18230, Junedale, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18230, Junedale, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18230 has some form of health insurance. 57.33 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.33 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 18230 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 45 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18230. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 24 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,509 health care providers accessible to residents in 18230, Junedale, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Junedale, PA (ZIP Code 18230)

This analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Junedale, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18230), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient well-being. The aim is to assess the quality of care available within the community, considering physician availability, resource accessibility, and innovative healthcare practices. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, informing residents and healthcare stakeholders alike.

The core of this evaluation centers on the availability and accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). Primary care serves as the crucial first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms suggestive of lung cancer. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. In Junedale, the "Lung Cancer Score" will heavily weigh the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, suggests potential challenges in securing timely appointments and receiving proactive screening recommendations, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals.

To establish a baseline, we must examine the existing physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 18230. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau will be utilized to determine the population size and the number of actively practicing PCPs. This data will be compared to national and state averages to gauge the relative adequacy of primary care access in Junedale. A below-average ratio will negatively impact the "Lung Cancer Score."

Beyond raw numbers, the analysis will delve into the operational aspects of primary care practices. This includes evaluating appointment wait times, the acceptance of new patients, and the availability of evening or weekend hours. Practices with shorter wait times, open to new patients, and offering flexible scheduling options will receive higher marks. These factors directly influence a patient's ability to promptly address concerning symptoms and initiate the diagnostic process.

Furthermore, the "Lung Cancer Score" will consider the presence and integration of telemedicine within primary care practices. Telemedicine offers numerous advantages, particularly in rural or underserved areas. It can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, thereby increasing access to care and potentially reducing the need for in-person visits, which can be challenging for patients with mobility issues or those living far from medical facilities. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine technologies will contribute positively to the score.

The analysis will also evaluate the availability of specialized care relevant to lung cancer. While Junedale may not have a dedicated oncology center, the proximity to regional hospitals and cancer treatment facilities is crucial. The "Lung Cancer Score" will consider the travel time and accessibility to these specialized resources. Factors such as the availability of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists within a reasonable distance will be assessed.

Mental health support is another critical component of the "Lung Cancer Score" assessment. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health resources within the community, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have strong referral networks for mental health support will be viewed favorably.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will also factor in patient education and support services. Practices that provide educational materials about lung cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and treatment options will be given high marks. The availability of support groups, patient navigators, and other resources that help patients navigate the complexities of diagnosis and treatment will also be considered.

Standout practices within Junedale will be identified based on their commitment to patient-centered care and their adoption of innovative healthcare practices. These practices may excel in areas such as patient communication, care coordination, or the utilization of technology to improve patient outcomes. Specific examples of exemplary practices will be highlighted, providing a benchmark for other providers in the area.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not just a numerical rating. It is a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare ecosystem in Junedale, designed to provide a clear picture of the resources available to patients. This analysis will consider the various dimensions of care, from the availability of primary care physicians to the accessibility of specialized treatments and mental health support.

The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on healthcare access. The "Lung Cancer Score" will account for the community's demographics, including income levels, insurance coverage rates, and the prevalence of risk factors such as smoking. This will allow for a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by patients in Junedale and help identify areas where targeted interventions are needed.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" will be presented in a clear and concise format, providing an overall rating and detailed scores for each of the key assessment areas. This information will be valuable for residents seeking healthcare, healthcare providers striving to improve their services, and policymakers working to enhance the quality of care in Junedale.

The assessment will also examine the availability of resources for smoking cessation. Lung cancer is strongly linked to smoking. Practices that offer smoking cessation programs, counseling, or access to nicotine replacement therapy will receive higher scores. The availability of these resources is crucial in helping patients quit smoking and reduce their risk of developing lung cancer.

In conclusion, this comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" analysis will provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Junedale, Pennsylvania. It will identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, ultimately helping to promote better health outcomes for the community.

Ready to visualize this healthcare landscape and explore the geographic distribution of resources? **Visit CartoChrome maps to discover the spatial relationships between healthcare providers, patient populations, and other relevant factors, providing a dynamic and interactive view of the Junedale healthcare ecosystem.**