18219, Conyngham, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18219, Conyngham, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.81 percent of the residents in 18219 has some form of health insurance. 37.18 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.67 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 18219 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 118 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18219. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 288 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,748 health care providers accessible to residents in 18219, Conyngham, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Conyngham, PA (ZIP Code 18219)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer care within the Conyngham, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18219) area. The focus is on evaluating the availability and quality of primary care physicians, their adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all factors that significantly impact a patient's journey from screening to treatment and survivorship. A "Lung Cancer Score" is implicitly derived through the evaluation of these key elements.

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer management is early detection. This necessitates robust primary care infrastructure. Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio within Conyngham is crucial. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and relevant professional organizations will be consulted to ascertain the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated population served. A higher ratio of patients per physician suggests potential access limitations, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes. Conversely, a favorable ratio indicates greater accessibility to preventative care, including lung cancer screenings. This analysis will also investigate the types of primary care practices available, including internal medicine, family medicine, and general practice.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of available primary care practices are critical. Are practices accepting new patients? What is the average wait time for an appointment? Do practices offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patient needs? The availability of these services directly influences a patient's ability to seek timely care. This analysis will delve into these operational aspects, examining practice websites, online reviews, and patient feedback (where available) to gauge the overall patient experience.

A key component of modern healthcare delivery is telemedicine. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Conyngham is a significant factor in our Lung Cancer Score assessment. Telemedicine facilitates remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and medication management, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically isolated areas. Practices utilizing secure video conferencing platforms, patient portals for communication, and remote monitoring devices demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care. The analysis will investigate the prevalence of telemedicine services, the types of services offered, and the ease of access for patients. This includes assessing the availability of virtual lung cancer screening education and support groups.

The integration of mental health resources into primary care is increasingly recognized as essential, especially for patients facing a cancer diagnosis. The emotional and psychological toll of lung cancer, including the fear of diagnosis, the stress of treatment, and the challenges of survivorship, can be substantial. Primary care practices that offer or have readily accessible mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and psychiatric support, are better equipped to provide holistic care. The analysis will examine the availability of on-site mental health professionals, referral pathways to mental health specialists, and partnerships with community mental health organizations. This includes assessing the availability of mental health resources specifically tailored to cancer patients and their families.

The "standout practices" within Conyngham will be identified based on a combination of factors. Practices demonstrating superior physician-to-patient ratios, offering comprehensive telemedicine services, integrating mental health resources, and receiving positive patient reviews will be highlighted. These practices exemplify a commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. The analysis will identify and commend these practices, offering insights into their operational models and best practices.

The Lung Cancer Score, though not a numerical value, is an aggregation of these factors. A higher score indicates a more robust and accessible healthcare environment, leading to a greater likelihood of early detection, effective treatment, and improved patient outcomes. Conversely, a lower score suggests potential challenges in accessing care, which could negatively impact patient outcomes.

The analysis will also consider the proximity to specialized cancer centers and hospitals. While this analysis focuses on primary care availability, the accessibility of specialized oncology services, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists, is critical for comprehensive lung cancer care. The analysis will examine the distance to these facilities and the ease of patient referrals.

The analysis will also consider the availability of support groups and patient education resources within the community. Organizations like the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society often provide valuable information and support services for lung cancer patients and their families. The analysis will identify these resources and assess their accessibility within Conyngham.

The availability of palliative care services is another crucial factor. Palliative care focuses on providing comfort and support to patients facing serious illnesses, including lung cancer. The analysis will investigate the availability of palliative care services within the community, including home health care options and hospice care.

The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on healthcare access. Factors such as income, insurance coverage, and transportation limitations can significantly affect a patient's ability to receive timely and appropriate care. The analysis will consider these factors and their potential impact on the Lung Cancer Score.

The analysis will also assess the availability of resources for smoking cessation. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and primary care physicians play a crucial role in helping patients quit smoking. The analysis will examine the availability of smoking cessation programs, counseling services, and medication options within Conyngham.

This comprehensive assessment, although not producing a single numerical score, provides a detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Conyngham, PA, relevant to lung cancer care. The analysis considers all key aspects of care, from primary care access to the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of specialized oncology services. The findings will offer valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in the area and provide guidance for improving patient care.

For a visually interactive map of healthcare resources in Conyngham and surrounding areas, including the location of primary care practices, hospitals, and cancer centers, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing and understanding healthcare access, allowing you to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.