17976, Shenandoah, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17976, Shenandoah, Pennsylvania is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.27 percent of the residents in 17976 has some form of health insurance. 50.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.10 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 17976 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,686 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17976. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 846 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,613 health care providers accessible to residents in 17976, Shenandoah, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score: Shenandoah, PA (ZIP Code 17976) - A Primary Care Landscape Analysis

This analysis examines the primary care landscape in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17976), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection and management. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering physician availability, practice characteristics, and access to supportive services. The analysis will then provide an understanding of the overall accessibility of healthcare for residents, specifically concerning lung cancer care.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and high-quality primary care. Early detection is crucial, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms or needing preventative screenings. The availability and quality of PCPs in Shenandoah directly impact the likelihood of timely diagnosis and treatment.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access:**

A critical metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. This indicates the number of patients each PCP is responsible for. A higher ratio suggests potential challenges in accessing appointments, leading to delayed care. Publicly available data on physician counts and population demographics within ZIP code 17976 is essential for calculating this ratio. If this data is unavailable, approximations can be made using county-level figures, but this will be less precise. The analysis must consider the potential for patients to seek care outside of the immediate ZIP code, impacting the perceived accessibility.

Beyond the raw ratio, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are they concentrated in a single clinic, or are they dispersed throughout the community? A centralized model may offer advantages in terms of resource sharing, but it could create logistical hurdles for patients with limited transportation. A dispersed model might improve accessibility but could lead to fragmented care.

**Standout Practices and Their Contributions:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. Are these practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? Do they have a demonstrated commitment to preventative care, including lung cancer screening for eligible patients (e.g., those with a history of smoking)?

These practices should also be evaluated on their ability to coordinate care. Do they have established referral pathways to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists? Do they utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to share patient information seamlessly? Practices that embrace these technologies and collaborative approaches are likely to provide a higher standard of care.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in Shenandoah is a key factor in this analysis. Does the practice offer virtual consultations for routine follow-ups or medication management? Are they equipped to conduct remote monitoring of patients with chronic conditions?

Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, or those who find it challenging to take time off work for appointments. The availability of telemedicine services can significantly improve access to care, especially for those needing regular check-ups or follow-up appointments after lung cancer treatment.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Integration:**

The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is significant. Access to mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive care. The analysis must assess the availability of mental health services within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referral networks.

Do PCPs screen patients for depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns? Do they have established partnerships with mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists? Integrated mental health services can improve patient outcomes by addressing the psychological aspects of the disease, promoting coping mechanisms, and enhancing overall well-being.

**Specific Considerations for Lung Cancer Care:**

The analysis should specifically address the practices' approach to lung cancer screening. Do they follow the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for recommending low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for high-risk individuals (e.g., current or former smokers)? Do they have protocols in place to ensure appropriate follow-up for patients with suspicious findings?

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the practices' involvement in smoking cessation programs. Do they offer counseling, medication, or other resources to help patients quit smoking? Smoking cessation is a critical step in preventing lung cancer and improving outcomes for those diagnosed with the disease.

**Challenges and Opportunities:**

Shenandoah, like many rural communities, may face challenges in healthcare access. These may include a shortage of specialists, limited transportation options, and socioeconomic factors that impact health outcomes. The analysis must acknowledge these challenges and identify opportunities for improvement.

Opportunities might include collaborations between primary care practices and hospitals, telehealth initiatives, and community-based health programs. The analysis should also consider the role of community organizations in supporting patients and their families.

**Overall Lung Cancer Score and Conclusion:**

Based on the factors discussed above, a "Lung Cancer Score" can be assigned to the primary care landscape in Shenandoah. This score would reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of care available to residents. The score would be a composite of the factors outlined above.

The analysis concludes by highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care system in Shenandoah regarding lung cancer care. It offers recommendations for improvement, such as increasing physician recruitment, expanding telemedicine services, and strengthening mental health support. The goal is to inform residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the current state of healthcare and to promote efforts to improve lung cancer outcomes in the community.

**Call to Action:**

For a comprehensive, visually engaging understanding of the healthcare landscape in Shenandoah, including physician locations, demographics, and other relevant data, explore the interactive maps available from CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides powerful mapping tools that can help you visualize and analyze the data discussed in this report, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.