18241, Nuremberg, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18241, Nuremberg, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.03 percent of the residents in 18241 has some form of health insurance. 59.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.80 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 18241 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 26 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18241. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 214 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,775 health care providers accessible to residents in 18241, Nuremberg, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Nuremberg, PA (ZIP Code 18241)

Analyzing the landscape of lung cancer care within Nuremberg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18241), requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers primary care accessibility, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial factors influencing a patient's journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the community.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible primary care. In Nuremberg, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts early detection. A high concentration of PCPs, coupled with short wait times for appointments, allows for proactive screening and timely referrals. Conversely, a shortage of PCPs, or significant delays in scheduling, can lead to delayed diagnoses and potentially poorer outcomes. Assessing the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code, and the surrounding areas, is the first step. This must be coupled with an understanding of the patient population; a larger elderly population, for example, often requires more frequent medical attention, potentially straining the available resources.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A favorable ratio, indicating a higher density of physicians per capita, generally translates to better access to care. However, this ratio alone doesn't tell the whole story. The specialty of the physicians is crucial. While a high PCP ratio is beneficial, the availability of pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons – specialists directly involved in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment – is paramount. Analyzing the presence and availability of these specialists within a reasonable driving distance from Nuremberg is vital. This includes evaluating the practices they are affiliated with and their capacity to handle new patients.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating the quality of care offered. This necessitates looking beyond simple metrics. Practices with a demonstrated commitment to early detection, such as implementing lung cancer screening programs for high-risk individuals, deserve recognition. The use of advanced diagnostic tools, such as low-dose CT scans, is another key indicator. Furthermore, assessing the practice's adherence to established treatment guidelines and their participation in clinical trials can provide insights into the quality of care they deliver. Patient reviews and testimonials, while subjective, can also offer valuable perspectives on the patient experience.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly relevant, particularly in rural areas like Nuremberg. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. The availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online support groups can significantly improve patient convenience and reduce the burden of travel. Analyzing the extent to which local practices and hospitals utilize telemedicine platforms, and the types of services offered remotely, is essential. This includes assessing the technological infrastructure available, such as reliable internet access, which is crucial for successful telemedicine implementation.

Mental health support is often overlooked but is a critical component of comprehensive lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, is crucial. Assessing whether local practices offer integrated mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health providers, is essential. The presence of support groups, both in-person and online, can also provide invaluable emotional support and a sense of community for patients and their families.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Nuremberg, PA, is a complex calculation. It’s not simply a numerical value but a composite assessment reflecting the interplay of all these factors. A high score would indicate excellent access to primary care, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized practices offering high-quality care, robust telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health support. A low score would indicate the opposite, highlighting areas where improvements are needed.

In conclusion, the availability of primary care, specialist access, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, all contribute to the overall "Lung Cancer Score" for Nuremberg, PA. Understanding these elements is crucial for patients seeking care and for healthcare providers striving to improve the quality of services.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Nuremberg and surrounding areas, including the precise locations of physicians, hospitals, and support services, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive visualizations and data analysis tools that can help you visualize the factors discussed in this analysis, allowing you to make informed decisions about your healthcare.