17972, Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17972, Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.71 percent of the residents in 17972 has some form of health insurance. 40.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.15 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 17972 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,293 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17972. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,627 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,495 health care providers accessible to residents in 17972, Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Schuylkill Haven, PA (ZIP Code 17972)**

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of lung cancer care within Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17972), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) access, specialist availability, and supportive resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, recognizing that early detection and comprehensive treatment are crucial for positive patient outcomes. This assessment will consider various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all within the context of the local healthcare landscape.

Schuylkill Haven, a borough within Schuylkill County, presents a unique healthcare environment. Its relatively small population and proximity to larger regional medical centers shape its healthcare infrastructure. The availability of primary care physicians forms the bedrock of lung cancer screening and early detection efforts. A robust primary care network allows for regular check-ups, discussions about risk factors (smoking history, environmental exposures), and the timely ordering of diagnostic tests, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, for high-risk individuals.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access to care. A higher ratio (more patients per physician) can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced time spent with each patient. Data on physician distribution within 17972 is essential. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards, can provide insights into the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the overall population. This data allows for a preliminary assessment of the availability of primary care. The analysis would then compare this ratio to state and national averages to determine if Schuylkill Haven faces a shortage or has adequate access to primary care.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices and their adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening. Do the PCPs routinely assess patients for smoking history and other risk factors? Are they knowledgeable about the latest screening recommendations from organizations like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)? Do they have established referral pathways to pulmonologists and other specialists for further evaluation and treatment? Identifying standout practices – those that consistently demonstrate a commitment to preventative care and patient education – is crucial. This could involve examining patient reviews, assessing the practice's accreditation status, and evaluating their use of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate care coordination.

The availability of specialists is another crucial factor. Lung cancer care requires a multidisciplinary approach, including pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists. The presence of these specialists within or near Schuylkill Haven is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. The analysis would identify the location of these specialists, their affiliations with hospitals or cancer centers, and their areas of expertise. The proximity of these specialists to primary care practices is also important, as it facilitates referrals and collaboration.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to specialists, provide remote consultations, and facilitate follow-up care. The analysis would assess the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and specialists in 17972. Do they offer virtual appointments? Do they use remote monitoring technologies? The availability of telemedicine can significantly improve access to care for patients who may face transportation challenges or live in remote areas.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The analysis would assess the availability of mental health services within the community, including therapists, counselors, and support groups. Are these services accessible and affordable? Are there programs specifically designed to support cancer patients and their families? Integrating mental health care into the overall treatment plan is essential for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

The analysis would also consider the presence of local hospitals and cancer centers. These institutions play a crucial role in providing diagnostic services, treatment options, and supportive care. The analysis would evaluate the capabilities of these facilities, including their ability to perform LDCT scans, offer chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and provide access to clinical trials. The accreditation status of these facilities and their commitment to quality of care are also important considerations.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Schuylkill Haven, PA (17972) would be a composite score based on these factors. The score would reflect the overall availability and quality of lung cancer care within the community. It would be a dynamic assessment, subject to change as the healthcare landscape evolves. The score would serve as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, highlighting areas of strength and areas that need improvement. This is not a simple numerical score, but a holistic evaluation of the factors that contribute to effective lung cancer care.

The analysis would culminate in a summary of findings, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in relation to lung cancer care. It would identify potential gaps in care and recommend strategies for improvement. This could include recommendations for increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding access to telemedicine, and improving the availability of mental health resources.

Understanding the local healthcare landscape is essential for navigating the complexities of lung cancer care. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the resources available in Schuylkill Haven, PA (17972), empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health and encouraging healthcare providers to continually strive for excellence in patient care.

For a detailed visual representation of physician locations, specialist availability, and healthcare resource distribution in Schuylkill Haven, PA (17972), explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome. These maps provide a valuable tool for understanding the local healthcare landscape and making informed decisions about your health.