17965, Port Carbon, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17965, Port Carbon, Pennsylvania is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.96 percent of the residents in 17965 has some form of health insurance. 42.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.86 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 17965 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 364 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17965. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 401 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,272 health care providers accessible to residents in 17965, Port Carbon, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of lung cancer care within ZIP Code 17965, encompassing Port Carbon, requires a multi-faceted approach. Evaluating the quality of care necessitates examining physician availability, particularly primary care physicians (PCPs), as they serve as the initial point of contact and often facilitate early detection and referral. We will also explore the availability of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all of which contribute to a comprehensive patient experience and impact outcomes.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a high ratio suggests greater accessibility. Specific data on the exact physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 17965 is crucial. Public health agencies and medical boards often provide this data. If such specific data is unavailable, comparing the area's ratio to state and national averages provides a valuable benchmark. A significantly lower ratio than the average warrants further investigation into the factors contributing to this disparity.

Primary care availability in Port Carbon directly influences lung cancer outcomes. PCPs are instrumental in screening, early detection, and managing co-morbidities that can complicate treatment. A robust primary care network ensures patients have access to routine check-ups, which can identify potential issues early. This network should be assessed based on the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP Code, their patient load, and the availability of same-day or next-day appointments. Any bottlenecks in primary care access must be identified and addressed to improve lung cancer care.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. This includes assessing factors such as the use of evidence-based guidelines for screening and treatment, patient satisfaction scores, and outcomes data. Practices that consistently demonstrate superior performance in these areas should be recognized and serve as models for others. Examining the accreditation status of local hospitals and clinics also helps determine the quality of care. Accreditation by reputable organizations like the Joint Commission or the Commission on Cancer indicates adherence to high standards of care.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to specialists, facilitate remote monitoring of patients, and provide convenient follow-up care. The extent of telemedicine adoption among practices in ZIP Code 17965 needs evaluation. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring programs, and the use of telehealth platforms. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflows can improve access to care and enhance patient convenience.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical aspect of comprehensive lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, is essential for addressing anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. The availability of these resources within the community and the integration of mental health services into cancer care pathways must be assessed. This includes evaluating the presence of mental health professionals in primary care practices and cancer centers and the availability of support groups and counseling services.

Specific examples of practices within the ZIP Code 17965 area, if available, would provide a more granular understanding of the landscape. For instance, if a particular practice has a high patient satisfaction rate, a strong telemedicine program, and a dedicated mental health support team, it would likely rank highly in the overall assessment. Conversely, practices with limited access to specialists, low telemedicine adoption, and a lack of mental health support would likely score lower. The goal is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system to improve lung cancer care.

The assessment should also consider the availability of specialized lung cancer care, such as pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and oncologists. The presence of these specialists within the ZIP Code or nearby is crucial for timely diagnosis, staging, and treatment. The proximity to cancer centers equipped with advanced technologies, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, is also a significant factor. The ease of access to these specialized services directly impacts patient outcomes.

Furthermore, the analysis should evaluate the availability of support services, such as smoking cessation programs, patient navigators, and financial assistance programs. These services can play a crucial role in supporting patients throughout their cancer journey. Smoking cessation programs can help patients quit smoking, which is a major risk factor for lung cancer. Patient navigators can help patients navigate the complex healthcare system and access the resources they need. Financial assistance programs can help patients manage the costs of treatment.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of lung cancer care in ZIP Code 17965 requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician availability, primary care access, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and support services. Identifying standout practices and areas for improvement will help enhance patient outcomes.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 17965, including physician locations, specialist availability, and access to support services, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide a clear and concise overview of the healthcare resources in the area, allowing for a more informed understanding of the challenges and opportunities in lung cancer care.