17778, Westport, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17778, Westport, Pennsylvania is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.60 percent of the residents in 17778 has some form of health insurance. 25.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.62 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 17778 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 59 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17778. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 18 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1 health care providers accessible to residents in 17778, Westport, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17778 & Primary Care in Westport

This analysis assesses the quality of lung cancer care and primary care accessibility within ZIP Code 17778 and, comparatively, primary care availability in Westport, focusing on factors relevant to patient outcomes and overall healthcare experience. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement.

**ZIP Code 17778: A Microcosm of Rural Healthcare**

ZIP Code 17778, likely representing a rural or semi-rural area, presents unique challenges in healthcare delivery. Access to specialized care, including pulmonology and oncology, is often limited by geographic constraints. The Lung Cancer Score for this area is heavily influenced by the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) as the first point of contact, the efficiency of referral pathways to specialists, and the integration of preventative screening programs.

Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial. A low ratio indicates a potential strain on existing healthcare resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially impacting the timeliness of diagnosis and treatment. In ZIP Code 17778, the analysis would need to determine the number of PCPs actively practicing within the area and compare that to the estimated population. This ratio provides a baseline understanding of access limitations.

Standout practices in 17778, if any, would be those demonstrating proactive approaches to lung cancer screening and management. This includes practices actively promoting low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for high-risk individuals, adhering to established screening guidelines, and efficiently coordinating care with specialists. The analysis would examine the prevalence of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability, as seamless information sharing between PCPs and specialists is vital for coordinated care.

Telemedicine adoption is particularly relevant in rural settings. The ability to conduct virtual consultations with pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients facing geographical barriers. The Lung Cancer Score would assess the availability of telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., follow-up appointments, specialist consultations), and patient satisfaction with these services.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. The analysis would investigate the availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, within the ZIP Code or easily accessible to residents. The integration of mental health services into the primary care setting is particularly beneficial.

**Primary Care Availability in Westport: A Comparative Perspective**

Westport, likely a more affluent and potentially urbanized area, provides a contrasting perspective on primary care availability. The Lung Cancer Score in Westport will be influenced by similar factors as in 17778, but the relative importance of each factor may shift.

Physician-to-patient ratios in Westport are likely to be higher than in 17778, potentially indicating better access to PCPs. However, this doesn't automatically translate to superior care. The analysis would need to consider factors such as the average appointment wait times, the availability of same-day appointments, and the overall patient experience.

Standout practices in Westport might be those that offer comprehensive primary care services, including on-site diagnostic testing, specialized clinics (e.g., smoking cessation programs), and a strong emphasis on preventative care. The analysis would examine the use of patient portals, which enable patients to access their medical records, communicate with their physicians, and schedule appointments online.

Telemedicine adoption in Westport could be widespread, potentially including virtual consultations, remote monitoring of chronic conditions, and online patient education resources. The Lung Cancer Score would assess the breadth and depth of telemedicine services offered by primary care practices in Westport.

Mental health resources in Westport might be more readily available than in 17778. The analysis would investigate the availability of mental health professionals, the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, and the accessibility of support groups and other resources.

**Comparative Analysis and Score Implications**

Comparing the Lung Cancer Scores for 17778 and Westport would reveal critical differences in healthcare access and quality. 17778 might struggle with lower physician-to-patient ratios and limited access to specialists, potentially leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Westport, with its potentially higher physician-to-patient ratios, might offer better access to care, but the analysis would need to consider other factors, such as the quality of care, the integration of mental health services, and the patient experience.

The Lung Cancer Score for each area would be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted importance of various factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, physician-to-patient ratios, screening rates, referral pathways, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The score would provide a valuable tool for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of healthcare delivery in each area and for identifying areas for improvement.

**Conclusion**

Understanding the nuances of healthcare access and quality is crucial for improving patient outcomes, particularly for complex conditions like lung cancer. This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 17778 and Westport, highlighting the importance of physician availability, screening programs, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.

For a deeper dive into the healthcare landscape, explore the power of visual data. **Visit CartoChrome maps to uncover a wealth of information about healthcare access, physician distribution, and other critical factors influencing lung cancer care.**