17723, Cammal, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17723, Cammal, Pennsylvania is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 70.27 percent of the residents in 17723 has some form of health insurance. 36.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.16 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 17723 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 15 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17723. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 20 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 585 health care providers accessible to residents in 17723, Cammal, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Cammal, PA (ZIP Code 17723)

Analyzing the landscape of lung cancer care in Cammal, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17723) requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider not only the availability of physicians, but also the broader healthcare ecosystem, including primary care access, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare infrastructure within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on the availability of qualified physicians. While a precise physician-to-patient ratio for pulmonologists and oncologists within the 17723 ZIP code is difficult to ascertain without direct access to proprietary databases, we can infer certain realities. Cammal is a very rural area. This suggests a potential scarcity of specialized medical professionals. Patients may need to travel significant distances to access pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. This travel burden directly impacts the timeliness of diagnosis and treatment, crucial factors in lung cancer outcomes. The lack of specialists necessitates an emphasis on robust primary care, acting as the initial point of contact and referral pathway.

Primary care availability in Cammal is a critical determinant of the "Lung Cancer Score." Primary care physicians (PCPs) are vital for early detection through lung cancer screening programs, particularly for high-risk individuals (smokers and former smokers). Assessing primary care availability involves considering factors like the number of PCPs per capita, the average wait times for appointments, and the acceptance of various insurance plans. A limited number of PCPs, long wait times, and restricted insurance coverage would negatively impact the score. Conversely, a readily accessible and comprehensive primary care network would significantly improve the score, facilitating timely screenings and referrals.

Identifying "standout practices" within the 17723 ZIP code is crucial. This involves evaluating practices that demonstrate excellence in lung cancer care. These practices may excel in areas such as:

* **Early detection:** Utilizing evidence-based lung cancer screening protocols, including low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients.
* **Multidisciplinary care:** Offering a coordinated approach involving pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists.
* **Patient education and support:** Providing comprehensive information about lung cancer, treatment options, and support services.
* **Clinical trial participation:** Offering patients access to cutting-edge therapies through participation in clinical trials.
* **Patient-centered care:** Prioritizing patient preferences and values in treatment decisions.

Without specific practice data, it's challenging to identify such practices with certainty. However, a practice that demonstrates a commitment to these areas would be considered a strong asset to the community.

Telemedicine adoption represents a potential game-changer for lung cancer care in rural areas like Cammal. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients to access specialists remotely. This includes:

* **Teleconsultations:** Allowing patients to consult with pulmonologists and oncologists via video conferencing.
* **Remote monitoring:** Enabling healthcare providers to monitor patients' symptoms and progress remotely.
* **Tele-education:** Providing patients with access to educational resources and support groups online.

The degree of telemedicine adoption within the 17723 ZIP code significantly influences the "Lung Cancer Score." Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to improving access to care and reducing the burden of travel for patients.

The integration of mental health resources is another crucial aspect of the analysis. Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on patients' mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, is essential for addressing anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. The availability of these resources within the 17723 ZIP code, or within a reasonable distance, directly impacts the "Lung Cancer Score." A healthcare system that prioritizes mental health alongside physical health demonstrates a holistic approach to patient care.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Cammal, PA (ZIP code 17723) is likely to be impacted by the rural nature of the area. The score would likely be lower than in more populated areas due to the potential for limited specialist availability and the need for patients to travel for care. This necessitates a focus on strengthening primary care, promoting telemedicine adoption, and ensuring access to mental health resources.

To obtain a more precise assessment, we would need to delve into specific data, including physician directories, insurance coverage information, and practice-level details. This analysis is a starting point for understanding the challenges and opportunities in lung cancer care within this specific geographic area.

To visualize and further analyze the healthcare landscape of Cammal, PA (ZIP code 17723), consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide valuable insights by visualizing physician locations, primary care access points, and other relevant data, offering a comprehensive view of the healthcare infrastructure and potential areas for improvement.