17776, Waterville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17776, Waterville, Pennsylvania is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.13 percent of the residents in 17776 has some form of health insurance. 40.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.11 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 17776 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17776. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 47 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 791 health care providers accessible to residents in 17776, Waterville, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Waterville, PA (ZIP Code 17776)

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of healthcare resources within ZIP code 17776, specifically focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. Our assessment considers primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, culminating in a comprehensive 'Lung Cancer Score' for the Waterville area. This score aims to provide insights into the overall healthcare landscape, enabling informed decisions for residents and highlighting areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in timely diagnosis. This begins with accessible and high-quality primary care. In Waterville, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical determinant of the overall healthcare score. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and early detection. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests better access and potentially more personalized care. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health will be utilized to determine the population size of Waterville and compare it to the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code. This initial calculation provides a baseline understanding of access to primary care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices must be considered. This includes evaluating factors such as the experience and specialization of the physicians, the availability of on-site diagnostic services (e.g., X-ray, basic lab work), and the practice’s commitment to preventive care, including smoking cessation programs and lung cancer screening recommendations. Researching online reviews, patient testimonials, and practice websites will provide insights into patient satisfaction and the overall quality of care provided by local PCPs. The presence of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability with other healthcare providers is also a crucial factor, facilitating seamless information sharing and coordination of care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Waterville, where geographical barriers can limit access to specialized care. The availability of telehealth services, including virtual consultations with PCPs and specialists, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote locations. Investigating which primary care practices in Waterville offer telehealth options, and the types of services provided (e.g., follow-up appointments, medication management, specialist consultations), will be essential. The ease of use of these platforms, the availability of technical support, and the overall patient experience with telemedicine services will be factored into the overall score.

The emotional and psychological toll of a lung cancer diagnosis is substantial. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of a comprehensive healthcare system. Assessing the presence of mental health professionals (e.g., therapists, counselors, psychiatrists) within the Waterville area, and their willingness to accept new patients, is vital. Determining whether local primary care practices offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers is also important. The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, for lung cancer patients and their families will also be evaluated. The accessibility and affordability of these resources directly impact the overall quality of life for individuals affected by lung cancer.

The analysis will identify any standout primary care practices in Waterville. These practices may be recognized for their patient-centered approach, their commitment to preventive care, their adoption of telemedicine, or their integration of mental health services. This recognition can serve as a benchmark for other practices and highlight best practices within the community. The identification of these practices will be based on the factors discussed above, including physician-to-patient ratios, patient reviews, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

The final 'Lung Cancer Score' will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed. The weighting will reflect the relative importance of each factor in determining the overall quality of care and patient outcomes. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and access to primary care will likely be weighted more heavily than the availability of online support groups. The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, providing a readily understandable assessment of the healthcare landscape in Waterville. This score is not intended to be a definitive judgment but rather a snapshot of the current state of healthcare access and quality, highlighting areas of strength and areas needing improvement.

The analysis will conclude with recommendations for improving lung cancer care in Waterville. These recommendations may include suggestions for increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, improving access to mental health resources, and promoting lung cancer screening programs. These recommendations will be based on the findings of the analysis and will be tailored to the specific needs of the Waterville community. The goal is to provide actionable insights that can be used to improve healthcare access and outcomes for residents of ZIP code 17776.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Waterville, including the geographic distribution of healthcare providers and the potential impact of environmental factors on health outcomes, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of the data analyzed, allowing for a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the community.