within Wrightsville. This underscores the critical role of primary care physicians (PCPs) in coordinating care and acting as the initial point of contact. PCPs must be well-equipped to assess risk factors, order appropriate screenings (such as low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals), and refer patients promptly to specialists when necessary.

**Standout Practices and Practice Characteristics:**

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into individual practice websites, patient reviews, and healthcare directories. We can look for indicators of quality, such as:

* **Accreditation:** Practices accredited by organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) often demonstrate a commitment to standardized care and patient safety.
* **Patient Reviews:** Online reviews, while subjective, can provide insights into patient experiences, including appointment scheduling, communication, and overall satisfaction.
* **Specialized Services:** The presence of on-site diagnostic services, such as X-ray or laboratory testing, can improve the efficiency of care.
* **Preventive Care Focus:** Practices that actively promote preventive care, including smoking cessation programs and lung cancer screening recommendations, are highly valued.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will consider these factors, giving higher ratings to practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive and patient-centered care.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in rural or underserved areas. Its adoption by primary care practices in Wrightsville can significantly improve access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health consultations. Practices utilizing secure video conferencing platforms can provide convenient and timely care, reducing the need for in-person visits, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those residing outside of the immediate vicinity.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will give credit to practices that offer telemedicine options, recognizing the potential for improved patient access and adherence to care plans. This is particularly important for patients managing chronic conditions or undergoing cancer treatment.

**Mental Health Resources:**

The emotional toll of a potential lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship is substantial. Access to mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive care. Primary care practices should ideally have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will assess the availability of mental health support, including:

* **Referral Networks:** Does the practice have established relationships with mental health providers?
* **On-site Counseling:** Does the practice offer on-site counseling services?
* **Patient Education:** Does the practice provide information about mental health resources and support groups?

This focus on mental health is crucial to support patients through a difficult journey.

**Overall “Lung Cancer Score” and Conclusion:**

Based on the factors discussed above, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Wrightsville, PA (ZIP code 17368) will be determined by assessing the strength of the primary care network. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of individual practices, the availability of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health resources. A higher score reflects a more robust and accessible healthcare environment, which is critical for early lung cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

The score will be a relative measure, and it is essential to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and care.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Wrightsville, PA (ZIP code 17368) and explore the distribution of primary care practices and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. Their platform can help you visualize the data discussed in this analysis and provide a clearer picture of the healthcare resources available in your community.