17866, Coal Township, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17866, Coal Township, Pennsylvania is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 69.19 percent of the residents in 17866 has some form of health insurance. 33.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.12 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 17866 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,186 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 39 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17866. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,660 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,825 health care providers accessible to residents in 17866, Coal Township, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score: A Deep Dive into Coal Township's Healthcare Landscape

This analysis provides a comprehensive 'Lung Cancer Score' assessment for primary care physicians within ZIP code 17866, encompassing Coal Township, Pennsylvania. The score considers factors crucial for effective lung cancer prevention, early detection, and patient support, including physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and mental health resources. This evaluation aims to offer a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, ultimately empowering residents to make informed decisions about their health and access to care.

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer management is access to a primary care physician (PCP). In Coal Township, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, meaning a higher number of patients per physician, can strain resources and potentially limit the time available for comprehensive patient care, including preventative screenings like low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals. Conversely, a favorable ratio allows for more personalized attention, increased opportunities for patient education, and earlier intervention strategies. Data on this ratio is essential for a fair evaluation, but it's often difficult to obtain precise figures. We must rely on publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, combined with information from healthcare directories and insurance provider networks, to estimate the availability of PCPs in the area.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of individual practices significantly influence the 'Lung Cancer Score.' Practices that prioritize preventative care, actively screen for lung cancer risk factors (smoking history, family history), and offer smoking cessation programs will naturally receive higher scores. The presence of on-site radiology services, particularly those offering low-dose CT scans, is a significant advantage, streamlining the diagnostic process and minimizing delays. Practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems often benefit from access to specialized expertise and resources, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and support services. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) is another crucial factor. EHRs facilitate efficient data management, improve communication between providers, and enable the implementation of clinical decision support tools that can aid in early detection and management of lung cancer.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas like Coal Township. Practices that embrace telemedicine offer greater accessibility to care, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. The ability to conduct virtual visits can also improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, especially for individuals undergoing lung cancer treatment or follow-up care. Practices that offer telemedicine options will therefore receive a more favorable score.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' also considers the availability of mental health resources. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that have established relationships with mental health professionals, either on-site or through referral networks, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. The ability to address the psychological impact of lung cancer is crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Practices that actively integrate mental health services into their care model will receive a higher score.

Assessing the 'Lung Cancer Score' also involves evaluating the practice's commitment to patient education. This includes providing patients with information about lung cancer risk factors, prevention strategies, early detection methods, and treatment options. Practices that offer educational materials, host community events, or provide access to online resources will receive a more favorable score. The ability to empower patients with knowledge is essential for promoting informed decision-making and improving health outcomes.

Standout practices within ZIP code 17866 are those that demonstrate a comprehensive approach to lung cancer care. They may have a lower physician-to-patient ratio, offer on-site radiology services, actively screen for lung cancer, provide smoking cessation programs, embrace telemedicine, and have strong connections to mental health resources. These practices are likely to have a higher 'Lung Cancer Score' and represent a model for other providers in the area. Identifying these standout practices is crucial for guiding patients toward the best possible care.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' is not a static metric. It's a dynamic evaluation that should be updated regularly to reflect changes in healthcare practices, technological advancements, and patient needs. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential for ensuring that the healthcare system in Coal Township is meeting the needs of its residents and providing the best possible care for those at risk of or affected by lung cancer.

The specific practices that will receive the highest scores in this evaluation are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive patient care, including preventative screening, early detection, access to specialized expertise, integration of technology, and support for mental health. It is important to note that the data needed for a precise, quantifiable score is not always readily available. This analysis relies on the best available information, but further investigation and direct engagement with healthcare providers are often necessary for a complete understanding.

By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Coal Township, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare and advocate for improvements in the system. The 'Lung Cancer Score' is a tool that can be used to guide these efforts, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for the community.

For a more detailed, interactive map of healthcare providers in Coal Township and surrounding areas, including information on practice locations, services offered, and potential travel times, please visit CartoChrome maps.