17929, Cressona, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17929, Cressona, Pennsylvania is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.90 percent of the residents in 17929 has some form of health insurance. 37.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.19 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 17929 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 246 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17929. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 286 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,746 health care providers accessible to residents in 17929, Cressona, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Cressona, PA (ZIP Code 17929)

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within the Cressona, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17929) area, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs), a crucial entry point for early detection and treatment. The analysis considers factors impacting lung cancer patient outcomes, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem, highlighting strengths and weaknesses to inform patient decision-making and potentially guide healthcare improvements.

Cressona, a small borough in Schuylkill County, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The population density is relatively low, which can impact access to specialized medical services, including pulmonologists and oncologists. Therefore, the availability and responsiveness of PCPs are paramount.

**Primary Care Physician Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 17929 requires accessing and analyzing publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the US Census Bureau, and potentially private healthcare databases. However, even without precise figures, the general trend can be assessed. Rural areas often face a shortage of PCPs compared to urban centers. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and increased reliance on emergency room visits for non-emergency conditions.

The presence of larger healthcare systems or hospital networks in the broader Schuylkill County area could influence the availability of PCPs within Cressona. If a major hospital system has a strong presence in the region, it might indicate a greater concentration of primary care physicians, potentially improving the physician-to-patient ratio. Conversely, the absence of such a system might suggest a more limited availability of PCPs.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying “standout practices” involves evaluating several factors. These include the quality of care, patient satisfaction, the adoption of evidence-based practices, and the integration of technology. Practices that prioritize early detection through lung cancer screening programs (e.g., low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals) are particularly noteworthy. The availability of on-site diagnostic services, such as X-ray and basic laboratory tests, can also significantly improve patient convenience and expedite the diagnostic process.

Furthermore, the responsiveness of a practice to patient needs is critical. Practices that offer extended hours, same-day appointments for urgent issues, and clear communication channels (e.g., online portals, readily available phone support) are likely to provide a better patient experience. The presence of board-certified physicians and a well-trained support staff (nurses, medical assistants) also contribute to the overall quality of care.

**Telemedicine Adoption: A Critical Element:**

Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Its adoption can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments. In the context of lung cancer, telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with PCPs, pulmonologists, and oncologists. It can also be used for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education.

The level of telemedicine adoption within Cressona can be assessed by examining the practices of local PCPs. Do they offer virtual appointments? Do they utilize secure online patient portals for communication and sharing of medical records? Are they equipped to monitor patients remotely using wearable devices or other technologies? The extent of telemedicine adoption directly impacts the accessibility and convenience of care for lung cancer patients.

**Mental Health Resources: An Often-Overlooked Aspect:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is crucial. The ideal scenario involves the seamless integration of mental health services into primary care. This could include on-site therapists, referrals to mental health specialists, and the implementation of screening tools to identify patients who may benefit from mental health support.

Assessing the availability of mental health resources in Cressona requires investigating whether local PCPs collaborate with mental health professionals. Are there readily available mental health services within the community? Are patients provided with resources and support to address the emotional and psychological challenges associated with lung cancer? The integration of mental health care is a key indicator of a comprehensive approach to patient well-being.

**Overall Assessment and Recommendations:**

The lung cancer score for Cressona, Pennsylvania, is determined by the interplay of these factors. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare ecosystem with readily available PCPs, strong telemedicine adoption, integrated mental health services, and practices that prioritize early detection and patient-centered care. A lower score would suggest challenges in these areas, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, reduced access to treatment, and poorer patient outcomes.

Improving the lung cancer score requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes efforts to attract and retain PCPs in the area, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, increasing access to mental health services, and supporting practices that prioritize early detection and patient-centered care. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is essential to achieve these goals.

The availability of comprehensive maps, such as those provided by CartoChrome, can be invaluable in visualizing the healthcare landscape. These maps can highlight the locations of PCPs, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, as well as the distribution of population and other relevant demographic data.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare resources available in Cressona and surrounding areas, explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides valuable insights into physician locations, healthcare access, and other relevant factors that can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.