17862, Penns Creek, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17862, Penns Creek, Pennsylvania is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.66 percent of the residents in 17862 has some form of health insurance. 27.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.66 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 17862 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 104 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17862. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 62 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,238 health care providers accessible to residents in 17862, Penns Creek, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score: An Analysis of Primary Care and Physician Resources in Penns Creek (ZIP Code 17862)

Evaluating the quality of healthcare, particularly for a disease as serious as lung cancer, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability and characteristics of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Penns Creek, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17862), assessing factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" framework, though a precise numerical score isn't feasible within this format. Instead, we'll evaluate key areas and highlight strengths and weaknesses, offering insights into the healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and competent primary care. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients, playing a crucial role in early detection through screening and risk assessment. The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental metric. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally suggests greater access to care. Unfortunately, obtaining precise, up-to-the-minute physician-to-patient ratios for a specific ZIP code is difficult. Publicly available data often lags and may not reflect the current realities of a rural area like Penns Creek. However, we can infer trends based on broader regional data and national averages. Rural areas frequently face physician shortages, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and increased patient loads for existing PCPs. This can impact the ability of physicians to dedicate sufficient time to each patient, potentially delaying the detection of early symptoms of lung cancer.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of care provided by PCPs is paramount. We can assess this by looking at the practices themselves. Are they affiliated with larger healthcare systems? Affiliation often provides access to a wider range of resources, including specialists, diagnostic equipment, and support services. Do the practices have a strong focus on preventative care? This includes offering or recommending lung cancer screenings for high-risk individuals, such as those with a history of smoking or exposure to environmental hazards. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement programs and adhere to evidence-based guidelines are more likely to deliver optimal care. Identifying specific "standout practices" requires detailed research into individual practice profiles, patient reviews, and performance metrics. However, the presence of a well-established practice with a reputation for patient-centered care and a commitment to preventative medicine would be a positive indicator.

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant tool for improving healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Its adoption rate is a key factor. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialists, including pulmonologists and oncologists, who may not be readily available in Penns Creek. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, are better positioned to provide convenient and timely care. The availability of telehealth options for lung cancer screening follow-up, medication management, and supportive care is a significant advantage. Assessing the degree of telemedicine adoption requires examining the websites of local practices, contacting them directly, and reviewing patient feedback.

The emotional and psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is profound. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is crucial. Patients with lung cancer often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, within the primary care practices or in the broader community is essential. Integrated behavioral health services, where mental health professionals work alongside PCPs, can improve coordination of care and facilitate timely access to support. Access to support groups, both in-person and online, can also provide valuable emotional support and peer-to-peer learning. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources requires researching local mental health providers, examining the services offered by primary care practices, and assessing the availability of support groups and community resources.

The specific demographics of Penns Creek also influence the Lung Cancer Score. The prevalence of risk factors for lung cancer, such as smoking rates and exposure to environmental hazards (e.g., radon, asbestos), should be considered. Areas with higher rates of these risk factors require more robust preventative care and screening programs. Public health initiatives aimed at reducing smoking rates and promoting healthy lifestyles can also positively impact the score.

Another important factor is the availability of specialist care. While PCPs are essential for initial screening and referral, patients with suspected or confirmed lung cancer need access to pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and other specialists. The proximity to hospitals with advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities, such as CT scanners, PET scanners, and radiation therapy facilities, is critical. The ability to quickly access these specialists and facilities can significantly improve patient outcomes. The presence of a local hospital or a nearby hospital with a strong cancer program is a positive indicator.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for Penns Creek is therefore a composite assessment. The score is influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, the prevalence of risk factors, and the access to specialist care. While a precise numerical score is impossible to generate without detailed data, a comprehensive evaluation of these factors provides a valuable understanding of the healthcare landscape and its implications for lung cancer patients. The presence of a sufficient number of PCPs, a commitment to preventative care, the use of telemedicine, access to mental health support, and proximity to specialist care all contribute to a higher score, indicating a more favorable environment for lung cancer patients.

The absence of these elements would suggest a lower score, highlighting areas where improvements are needed to enhance the quality of care. This analysis underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access and quality in rural communities.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Penns Creek and gain a visual understanding of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that allow you to visualize and analyze geographic data, providing a powerful way to understand the distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential areas for improvement.