18069, Orefield, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18069, Orefield, Pennsylvania is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.47 percent of the residents in 18069 has some form of health insurance. 24.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.18 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 18069 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,829 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 41 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18069. An estimate of 71 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,376 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 35,495 health care providers accessible to residents in 18069, Orefield, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Orefield, PA (ZIP Code 18069)

Analyzing the landscape of healthcare in Orefield, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18069) through the lens of lung cancer care reveals a complex interplay of factors. This analysis, framed as a "Lung Cancer Score," considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources, all crucial elements in the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of this devastating disease. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment and highlight potential areas for improvement.

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer care is accessible and robust primary care. In Orefield, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical determinant of the Lung Cancer Score. A high PCP-to-population ratio allows for more frequent preventative screenings, early detection of symptoms, and timely referrals to specialists. Conversely, a scarcity of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses, impacting patient outcomes. The analysis must consider the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code, factoring in those accepting new patients, their specialties (e.g., internal medicine, family medicine), and their affiliations with larger healthcare systems.

Beyond raw numbers, the geographic distribution of PCPs within Orefield is vital. Are practices concentrated in one area, leaving other sections underserved? This spatial analysis is crucial to determine if all residents have relatively equal access to care. The presence of urgent care facilities and walk-in clinics, while not substitutes for primary care, can also contribute to the overall accessibility of healthcare, especially for initial symptom assessment.

Physician-to-patient ratios are fundamental. The ideal ratio allows PCPs to dedicate sufficient time to each patient, fostering a strong doctor-patient relationship and facilitating thorough examinations. High ratios, indicative of a shortage of PCPs, can lead to shorter appointment times, potentially compromising the ability to conduct comprehensive health assessments and address patient concerns. The analysis will investigate the estimated patient load of each practice within the ZIP code, offering a more granular understanding of the accessibility of care.

Standout practices within Orefield play a significant role in shaping the Lung Cancer Score. These practices are characterized by their commitment to preventative care, including adherence to lung cancer screening guidelines, such as those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and their integration with other healthcare providers is a key indicator of a practice's efficiency and ability to coordinate care. Practices that actively participate in population health initiatives and track patient outcomes demonstrate a proactive approach to improving overall health.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly relevant, particularly in the context of lung cancer care. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically isolated areas. The analysis assesses the extent to which practices in Orefield offer telehealth services, including the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring) and the ease of access for patients. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially improve the Lung Cancer Score by enhancing access to care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are essential components of comprehensive lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and psychologically challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The analysis evaluates the availability of mental health services within Orefield, including the presence of therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, as well as the integration of mental health services into primary care practices. Practices that offer or facilitate access to mental health support can significantly improve the Lung Cancer Score by addressing the holistic needs of patients.

The quality of care also hinges on the availability of specialized services. While the focus is on primary care, the proximity and accessibility of pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, and thoracic surgeons are crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. The analysis will assess the distance to these specialists, the availability of advanced imaging technologies (e.g., CT scans), and the referral pathways between primary care practices and specialists.

The analysis of the Lung Cancer Score will also consider the socioeconomic factors that impact health outcomes. These factors include income levels, educational attainment, and access to transportation. Lower socioeconomic status can be associated with poorer health outcomes, including higher rates of lung cancer. The analysis will incorporate data on these factors to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Orefield.

By combining these factors, the Lung Cancer Score provides a holistic assessment of the healthcare environment in Orefield, PA, focusing on the elements most critical to lung cancer care. The final score will offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system and identifying areas for improvement. This analysis will highlight the importance of accessible primary care, the role of standout practices, the potential of telemedicine, and the need for integrated mental health services. It will also underscore the significance of specialized care and the impact of socioeconomic factors on patient outcomes.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Orefield, including the location of practices, specialists, and other relevant data, explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. These maps provide a dynamic and user-friendly way to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment.