17945, Locustdale, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17945, Locustdale, Pennsylvania is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.47 percent of the residents in 17945 has some form of health insurance. 39.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.13 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 17945 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 20 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17945. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 25 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,802 health care providers accessible to residents in 17945, Locustdale, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Locustdale, PA (ZIP Code 17945)**

This analysis assesses the healthcare landscape within the Locustdale, PA (ZIP code 17945) area, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care and primary care accessibility. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to patients and the overall quality of care, culminating in a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment. This score is not a single numerical value but a holistic evaluation based on the criteria discussed.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on readily available primary care. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Locustdale and the surrounding areas is a critical determinant of patient outcomes. Early detection is paramount in lung cancer, and PCPs play a crucial role in screening, diagnosis, and referral. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key indicator of access. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally suggests better access to appointments, more personalized care, and potentially, earlier detection of suspicious symptoms. Analyzing this ratio within 17945 and its neighboring ZIP codes is essential.

Data on the number of PCPs actively practicing within the geographic area is crucial. Publicly available sources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health or national databases like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), can provide this information. However, it is important to acknowledge that this data may not always be entirely up-to-date. Furthermore, the presence of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, within a reasonable commuting distance is a significant factor. The closer these specialists are, the faster patients can receive specialized diagnosis and treatment.

The analysis must delve into the specific practices within the Locustdale area. Are there any standout practices that demonstrate excellence in primary care? This could be based on patient reviews, accreditations (e.g., from the National Committee for Quality Assurance), or participation in value-based care programs. Identifying these high-performing practices can provide valuable insights into the best options for patients seeking care. Furthermore, the analysis must consider the services offered. Do practices offer comprehensive primary care, including preventative screenings, chronic disease management, and mental health support?

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Locustdale. Telemedicine can improve access to care by reducing the need for travel, particularly for follow-up appointments or consultations. The analysis should investigate which practices offer telemedicine services and the types of services available (e.g., virtual visits, remote monitoring). Examining the availability of telehealth specifically for lung cancer patients, such as virtual support groups or consultations with specialists, would be particularly beneficial.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, yet critical, aspect of cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. The analysis must assess the availability of mental health services within the Locustdale area. This includes the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. Are these services integrated into primary care practices, or are patients required to seek them out separately? The availability of support groups, both in-person and virtual, is also a crucial factor.

The overall accessibility of care is a critical factor. This includes not only the availability of physicians and specialists but also factors like insurance acceptance, appointment wait times, and the availability of transportation to medical facilities. The analysis should consider the demographics of the Locustdale population, including factors like age, income, and access to transportation, to understand the unique challenges faced by patients in this area.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Locustdale, PA (ZIP code 17945) is not a single number. It is a composite assessment based on all the factors discussed above. A high score would indicate: a high physician-to-patient ratio, readily available specialists, widespread telemedicine adoption, integrated mental health services, and excellent overall accessibility. A low score would indicate the opposite. The score will be a qualitative assessment.

For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is low, indicating a shortage of primary care physicians, this would negatively impact the score. If there are limited specialists, especially pulmonologists and oncologists, nearby, this would also lower the score. The absence of telemedicine options, particularly for follow-up appointments or consultations with specialists, would also detract from the score. Conversely, a high score would be awarded if the area has a strong primary care network, easy access to specialists, a high rate of telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" will be a qualitative assessment, taking into account all the factors discussed. This will allow for a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Locustdale. The goal is to provide a useful overview of the resources available to patients and the overall quality of care.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Locustdale, PA (ZIP code 17945), including the locations of physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, explore the interactive maps available from CartoChrome. These maps can provide a valuable visual aid in understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and accessibility.