17850, Montandon, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17850, Montandon, Pennsylvania is 91 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.09 percent of the residents in 17850 has some form of health insurance. 62.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.57 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 17850 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 162 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 35 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17850. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 175 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,672 health care providers accessible to residents in 17850, Montandon, Pennsylvania.

This analysis assesses lung cancer care quality and primary care accessibility in Montandon, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17850), focusing on factors relevant to patient outcomes. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. While a formal "Lung Cancer Score" isn't directly calculable with available public data at this granular level, this analysis provides a framework for evaluating the key aspects of care, including access to primary care, which is crucial for early detection and overall health management.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon a robust primary care system. In Montandon, evaluating primary care availability is paramount. This involves considering the physician-to-patient ratio. National averages offer a benchmark, but local realities can vary significantly. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and potentially more personalized care. Data on the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 17850 ZIP code, coupled with the population of Montandon, provides the raw data for this calculation. Publicly available resources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), might offer this information.

Beyond physician-to-patient ratios, the distribution of primary care practices matters. Are practices concentrated in specific areas, leaving other parts of Montandon underserved? This geographic analysis is crucial for identifying potential health disparities. Furthermore, the types of primary care services offered are important. Does the local primary care infrastructure include comprehensive services, such as preventative screenings, chronic disease management, and mental health support? These services are essential for early detection and management of lung cancer risk factors and related conditions.

Standout practices within the Montandon area warrant specific attention. Identifying practices that demonstrate excellence in patient care, particularly in areas relevant to lung cancer prevention and early detection, is crucial. This could involve looking at patient satisfaction scores, the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening (e.g., CT scans for high-risk individuals), and the availability of patient education resources. Investigating the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability is also vital. EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information between different healthcare providers, improving care coordination and potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and more effective treatment.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to access healthcare services remotely can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas like Montandon. Telemedicine can be used for a variety of purposes, including follow-up appointments, medication management, and specialist consultations. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services within the local primary care practices and specialist networks is essential. This includes evaluating the types of telemedicine platforms used, the ease of use for patients, and the reimbursement policies of local insurance providers.

Mental health resources are integral to comprehensive lung cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, is crucial. Assessing the integration of mental health services within primary care practices and the availability of specialized mental health providers in the Montandon area is important. This includes evaluating the accessibility of these services, the types of therapies offered, and the insurance coverage for mental health care.

Specialist availability is another key factor in lung cancer care. While primary care physicians are essential for early detection and risk assessment, patients diagnosed with lung cancer require the expertise of specialists, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. Evaluating the availability of these specialists within a reasonable distance of Montandon is crucial. This includes assessing the number of specialists, their qualifications, and their affiliations with local hospitals or cancer centers. Access to specialized diagnostic tools, such as advanced imaging technologies, is also important.

Care coordination is vital for navigating the complexities of lung cancer treatment. This involves ensuring seamless communication and collaboration between all healthcare providers involved in a patient's care. Evaluating the use of care coordination programs within local healthcare systems is essential. This includes assessing the availability of care coordinators, the use of shared care plans, and the effectiveness of communication protocols.

Finally, patient education and support resources are crucial for empowering patients to take an active role in their care. Assessing the availability of patient education materials, support groups, and other resources is important. This includes evaluating the accessibility of these resources, the language in which they are available, and their relevance to the needs of the local population. Information on smoking cessation programs and resources is also vital.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of lung cancer care and primary care availability in Montandon (ZIP Code 17850) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis highlights the critical factors to consider, from physician-to-patient ratios and practice characteristics to telemedicine adoption and mental health resources. By evaluating these elements, a more complete picture of the local healthcare landscape emerges, enabling informed decisions about healthcare access and quality. For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, including the geographic distribution of healthcare providers, patient demographics, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps.