17836, Leck Kill, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17836, Leck Kill, Pennsylvania is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.92 percent of the residents in 17836 has some form of health insurance. 30.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.92 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 17836 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 87 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 34 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17836. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 20 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,118 health care providers accessible to residents in 17836, Leck Kill, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Leck Kill (ZIP Code 17836)**

The evaluation of healthcare resources within ZIP Code 17836, encompassing Leck Kill, Pennsylvania, necessitates a multifaceted approach, particularly when considering lung cancer care. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), their potential impact on early detection and referral, and the overall healthcare landscape’s capacity to address the complex needs of patients facing this disease. The objective is to provide a “Lung Cancer Score” analysis, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, with a focus on elements crucial for effective lung cancer management.

The foundation of any robust lung cancer care system rests upon accessible and responsive primary care. PCPs serve as the initial point of contact, playing a critical role in screening, risk assessment, and timely referrals to specialists. In Leck Kill, evaluating primary care availability involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial diagnostic tests or specialist consultations. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility, allowing for more proactive preventative care and quicker responses to patient concerns. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can be used to determine these ratios, providing a quantitative measure of access.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality and characteristics of primary care practices are essential. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate varying schedules? Are they equipped with the latest diagnostic tools, such as point-of-care testing for certain biomarkers? Furthermore, the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) is crucial for seamless information sharing between PCPs and specialists. EHRs facilitate rapid access to patient history, imaging results, and treatment plans, streamlining the referral process and enhancing care coordination. The “Lung Cancer Score” would assess the prevalence of these features within local practices.

Telemedicine adoption presents another critical facet of the healthcare landscape. Telemedicine, the practice of providing healthcare remotely via technology, can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas like Leck Kill. It can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment, and access to educational resources. The adoption rate of telemedicine among local PCPs and specialists is a key indicator of the healthcare system's adaptability and its ability to reach patients who may face geographical barriers to care. The "Lung Cancer Score" would factor in the availability and utilization of telemedicine services.

Early detection is paramount in improving lung cancer outcomes. PCPs play a vital role in this process by identifying individuals at high risk, based on factors like smoking history, age, and family history. They can then recommend appropriate screening tests, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, which are proven to detect lung cancer at earlier, more treatable stages. The “Lung Cancer Score” would assess the extent to which local PCPs are actively involved in lung cancer screening programs, adhering to national guidelines and promoting preventative care. It would also evaluate the availability of LDCT scanning facilities within a reasonable distance from Leck Kill.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment often bring significant emotional and psychological challenges. Patients may experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Therefore, access to mental health resources is an integral component of comprehensive lung cancer care. The “Lung Cancer Score” would evaluate the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, within the local healthcare system. It would also consider the integration of mental health services into the care continuum, such as screening for mental health conditions during PCP visits and referrals to appropriate support services.

The presence of specialized cancer care facilities is also a critical factor. While Leck Kill may not have its own dedicated cancer center, the proximity to facilities offering comprehensive cancer treatment, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology, is crucial. The "Lung Cancer Score" would assess the accessibility of such facilities, considering factors like travel time, transportation options, and the availability of specialized expertise. The presence of multidisciplinary cancer care teams, comprising oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, nurses, and other specialists, is indicative of a higher quality of care.

The quality of communication and care coordination between different healthcare providers is a significant determinant of patient outcomes. Effective communication ensures that all members of the care team are informed about the patient's condition, treatment plan, and progress. This includes regular communication between PCPs, specialists, and other healthcare professionals involved in the patient's care. The “Lung Cancer Score” would assess the extent to which local healthcare providers utilize standardized communication protocols, such as shared EHRs and regular case conferences, to facilitate care coordination.

Standout practices within the Leck Kill area may exhibit exemplary features that contribute to a higher “Lung Cancer Score.” These could include practices that have implemented innovative screening programs, have a strong focus on patient education and support, or have demonstrated a commitment to continuous quality improvement. Identifying and highlighting these practices can serve as a model for others and contribute to the overall improvement of lung cancer care in the region. The “Lung Cancer Score” would recognize these practices and their contributions.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 17836, Leck Kill, would be a composite measure, reflecting the availability, accessibility, and quality of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer care. It would be based on a weighted scoring system, considering the factors discussed above. The score would provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identifying areas for improvement. It would also serve as a tool for patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and for healthcare providers to benchmark their performance and identify opportunities for collaboration and improvement.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Leck Kill and surrounding areas, including the locations of physicians, healthcare facilities, and other relevant resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a spatial representation of the data discussed in this analysis, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment.