17959, New Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17959, New Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.27 percent of the residents in 17959 has some form of health insurance. 42.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.68 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 17959 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 363 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17959. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 280 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 875 health care providers accessible to residents in 17959, New Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: New Philadelphia, PA (ZIP Code 17959)**

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians and the overall healthcare landscape within New Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17959). The evaluation considers factors crucial to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources. The goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment, informing patient choices and highlighting areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible primary care. In New Philadelphia, assessing primary care availability involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the Pennsylvania Department of Health will be analyzed to determine the current physician-to-patient ratio within the specified ZIP code. This ratio is then compared to state and national averages to gauge the relative availability of primary care services.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices is vital. This analysis investigates the characteristics of practices within 17959, focusing on their approach to lung cancer prevention and early detection. Key indicators include the implementation of evidence-based screening guidelines, such as those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) for individuals at high risk (e.g., current or former smokers). We will examine the availability of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, a critical tool for detecting lung cancer at its earliest stages. Practices that proactively offer and promote LDCT screenings, particularly to eligible patients, will receive higher scores. Furthermore, the presence of patient education materials on lung cancer risks, symptoms, and screening options will be assessed.

Telemedicine has become an increasingly important component of healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption can improve access to care, especially for patients facing geographical barriers or mobility limitations. This analysis evaluates the extent of telemedicine integration among primary care practices in New Philadelphia. Practices offering telehealth consultations for routine check-ups, follow-up appointments, and patient education will be viewed favorably. The availability of virtual lung cancer screening consultations, where patients can discuss their risk factors and receive guidance on appropriate screening options, is particularly noteworthy. The ease of access to telemedicine platforms, including the availability of mobile apps and user-friendly interfaces, will also be considered.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. Therefore, access to mental health resources is a critical aspect of comprehensive care. This analysis examines the availability of mental health services within the New Philadelphia healthcare ecosystem. We will assess whether primary care practices offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to local mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists. The availability of support groups, both in-person and virtual, for lung cancer patients and their families is also considered. Practices that actively address the emotional needs of their patients, providing or connecting them with appropriate mental health support, will receive higher scores.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into individual practice characteristics. This analysis will identify practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in lung cancer care. These practices may exhibit several key attributes: a strong emphasis on preventative care and early detection through proactive screening programs, a patient-centered approach that prioritizes communication and shared decision-making, a commitment to utilizing the latest evidence-based treatments and technologies, and a dedication to providing comprehensive support services, including mental health resources and patient education. These exemplary practices will serve as models for other providers in the area.

The final Lung Cancer Score for New Philadelphia will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a specific weight based on its relative importance in the overall assessment. The resulting score will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the healthcare landscape within the ZIP code, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the provision of lung cancer care. The score will be accompanied by a narrative summary, providing context and interpretation of the findings.

The analysis process will involve a combination of data collection methods. Publicly available data sources, such as the U.S. Census Bureau, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, will be utilized to gather information on physician-to-patient ratios, demographics, and healthcare utilization patterns. Practice websites, online directories, and patient reviews will be examined to gather information on practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Direct outreach to primary care practices may be conducted to gather additional information and verify data accuracy.

The limitations of this analysis should be acknowledged. The data used may be subject to limitations in availability and accuracy. The analysis relies on publicly available information and may not capture the full scope of healthcare services provided in the area. The Lung Cancer Score is an estimate, and it should not be considered a definitive measure of the quality of care. However, it provides a valuable framework for understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.

This analysis is intended to be a resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers in New Philadelphia. It aims to promote informed decision-making, improve access to care, and ultimately, enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by lung cancer. By identifying strengths and weaknesses in the healthcare system, this analysis can contribute to efforts to improve lung cancer outcomes in the community. The information provided can inform patients about their options and empower them to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

For a more detailed, visual, and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in New Philadelphia, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps.