17861, Paxtonville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17861, Paxtonville, Pennsylvania is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17861 has some form of health insurance. 28.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.98 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 17861 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 61 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17861. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 28 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,091 health care providers accessible to residents in 17861, Paxtonville, Pennsylvania.

Lung cancer remains a formidable foe, and early detection is paramount. This analysis focuses on evaluating the resources available to residents of ZIP Code 17861 (Paxtonville, Pennsylvania) regarding lung cancer care, specifically through the lens of primary care physicians. We will assess the landscape of available doctors, the accessibility of care, and the integration of supportive services, ultimately aiming to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment for those at risk.

The foundation of effective lung cancer screening and treatment lies within the primary care setting. Regular check-ups, thorough patient histories, and a proactive approach to risk factors are crucial. Therefore, the availability and quality of primary care physicians in Paxtonville are of utmost importance. Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental starting point. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with population estimates for the Paxtonville area, would be essential. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a greater availability of doctors, is generally a positive indicator, suggesting easier access to appointments and potentially more comprehensive care.

Standout practices, if any exist within the ZIP Code or its immediate vicinity, deserve special attention. This involves identifying practices known for their commitment to preventative care, including lung cancer screening. This would involve analyzing patient reviews, assessing the practice’s adoption of evidence-based guidelines, and investigating their participation in quality improvement initiatives. Are they actively screening eligible patients based on age and smoking history? Do they have a streamlined process for ordering and interpreting low-dose CT scans? These are critical questions.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor. The ability to consult with a physician remotely, particularly for initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and specialist referrals, can significantly improve access to care, especially for those in rural areas. Assessing the availability of telehealth services within primary care practices in Paxtonville is crucial. Do they offer virtual appointments? Do they utilize secure messaging platforms for patient communication? The ease of access to these technologies can have a substantial impact on patient outcomes.

Beyond the purely medical aspects, the integration of mental health resources is vital. A lung cancer diagnosis, or even the anticipation of screening results, can be incredibly stressful. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges are common. The availability of mental health professionals, either within the primary care practice or through readily accessible referrals, is a key component of comprehensive care. Are there on-site counselors or therapists? Do the practices have established relationships with local mental health providers? Addressing the emotional well-being of patients is an integral part of effective treatment.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the availability of smoking cessation programs. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and effective cessation support is a crucial element in both prevention and treatment. Are primary care practices actively involved in helping patients quit smoking? Do they offer counseling, medication, or other resources? The presence of these programs significantly enhances the overall quality of care.

The geographical distribution of primary care practices within and around Paxtonville is also relevant. Are practices clustered in certain areas, potentially creating disparities in access for residents in other parts of the ZIP Code? The proximity of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is also a critical factor. Easy access to these specialists is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment.

To comprehensively assess the lung cancer care landscape in Paxtonville, a detailed review of insurance acceptance is necessary. Does the majority of primary care practices accept the major insurance plans prevalent in the area? This ensures that patients have access to the care they need without significant financial barriers.

The analysis should also delve into the practices' commitment to patient education. Do they provide patients with information about lung cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and treatment options? Do they offer educational materials in multiple languages, if necessary? Patient education is a cornerstone of empowering individuals to take control of their health.

The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) is another aspect to consider. EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information between different healthcare providers, improving coordination of care and reducing the risk of errors. Do the primary care practices in Paxtonville utilize EHRs? Are these systems interoperable, allowing for seamless communication with specialists and other providers?

Finally, the analysis should consider the practice's adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer screening and treatment. Does the practice follow the recommendations of organizations like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)? Adherence to these guidelines ensures that patients receive the most up-to-date and evidence-based care.

In conclusion, evaluating the lung cancer care resources in Paxtonville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17861) requires a multifaceted approach. Assessing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health and smoking cessation resources are all critical components. The geographical distribution of practices, insurance acceptance, patient education efforts, the use of electronic health records, and adherence to national guidelines also play significant roles. This detailed analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment and identify areas for improvement to ensure that residents of Paxtonville have access to the best possible care in their fight against lung cancer.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Paxtonville, including the location of primary care practices, specialist availability, and other relevant data points, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can help you understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and identify areas of potential need.