18214, Barnesville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18214, Barnesville, Pennsylvania is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.85 percent of the residents in 18214 has some form of health insurance. 44.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.46 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 18214 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 263 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18214. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 545 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,610 health care providers accessible to residents in 18214, Barnesville, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical "Lung Cancer Score" assessment for primary care physicians in the 18214 ZIP code (Barnesville, PA), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. This is a theoretical exercise and does not represent real-world data.

Barnesville, Pennsylvania, a small community nestled in Schuylkill County, presents a unique healthcare landscape. The availability of primary care physicians is crucial, especially considering the potential for lung cancer diagnoses, a disease often linked to environmental factors and lifestyle choices. A "Lung Cancer Score" would consider several key aspects, ranging from physician accessibility to the availability of supportive services.

One critical element is the physician-to-patient ratio. In an ideal scenario, Barnesville would boast a favorable ratio, ensuring that residents have timely access to primary care appointments. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment, negatively impacting the "Lung Cancer Score." This score would reflect the ease with which patients can secure appointments for routine check-ups, screenings, and follow-up care.

The adoption of advanced diagnostic tools is another significant factor. The "Lung Cancer Score" would assess the availability of imaging technologies, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, which are vital for early detection in high-risk individuals. The presence of these technologies within the community or at nearby facilities would positively influence the score. Furthermore, the score would consider the physician's adherence to lung cancer screening guidelines, particularly for individuals with a history of smoking or exposure to other risk factors.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. The "Lung Cancer Score" would evaluate the extent to which primary care physicians in Barnesville utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access care from specialists and receive timely advice, even when in-person visits are challenging. This is particularly relevant for patients undergoing cancer treatment who may face mobility limitations.

The quality of care provided by individual practices would also be evaluated. The "Lung Cancer Score" would identify standout practices, assessing their performance based on patient satisfaction surveys, adherence to best practices, and outcomes data (where available). Practices demonstrating a commitment to patient education, smoking cessation programs, and comprehensive care would receive higher scores. For example, a practice that actively promotes lung cancer screening and offers support services for patients diagnosed with the disease would be considered a top performer.

Furthermore, the "Lung Cancer Score" would incorporate the availability of mental health resources. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health support is crucial for patients' well-being. The score would evaluate the presence of mental health professionals within the primary care practices or in the community, as well as the availability of support groups and counseling services. This aspect recognizes the importance of holistic care, addressing not only the physical aspects of the disease but also the psychological and emotional challenges patients face.

The "Lung Cancer Score" would also assess the availability of specialized care. While primary care physicians are the first point of contact, access to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists is essential for effective treatment. The score would consider the proximity of these specialists and the ease with which patients can be referred for further evaluation and treatment. A strong network of specialists would positively impact the score, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care.

The "Lung Cancer Score" would also consider the physician’s commitment to patient education. Doctors who actively educate their patients about lung cancer risks, prevention strategies, and the importance of early detection would receive higher scores. This includes providing information on smoking cessation programs, promoting healthy lifestyles, and educating patients about the symptoms of lung cancer. Patient empowerment through knowledge is a critical component of effective healthcare.

The analysis of the "Lung Cancer Score" for Barnesville would also consider the availability of financial assistance programs. Lung cancer treatment can be expensive, and access to financial resources can significantly impact a patient's ability to receive timely and appropriate care. The score would evaluate the availability of programs that help patients cover the costs of treatment, medications, and other related expenses.

The score would consider the physician's use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate efficient communication and coordination of care among healthcare providers. Physicians who utilize EHRs effectively, including the sharing of patient information with specialists and the tracking of patient outcomes, would receive higher scores. This ensures that patients receive coordinated and comprehensive care.

The "Lung Cancer Score" would incorporate the availability of palliative care services. Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. The presence of palliative care services in the community or at nearby facilities would positively impact the score, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive support throughout their treatment journey.

Finally, the "Lung Cancer Score" would be a dynamic measure, subject to change as healthcare practices evolve. Regular updates would be necessary to reflect changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the availability of support services. This ongoing assessment would provide valuable insights into the quality of lung cancer care in Barnesville and help identify areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Barnesville and surrounding areas, including physician locations, specialist availability, and access to resources, we invite you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, providing valuable insights into healthcare access and disparities.