17946, Lost Creek, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17946, Lost Creek, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17946 has some form of health insurance. 20.71 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 92.86 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 17946 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 75 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17946. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 18 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,903 health care providers accessible to residents in 17946, Lost Creek, Pennsylvania.

This analysis assesses the quality of lung cancer care and primary care accessibility within ZIP code 17946, encompassing the Lost Creek area, focusing on factors crucial for patient outcomes. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, evaluate telemedicine adoption, and explore the availability of mental health resources, all vital components in the fight against lung cancer.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. In Lost Creek, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts the likelihood of early lung cancer detection through screenings and regular checkups. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer prognoses. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility to primary care, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes. The specific ratio within 17946 requires a detailed data analysis, considering the number of PCPs actively practicing and the population served. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health would be necessary to calculate an accurate ratio for this area.

Identifying standout practices involves assessing the quality of care provided by individual clinics and hospitals. This includes evaluating their adherence to established lung cancer screening guidelines, such as those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Practices that actively promote and implement these guidelines, including low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible individuals, are likely to be leading providers. Furthermore, the expertise of oncologists, pulmonologists, and radiologists within the area is crucial. Analyzing the credentials and experience of these specialists, along with the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, provides a more comprehensive picture of the quality of care. Hospitals with accredited cancer centers often demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care and research, further enhancing their standing.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Lost Creek. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists. The extent to which practices in 17946 utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education is a key factor. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. The availability of telehealth platforms and the integration of these platforms into existing workflows are indicators of a practice's commitment to utilizing technology to improve patient care.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, is essential for patients navigating this challenging journey. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care plans demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. Assessing the availability of these resources within 17946 involves evaluating the presence of mental health professionals, the availability of support groups, and the integration of mental health services into existing healthcare practices.

The analysis of lung cancer care in Lost Creek requires a multi-faceted approach. It's not enough to simply look at the number of doctors; we must consider the quality of care, the use of technology, and the availability of mental health support. This includes identifying practices that excel in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as those that have embraced telemedicine to improve access to care. The presence of mental health resources is another crucial factor, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to patient care.

Accurately determining physician-to-patient ratios within 17946 is essential. This involves obtaining data on the number of practicing PCPs and the population of the area. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health would be necessary to calculate an accurate ratio for this area. This ratio provides a basic understanding of the accessibility of primary care.

Evaluating the quality of care provided by individual clinics and hospitals requires a detailed examination of their practices. This includes assessing their adherence to established lung cancer screening guidelines, such as those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Practices that actively promote and implement these guidelines, including low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible individuals, are likely to be leading providers. The expertise of oncologists, pulmonologists, and radiologists within the area is also crucial.

The adoption of telemedicine is another important factor. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists. The extent to which practices in 17946 utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education is a key factor. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas.

Finally, the availability of mental health resources is crucial. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care plans demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. Assessing the availability of these resources within 17946 involves evaluating the presence of mental health professionals, the availability of support groups, and the integration of mental health services into existing healthcare practices.

This comprehensive analysis highlights the complexities of assessing lung cancer care accessibility and quality in Lost Creek. By examining physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and exploring the availability of mental health resources, we can gain a more complete understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in this area. This information is vital for patients seeking care, healthcare providers striving to improve their services, and policymakers working to enhance healthcare access and quality.

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