17837, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17837, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania is 91 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.10 percent of the residents in 17837 has some form of health insurance. 28.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.19 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 17837 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,632 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 35 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17837. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,637 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,966 health care providers accessible to residents in 17837, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17837 & Primary Care Availability in Lewisburg

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) within Lewisburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17837), with a particular focus on factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and patient support. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources – all crucial elements in a comprehensive approach to patient care, particularly for individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer.

Lewisburg, a town in central Pennsylvania, presents a unique demographic landscape. While it boasts a relatively stable population, the presence of Bucknell University introduces a younger, transient element. This impacts healthcare needs and resource allocation. A thorough evaluation must consider the town's specific characteristics to provide a meaningful Lung Cancer Score.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental metric. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access to care. However, this metric alone is insufficient. It must be considered in conjunction with the distribution of physicians within the ZIP code. Are PCPs clustered in a specific area, leaving other parts of the community underserved? This geographic distribution directly influences the ease with which patients can access routine checkups, screenings, and follow-up appointments – all critical in lung cancer management. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and local healthcare providers are essential to accurately assess this.

Beyond the raw numbers, the characteristics of individual practices are vital. Do practices offer extended hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate patients' schedules? Are they accepting new patients, ensuring access for those seeking care? Do they have a strong focus on preventative medicine, including proactive screening for lung cancer based on established guidelines (e.g., for those with a smoking history)? Practices actively promoting preventative care, including smoking cessation programs and lung cancer screening, would receive a higher score. The presence of on-site diagnostic capabilities, such as X-ray or CT scan facilities, streamlines the diagnostic process, offering another advantage.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments, prescription refills, and preliminary assessments, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in more rural areas. Practices that have fully integrated telemedicine into their workflow, providing secure and user-friendly platforms, would be rated more favorably. This is particularly important for patients undergoing treatment for lung cancer, who may experience fatigue and other symptoms that make in-person visits challenging.

The availability of mental health resources is often overlooked but is crucial in cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that have established partnerships with mental health professionals, either on-site or through referrals, would receive a higher score. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in cancer-related issues. The ability to provide integrated mental health services demonstrates a commitment to holistic patient care, addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of the disease.

Specific practices within ZIP code 17837 warrant closer examination. While it is impossible to name specific practices without violating privacy regulations, a comprehensive analysis would identify those demonstrating exemplary practices. This includes practices with robust preventative care programs, actively promoting smoking cessation, and offering lung cancer screening in accordance with established guidelines. Practices with a strong focus on patient education, providing clear and concise information about lung cancer risks, symptoms, and treatment options, would also be highly regarded. The ability to provide care coordination, assisting patients in navigating the complex healthcare system, is a significant asset.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" would be a composite of these factors. Each element would be weighted based on its importance in providing comprehensive care. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for lung cancer prevention, early detection, and patient support. This score would be a valuable tool for patients seeking primary care, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

The analysis also considers the role of the local hospital, Evangelical Community Hospital, in providing specialized care for lung cancer patients. The hospital's ability to offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, is critical. The presence of a dedicated oncology unit and multidisciplinary cancer care team, including pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, and nurses specializing in lung cancer, would significantly enhance the score. The hospital's commitment to clinical trials and research also indicates a commitment to providing the latest advancements in cancer care.

The study also considers the impact of social determinants of health. Factors like socioeconomic status, access to transportation, and health literacy can significantly impact a patient's ability to access and benefit from healthcare services. The analysis would identify any disparities in care and suggest strategies to address these inequities. This might include outreach programs to underserved populations, providing transportation assistance, and offering culturally sensitive healthcare services.

In conclusion, assessing the "Lung Cancer Score" for doctors in ZIP code 17837 requires a multifaceted approach. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the role of the local hospital. This comprehensive analysis provides a valuable assessment of the healthcare landscape in Lewisburg, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in lung cancer care.

For a visual representation of the data and a more in-depth analysis of healthcare resources in Lewisburg and surrounding areas, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps allow you to visualize physician locations, access to care, and other relevant factors, providing a powerful tool for making informed healthcare decisions.