17974, Seltzer, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17974, Seltzer, Pennsylvania is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.92 percent of the residents in 17974 has some form of health insurance. 59.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.97 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 17974 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 107 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17974. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 87 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,495 health care providers accessible to residents in 17974, Seltzer, Pennsylvania.

This analysis evaluates the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 17974, focusing on physician availability, primary care resources in Seltzer, and related factors. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem, particularly concerning early detection and treatment of lung cancer. This assessment considers factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial components of comprehensive cancer care.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 17974 presents a critical starting point. Analyzing the number of primary care physicians (PCPs), pulmonologists, and oncologists relative to the population size reveals potential access challenges. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potentially poorer outcomes. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and the potential for more proactive screening and treatment strategies. Data on the specific physician counts within the ZIP code are essential to establish this baseline. Publicly available resources, such as the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Area Health Resources Files (AHRF) or state medical board directories, can be utilized to gather this information.

The availability of primary care in Seltzer, a community within 17974, is a key determinant of lung cancer detection. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. Their ability to recognize early warning signs, order appropriate diagnostic tests (like low-dose CT scans), and refer patients to specialists significantly impacts the likelihood of early detection and successful treatment. Assessing the number of PCPs practicing in Seltzer, their accessibility (e.g., office hours, appointment availability), and their willingness to screen high-risk patients (e.g., smokers) are all important considerations.

Identifying standout medical practices within the ZIP code is another crucial aspect of this analysis. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive lung cancer care, including early detection programs, advanced treatment options, and patient support services, should be highlighted. This involves examining factors such as the availability of state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment (e.g., advanced imaging), the expertise of the medical staff, and the practice's participation in clinical trials. Reviewing patient testimonials and practice ratings can offer valuable insights into the quality of care provided.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly in rural areas like 17974. Telemedicine can improve access to specialists, facilitate remote consultations, and provide convenient follow-up care. Evaluating the extent to which pulmonologists and oncologists in the area utilize telemedicine platforms is essential. This assessment should consider the types of services offered via telemedicine (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), the ease of access for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care continuum.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are a vital component of cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, is crucial for supporting patients' emotional well-being. This analysis should examine the presence of mental health providers within the ZIP code, the availability of specialized services for cancer patients, and the integration of mental health support into the overall treatment plan.

Beyond the immediate medical resources, assessing the broader community context is also important. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to transportation, and health literacy can all impact a patient's ability to access and adhere to treatment. Considering these social determinants of health provides a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape and identifies potential barriers to care.

The lung cancer score, derived from this comprehensive analysis, would ideally be a composite measure reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of lung cancer care within 17974. This score could be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above, with each factor assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The score could then be used to compare the healthcare landscape in 17974 to other areas, identify areas for improvement, and inform healthcare planning and resource allocation.

The specific data points required to construct this score would include: the number of PCPs, pulmonologists, and oncologists in the ZIP code; the availability of diagnostic equipment; the adoption rate of telemedicine; the availability of mental health services; and the socioeconomic characteristics of the population. Data sources would include public health agencies, medical directories, and practice websites.

This analysis is intended to be a starting point for a more detailed investigation. The accuracy of the lung cancer score depends on the availability and reliability of the data. Further research, including interviews with healthcare providers and patients, would provide a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare landscape. The insights gained from this analysis can be used to improve the quality and accessibility of lung cancer care in 17974, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and other relevant data points within the 17974 ZIP code and surrounding areas, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the healthcare landscape, helping to identify areas with high or low access to care and informing strategic planning for improved healthcare delivery.