17982, Tuscarora, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17982, Tuscarora, Pennsylvania is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.78 percent of the residents in 17982 has some form of health insurance. 53.33 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.62 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 17982 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 37 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17982. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 173 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,811 health care providers accessible to residents in 17982, Tuscarora, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17982 and Primary Care Availability in Tuscarora**

Analyzing the landscape of healthcare, specifically focusing on lung cancer care and primary care accessibility in the context of ZIP code 17982 and the Tuscarora region, necessitates a multifaceted approach. A "Lung Cancer Score" analysis, although a simplified metric, allows us to assess the availability and quality of care, considering factors beyond raw numbers. This analysis will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and assess the presence of mental health resources, ultimately painting a picture of the healthcare ecosystem in this specific area.

The foundation of any healthcare analysis is understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. In ZIP code 17982 and the surrounding Tuscarora region, data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the American Medical Association must be compiled. This involves identifying the total population of the area and cross-referencing it with the number of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists involved in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians relative to the population, would negatively impact the "Lung Cancer Score." Conversely, a higher ratio, suggesting greater accessibility, would contribute positively.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout practices requires examining their infrastructure, patient outcomes, and adherence to established medical guidelines. This involves researching the presence of advanced diagnostic equipment, such as low-dose CT scanners, which are crucial for early lung cancer detection. Furthermore, the availability of comprehensive treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies, is essential. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based medicine and participate in clinical trials would receive a higher score.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element in this assessment. Telemedicine has the potential to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to specialists, especially in rural areas like Tuscarora. The availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online educational resources for patients can significantly enhance the "Lung Cancer Score." Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering convenient and accessible care options, would be viewed favorably. Conversely, a lack of telemedicine infrastructure would detract from the overall score.

The connection between physical and mental health is undeniable, especially for patients facing a lung cancer diagnosis. The "Lung Cancer Score" must consider the availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups. The stress, anxiety, and depression that often accompany a cancer diagnosis can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and treatment outcomes. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, offering readily accessible support, would receive a higher score.

The Tuscarora region, with its specific demographic and geographic characteristics, requires a nuanced understanding. The "Lung Cancer Score" should consider factors such as the prevalence of smoking, the age distribution of the population, and any known environmental risk factors. This contextual understanding helps to tailor the analysis and identify specific needs within the community.

The analysis would also consider the presence of patient navigators, individuals who guide patients through the complex healthcare system. Navigators can assist with appointments, insurance, and accessing resources, improving the patient experience and potentially leading to better outcomes. Practices that employ patient navigators would be viewed positively.

Furthermore, the "Lung Cancer Score" should incorporate data on patient satisfaction. Patient feedback, gathered through surveys and reviews, provides valuable insights into the quality of care and the overall patient experience. Practices with high patient satisfaction ratings would contribute positively to the score.

A key consideration is the degree of collaboration among healthcare providers. The "Lung Cancer Score" should reflect the extent to which primary care physicians, pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists work together to provide coordinated care. Practices that participate in multidisciplinary tumor boards, where specialists discuss patient cases and develop treatment plans collaboratively, would receive a higher score.

The analysis also needs to assess the availability of palliative care services. Palliative care focuses on providing comfort and improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. The presence of palliative care specialists and services can significantly improve the patient experience, especially for those with advanced lung cancer. Practices that offer comprehensive palliative care would be viewed favorably.

The "Lung Cancer Score" should also consider the accessibility of transportation. For patients in rural areas, transportation to and from medical appointments can be a significant barrier to care. Practices that offer transportation assistance or partner with local organizations to provide transportation services would receive a higher score.

Finally, the "Lung Cancer Score" should consider the cost of care. The financial burden of cancer treatment can be significant. Practices that offer affordable care options, work with patients to navigate insurance coverage, and provide financial assistance programs would be viewed favorably.

In conclusion, the "Lung Cancer Score" analysis for doctors in ZIP code 17982 and primary care availability in Tuscarora requires a comprehensive evaluation of various factors. It goes beyond simple metrics to assess the quality, accessibility, and affordability of care. By considering physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and other relevant factors, this analysis provides a valuable assessment of the healthcare landscape in this specific region.

For a visual representation of this data and to explore the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 17982 and the Tuscarora region, including physician locations, practice details, and resource availability, we invite you to explore CartoChrome maps. They provide an interactive and informative view of the healthcare ecosystem.