18224, Freeland, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18224, Freeland, Pennsylvania is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.44 percent of the residents in 18224 has some form of health insurance. 48.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.76 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 18224 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,381 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18224. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,311 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,602 health care providers accessible to residents in 18224, Freeland, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Freeland, PA (ZIP Code 18224)**

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians within ZIP code 18224 (Freeland, PA), focusing on factors critical to early detection, treatment, and patient support. The assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in navigating a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment journey. The goal is to offer insights that can empower patients and inform healthcare providers within the community.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care is access to primary care physicians. In Freeland, the physician-to-patient ratio plays a significant role in this accessibility. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Assessing the current ratio requires data on the number of active primary care physicians practicing within the 18224 ZIP code and the population of Freeland. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and state medical licensing boards are essential for obtaining this information. A low physician-to-patient ratio, ideally below the national average, is a positive indicator of accessible care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within Freeland involves evaluating several key criteria. Does the practice offer comprehensive preventative care, including regular lung cancer screenings for high-risk patients (e.g., current or former smokers)? Are physicians knowledgeable about the latest lung cancer screening guidelines, such as those from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)? Do they have a clear referral pathway to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists? Practices that proactively address these aspects demonstrate a commitment to early detection and patient-centered care. Reviewing patient testimonials, online reviews, and practice websites can provide valuable insights into the quality of care offered.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Freeland. Telemedicine can improve access to care by reducing the need for in-person visits, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, are better positioned to serve a wider patient base. The availability of telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. Examining practice websites and contacting the offices directly will reveal the extent of telemedicine integration.

The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is substantial. Access to mental health resources is therefore a crucial component of comprehensive care. Practices that offer on-site counseling services or have established referral networks with mental health professionals demonstrate a commitment to supporting the patient's overall well-being. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. A holistic approach to care, addressing both the physical and mental aspects of the disease, significantly improves patient outcomes and quality of life. Investigating the availability of these resources involves checking practice websites, contacting offices, and reviewing patient testimonials.

The analysis should also consider the availability of resources for smoking cessation. Primary care physicians play a vital role in helping patients quit smoking, a major risk factor for lung cancer. Practices that offer smoking cessation programs, counseling, and access to medications are better equipped to reduce the incidence of lung cancer within the community. This involves evaluating the services offered by each practice and assessing the physician's approach to smoking cessation counseling.

The presence of a robust referral network is also critical. Primary care physicians need to have established relationships with specialists, including pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons. This ensures that patients receive timely and appropriate care, from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up. Evaluating the referral pathways of each practice, including the speed and efficiency of referrals, is essential.

In conclusion, assessing the Lung Cancer Score for primary care in Freeland, PA (18224) requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and analyzing the availability of mental health and smoking cessation resources. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the accessibility and quality of care available to patients in the community.

The information gathered in this analysis can be visualized and further explored using advanced mapping tools. To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and patient demographics in Freeland, PA, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. Their platform offers powerful visualization capabilities that can help you identify areas of need and inform healthcare planning decisions. Visit CartoChrome today to gain a visual perspective of the healthcare landscape in Freeland.