17901, Pottsville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17901, Pottsville, Pennsylvania is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.36 percent of the residents in 17901 has some form of health insurance. 42.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.07 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 17901 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,778 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17901. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,034 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,277 health care providers accessible to residents in 17901, Pottsville, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Pottsville, PA (ZIP Code 17901)

This analysis delves into the landscape of lung cancer care within Pottsville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17901), focusing on primary care availability and the resources accessible to patients. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient well-being. This score isn't a single number but a composite understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management lies in robust primary care. Early detection is paramount, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact. They are responsible for screening, risk assessment, and referral to specialists. In Pottsville, assessing primary care availability involves examining physician-to-patient ratios. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. This necessitates investigating the number of active PCPs practicing within the ZIP code, the patient population size, and the average wait times for appointments. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau will be invaluable for these calculations.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality of primary care is critical. This includes the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, such as those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). A key component is the use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for individuals at high risk (current or former smokers with a significant smoking history). Evaluating the percentage of local PCPs who actively screen eligible patients using LDCT, and how readily they facilitate referrals to radiology services equipped with this technology, is essential.

Furthermore, the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) plays a vital role. EHR systems facilitate seamless communication between PCPs, specialists, and other healthcare providers, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of errors. Assessing the extent to which local practices utilize interoperable EHR systems is crucial. This includes determining whether these systems allow for efficient sharing of patient information, including imaging results, pathology reports, and treatment plans.

Identifying standout practices within Pottsville is also important. These practices may demonstrate exemplary patient care, innovative approaches to screening and diagnosis, or a commitment to patient education. This can involve researching practices known for their proactive screening programs, patient-centered care models, or participation in clinical trials. Patient reviews and testimonials, while subjective, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience and the quality of care provided.

Telemedicine adoption is another key consideration. Telemedicine offers significant advantages, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. It can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services among local PCPs and specialists, including the types of services offered and the ease of access, is essential. This includes examining the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of telehealth platforms.

The mental health of lung cancer patients is often overlooked, yet it is a critical component of overall well-being. A cancer diagnosis can lead to anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources within Pottsville is therefore crucial. This involves assessing the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists practicing in the area, as well as the availability of support groups and counseling services specifically for cancer patients. Furthermore, it's important to determine whether local PCPs screen patients for mental health concerns and make appropriate referrals.

The availability of supportive care services is also important. This includes access to palliative care specialists, pain management specialists, and oncology social workers. Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients and their families, addressing symptoms and providing emotional support. Assessing the availability of these services within Pottsville and the ease with which patients can access them is crucial. This includes examining the presence of palliative care programs at local hospitals and the availability of home health services.

Finally, the accessibility of cancer treatment centers is a significant factor. This involves assessing the proximity of local hospitals and cancer centers to ZIP code 17901, the types of treatments offered (e.g., surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy), and the availability of clinical trials. A comprehensive assessment of these factors will contribute to a more complete "Lung Cancer Score" for Pottsville.

In conclusion, assessing the "Lung Cancer Score" for Pottsville, PA (ZIP code 17901) requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves evaluating primary care availability, the adoption of evidence-based screening practices, the integration of technology, the availability of mental health resources, and access to specialized cancer care. This comprehensive assessment will provide a clearer understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem and identify areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Pottsville, including the geographic distribution of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps can provide valuable insights into the accessibility of care and help patients navigate the local healthcare system more effectively.