17885, Weikert, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17885, Weikert, Pennsylvania is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.19 percent of the residents in 17885 has some form of health insurance. 46.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.41 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 17885 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 55 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17885. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 63 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 314 health care providers accessible to residents in 17885, Weikert, Pennsylvania.

Analyzing the landscape of lung cancer care and primary care access within and around Weikert, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17885) necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, a “Lung Cancer Score,” will not only consider the availability of physicians but also delve into the quality of care, technological integration, and the crucial aspect of mental health support for patients. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to individuals facing the challenges of lung cancer and those seeking accessible primary care within this specific geographic area.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental metric. Assessing the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, relative to the population of Weikert and the surrounding communities is critical. A low ratio suggests potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments and potentially longer wait times for crucial diagnostic procedures and treatment. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and professional medical organizations (like the American Medical Association) would be essential for gathering this data. The analysis would need to account for the geographic distribution of physicians, considering that some residents may seek care outside of the immediate ZIP code.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care offered by local physicians is paramount. This requires evaluating several factors. The “Lung Cancer Score” would incorporate metrics such as the board certifications of physicians, their affiliations with reputable hospitals and cancer centers, and their participation in continuing medical education (CME) programs focused on the latest advancements in lung cancer treatment. Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys, while requiring careful interpretation to avoid bias, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Access to advanced diagnostic imaging, such as CT scans and PET scans, is another crucial element, as timely and accurate diagnosis is critical for effective treatment.

Standout practices within the area would be identified based on a combination of these factors. Practices demonstrating a commitment to excellence might be those with a high concentration of board-certified physicians, a strong track record of positive patient outcomes, and a dedication to patient-centered care. These practices may have implemented innovative approaches to care delivery, such as multidisciplinary tumor boards, which bring together specialists from different fields to collaboratively develop treatment plans. They might also be actively involved in clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge therapies.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Weikert. The “Lung Cancer Score” would assess the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients who live far from medical facilities or who have mobility limitations. The analysis would consider the types of telemedicine platforms used, the availability of virtual appointments, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care workflow.

The mental health of lung cancer patients is often overlooked, yet it is a critical component of their well-being. The “Lung Cancer Score” would evaluate the availability of mental health resources within the community. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups specializing in cancer care. The analysis would assess whether local practices have integrated mental health services into their care models, such as offering on-site counseling or providing referrals to mental health professionals. The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, would also be considered.

Primary care availability in Weikert is directly tied to the overall health of the community. The “Lung Cancer Score” would analyze the number of PCPs available, their accessibility (including appointment availability and wait times), and their integration with specialists. The analysis would also consider the availability of preventative care services, such as cancer screenings and vaccinations, which are crucial for early detection and overall health.

The assessment would also consider the presence of patient navigators or care coordinators, who can assist patients in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. These individuals can help patients schedule appointments, understand their treatment plans, and access financial assistance programs. The availability of these resources can significantly improve the patient experience and reduce the burden of managing their care.

Furthermore, the “Lung Cancer Score” would assess the accessibility of transportation options for patients. This is particularly important in rural areas where public transportation may be limited. The analysis would consider the availability of transportation services, such as ride-sharing programs or volunteer driver networks, that can help patients get to and from medical appointments.

The data gathered for the “Lung Cancer Score” would be synthesized to provide a comprehensive ranking of the healthcare resources available in and around Weikert. This ranking would be based on a weighted scoring system, with each factor assigned a specific weight based on its importance. The final score would provide a clear and concise assessment of the quality and accessibility of lung cancer care and primary care within the area.

To visualize and explore this complex data, consider the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps allow you to overlay various data points, such as physician locations, hospital affiliations, and patient demographics, to create a visual representation of the healthcare landscape. CartoChrome maps can help you identify areas with high concentrations of healthcare resources, as well as areas where access to care may be limited. They offer an intuitive way to understand the complexities of healthcare access and make informed decisions about your health.