17729, Cross Fork, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17729, Cross Fork, Pennsylvania is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.29 percent of the residents in 17729 has some form of health insurance. 53.33 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.90 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 17729 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 14 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17729. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 50 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1 health care providers accessible to residents in 17729, Cross Fork, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Cross Fork, PA (ZIP Code 17729)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support within and around Cross Fork, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17729). The primary focus is on primary care physician (PCP) accessibility, as early detection and management often begin with a PCP. We will evaluate factors contributing to a “Lung Cancer Score,” encompassing physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

Cross Fork, a rural community, presents unique challenges in healthcare access. The geographic isolation and relatively small population size directly impact the availability of specialized medical services. The “Lung Cancer Score” is not a numerical value but a qualitative assessment based on the factors discussed.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare access. In rural areas, the ratio of PCPs to the population is often lower than in urban centers. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau will provide insight into the PCP density within ZIP code 17729 and the surrounding areas. A low physician-to-patient ratio will negatively impact the “Lung Cancer Score.”

The presence of standout practices is another crucial factor. These practices are identified by their commitment to patient care, their adoption of advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities, and their proactive approach to preventative care, including lung cancer screening. We will investigate the practices within a reasonable radius of Cross Fork, looking for those that offer comprehensive primary care services, including smoking cessation programs, access to pulmonary specialists, and referral pathways to oncologists. Practices with electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate seamless information sharing and care coordination will be highly valued.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural settings. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely, access educational resources, and receive follow-up care without traveling long distances. The availability of telemedicine services for primary care consultations, specialist referrals, and mental health support will significantly enhance the “Lung Cancer Score.” Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, will be viewed favorably.

Mental health resources are integral to cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, including counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, is a crucial component of comprehensive cancer care. We will assess the accessibility of mental health professionals, the presence of support groups specifically for cancer patients, and the integration of mental health services within the primary care setting. The lack of these resources will negatively affect the “Lung Cancer Score.”

The analysis will investigate the following specific aspects:

* **PCP Availability:** The number of PCPs per 1,000 residents in ZIP code 17729 and surrounding areas. Data will be sourced from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau.
* **Practice Profiles:** An evaluation of the primary care practices in the area, considering their size, services offered, and patient reviews. This will involve researching practice websites, online directories, and patient testimonials.
* **Telemedicine Capabilities:** Identification of practices that offer telemedicine services, including the types of services available (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring) and the platforms used.
* **Mental Health Integration:** Assessment of the availability of mental health services, including the presence of counselors, therapists, and support groups. We will also investigate whether primary care practices integrate mental health screenings and referrals into their services.
* **Specialist Access:** Determination of the ease of access to pulmonologists and oncologists, including the distance to specialists and the wait times for appointments.

The geographic limitations of Cross Fork, PA, will undoubtedly present challenges. The “Lung Cancer Score” will likely reflect the difficulties inherent in accessing specialized healthcare services in a rural setting. The analysis will highlight the importance of proactive measures, such as early screening and smoking cessation programs, to improve patient outcomes.

The findings will be presented as a narrative assessment, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in and around Cross Fork. The assessment will not assign a numerical score but will provide a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities for lung cancer care in this community.

The analysis will consider the impact of geographic barriers. The remoteness of Cross Fork necessitates considering the travel time to access specialist care and the availability of transportation options. The assessment will also consider the financial implications of healthcare access, including the cost of transportation, the availability of insurance coverage, and the potential for out-of-pocket expenses.

The analysis will also investigate the impact of socioeconomic factors. The socioeconomic status of the population can significantly affect healthcare access and outcomes. We will consider factors such as income levels, education levels, and access to health insurance. These factors can influence a patient's ability to seek timely medical care and adhere to treatment plans.

The “Lung Cancer Score” will be a reflection of the overall healthcare environment. It will consider the availability of resources, the quality of care provided, and the barriers to access. The analysis will provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by residents of Cross Fork in accessing lung cancer care and will highlight areas for improvement.

The analysis will conclude with recommendations for improving lung cancer care in Cross Fork. These recommendations may include strategies for increasing PCP availability, expanding telemedicine services, enhancing mental health support, and promoting early screening and smoking cessation programs. The goal is to identify actionable steps that can improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of lung cancer in this rural community.

In conclusion, the “Lung Cancer Score” analysis for Cross Fork, PA (ZIP code 17729) will provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare resources available for lung cancer care. The analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The findings will be used to identify areas for improvement and to develop recommendations for enhancing patient outcomes.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Cross Fork and surrounding areas, including the location of medical facilities, physician distribution, and population demographics, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome.