17813, Beavertown, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17813, Beavertown, Pennsylvania is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.07 percent of the residents in 17813 has some form of health insurance. 42.16 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.62 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 17813 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 542 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17813. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 410 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 629 health care providers accessible to residents in 17813, Beavertown, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Beavertown, PA (ZIP Code 17813)

This analysis evaluates the healthcare landscape in Beavertown, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17813), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care, particularly primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the community's healthcare infrastructure.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on strong primary care. Early detection is crucial, and primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms or at risk. In Beavertown, the accessibility of PCPs is a critical element. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio provides an initial understanding of the community's capacity to provide care. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from healthcare directories, will be necessary to determine this ratio accurately. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, could signal potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and preventative screenings, which are vital for early detection.

Beyond the raw numbers, the geographic distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is significant. Beavertown is a relatively rural area, and travel distances can be a barrier to care. Are PCPs concentrated in a central location, or are they spread throughout the community? The availability of public transportation, or the lack thereof, further influences access. The "Lung Cancer Score" must factor in these geographical considerations, recognizing that a high physician-to-patient ratio is less meaningful if those physicians are inaccessible to a significant portion of the population.

Evaluating the quality of primary care involves examining the practices themselves. Are there any standout practices in the area? Do they have a reputation for excellence in preventative care, including lung cancer screenings? Reviewing patient reviews and assessing the practice's commitment to patient education are essential components. Practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs and offer comprehensive health assessments would receive higher marks in this analysis.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element in the modern healthcare landscape. Telemedicine can bridge geographical gaps, offering virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists who might not be readily available in Beavertown. Assessing the degree to which local practices have embraced telemedicine platforms is a key indicator of the community's ability to provide accessible care. Practices with established telemedicine capabilities, particularly those offering remote monitoring or virtual support groups, would contribute positively to the "Lung Cancer Score."

The mental health of patients is often overlooked, but it is an integral component of cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health resources is essential for patients' well-being. The analysis must consider the availability of mental health professionals in the area, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. Are these professionals integrated into the primary care practices, or are patients required to seek care separately? The presence of support groups, both in-person and virtual, is also a positive indicator. Practices that prioritize mental health and offer integrated mental health services will score higher in the "Lung Cancer Score."

Specific practices in Beavertown should be evaluated based on the criteria outlined. Their commitment to preventative care, their adoption of telemedicine, and their integration of mental health services will all influence their individual scores and, consequently, the overall "Lung Cancer Score" for the community. Identifying practices that excel in these areas can provide valuable insights for patients seeking care.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not just a numerical rating; it's a holistic assessment of the healthcare ecosystem in Beavertown. It reflects the community's capacity to provide timely, accessible, and comprehensive care to individuals at risk for or affected by lung cancer. This includes assessing the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, who are crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

The analysis should also consider the presence of local hospitals or clinics that offer lung cancer screening programs, such as low-dose CT scans. These programs are vital for early detection, and their availability directly impacts the "Lung Cancer Score." Furthermore, the analysis must evaluate the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, who can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.

The goal is to provide a clear and informative picture of the healthcare landscape in Beavertown. This analysis will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the community's healthcare infrastructure, offering a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is a dynamic assessment that should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. As new practices emerge, telemedicine adoption increases, and mental health resources become more available, the score will evolve. The analysis is not a static snapshot but a living document that provides ongoing insights into the quality of care in Beavertown.

Ultimately, the "Lung Cancer Score" is designed to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare. By providing a comprehensive assessment of the local healthcare environment, this analysis can help patients connect with the resources they need to receive the best possible care.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Beavertown, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and hospitals, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can provide interactive maps that visualize the data and highlight key features of the healthcare infrastructure.