17728, Cogan Station, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17728, Cogan Station, Pennsylvania is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.92 percent of the residents in 17728 has some form of health insurance. 40.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.65 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 17728 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 769 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17728. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,096 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,932 health care providers accessible to residents in 17728, Cogan Station, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Cogan Station, PA (ZIP Code 17728)**

This analysis evaluates the healthcare landscape in Cogan Station, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17728), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care. We will examine primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, ultimately providing a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment. The goal is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare environment for individuals facing or at risk of lung cancer.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the crucial first point of contact for individuals experiencing symptoms or at risk of lung cancer. Their ability to provide early detection through screening and timely referrals to specialists significantly impacts patient outcomes. Assessing the availability of PCPs in Cogan Station is therefore paramount. Unfortunately, precise physician-to-patient ratios are often difficult to determine at a granular ZIP code level. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state health departments may offer estimates, but these can be broad.

The general trend in rural areas like Cogan Station often reveals a shortage of PCPs compared to urban centers. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. The presence of a strong primary care network is vital. This includes not only the number of PCPs but also the accessibility of their practices, considering factors like office hours, insurance acceptance, and patient demographics. The quality of primary care is also essential. A well-informed and proactive PCP is critical for identifying potential lung cancer cases early.

**Standout Practices and Specialist Access**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several criteria. These include the quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment options. In the context of lung cancer, this means assessing the practice's ability to provide or facilitate:

* **Early detection:** Access to low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for high-risk individuals.
* **Accurate diagnosis:** Rapid access to pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons for biopsies and staging.
* **Treatment options:** Availability of medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology services.
* **Supportive care:** Access to palliative care, pain management, and nutritional support.

Researching local hospitals and clinics is vital. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc can provide patient reviews and information about physician specialties. Contacting local healthcare providers directly can also yield valuable insights into their services and capabilities. The presence of a well-equipped hospital within a reasonable distance is crucial. This hospital should have a dedicated oncology department, experienced medical professionals, and access to the latest technologies.

**Telemedicine Adoption**

Telemedicine has the potential to bridge the gap in healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. The ability to consult with specialists remotely can reduce travel burdens and improve the timeliness of care. Evaluating the adoption of telemedicine by local healthcare providers is essential. This includes:

* **Availability of virtual consultations:** Do PCPs and specialists offer virtual appointments?
* **Remote monitoring capabilities:** Can patients remotely monitor their health metrics?
* **Digital health tools:** Are there patient portals and online resources available?

Telemedicine can facilitate access to specialists who may not be physically located in Cogan Station. This is particularly important for lung cancer care, where access to pulmonologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists is critical. The ability to receive second opinions, participate in virtual support groups, and access educational resources online can significantly improve the patient experience.

**Mental Health Resources**

The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges are common. Access to mental health resources is therefore a crucial component of comprehensive lung cancer care. Assessing the availability of these resources involves:

* **Availability of mental health professionals:** Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists in the area?
* **Integration of mental health services:** Do healthcare providers offer integrated mental health support?
* **Support groups:** Are there local support groups for cancer patients and their families?
* **Availability of counseling:** Is counseling offered to patients and their families?

The presence of a supportive environment that addresses the emotional and psychological needs of patients can significantly improve their quality of life and their ability to cope with the challenges of cancer treatment.

**Lung Cancer Score Assessment**

Based on the factors discussed above, a "Lung Cancer Score" for Cogan Station (ZIP Code 17728) would require a thorough investigation into the local healthcare landscape. Without specific data, a definitive score is impossible. However, we can provide a hypothetical assessment.

* **Primary Care Availability:** Likely to be a challenge due to the rural nature of the area, potentially leading to longer wait times.
* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** Probably unfavorable compared to urban areas, potentially limiting access to care.
* **Standout Practices:** The presence of a well-equipped hospital within a reasonable distance is crucial.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Potential to improve access to specialists and resources.
* **Mental Health Resources:** Access to mental health support is essential, and its availability should be assessed.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" would likely be moderate, reflecting the challenges of rural healthcare access. However, the presence of a dedicated oncology department and access to telemedicine could improve the score. Further research and data collection are necessary to create a more precise assessment.

**Conclusion**

Understanding the healthcare landscape in Cogan Station is essential for individuals facing or at risk of lung cancer. Access to quality primary care, specialist expertise, telemedicine, and mental health resources are all critical components of effective care.

For a more detailed and visual understanding of the healthcare environment in Cogan Station, including the location of healthcare providers, specialist availability, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore **CartoChrome maps**. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, enabling informed decision-making and improved patient outcomes.