18249, Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18249, Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.65 percent of the residents in 18249 has some form of health insurance. 31.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 87.02 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 18249 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 777 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18249. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 906 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,662 health care providers accessible to residents in 18249, Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Sugarloaf, PA (ZIP Code 18249)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18249), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient well-being. The goal is to assess the availability and quality of care, particularly concerning primary care physicians and their capacity to address the needs of individuals potentially facing or living with lung cancer. This assessment will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in delivering effective and compassionate care.

Sugarloaf, a small community nestled in Luzerne County, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The rural nature of the area may influence access to specialized medical services and the overall availability of healthcare professionals. The analysis considers these factors to provide a realistic and actionable evaluation of the local healthcare system.

**Primary Care Physician Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical first step. This metric provides a snapshot of the potential burden on existing primary care physicians (PCPs). A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, delayed diagnoses. Data from reliable sources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, will be necessary to accurately calculate this ratio for ZIP code 18249. The analysis will compare this ratio to state and national averages to determine if Sugarloaf faces a shortage or surplus of PCPs.

The availability of PCPs is further complicated by factors such as physician age, retirement rates, and the willingness of new physicians to practice in rural settings. An aging physician population could exacerbate any existing shortages. The analysis will research the age demographics of the PCPs in the area and assess the presence of any recent or planned retirements. Furthermore, the analysis will investigate any ongoing recruitment efforts by local healthcare providers to attract new physicians to the area.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the quality of care offered by local providers. This involves examining factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the use of evidence-based guidelines in diagnosis and treatment, and the availability of specialized services, such as smoking cessation programs. The analysis will consider patient reviews and ratings from reputable sources like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc.

The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is another important indicator. EHRs facilitate better communication between healthcare providers, improve care coordination, and allow for the tracking of patient outcomes. The analysis will investigate the extent to which local practices have implemented EHRs and how they are utilizing these systems to improve patient care.

The presence of any affiliations with larger healthcare systems or hospitals is also a key consideration. These affiliations can provide access to a wider range of specialists, advanced diagnostic technologies, and research opportunities. The analysis will identify any affiliations and assess the potential benefits they offer to patients in Sugarloaf.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. It allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. The analysis will investigate the adoption of telemedicine by local PCPs and specialists.

The analysis will examine the types of telemedicine services offered, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. The analysis will also assess the availability of the necessary technology infrastructure, such as reliable internet access, which is crucial for the successful implementation of telemedicine. Furthermore, the analysis will consider any barriers to telemedicine adoption, such as patient and provider comfort levels with technology and reimbursement policies.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues are common among cancer patients. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive cancer care. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services in Sugarloaf and the surrounding area.

The analysis will identify local mental health providers, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. The analysis will also investigate the availability of support groups and counseling services specifically for cancer patients and their families. The analysis will assess the level of integration between primary care providers and mental health services, which is essential for ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care.

**Specific Considerations for Lung Cancer:**

This analysis will specifically consider factors relevant to lung cancer. This includes the availability of screening programs, such as low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals. The analysis will investigate the presence of pulmonologists and oncologists in the area and the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment options, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.

The analysis will also consider the availability of smoking cessation programs, which are essential for preventing lung cancer and improving outcomes for patients who are diagnosed with the disease. The analysis will identify any local programs and assess their effectiveness.

**Overall Lung Cancer Score and Conclusion:**

Based on the evaluation of these factors, a "Lung Cancer Score" will be assigned to the healthcare landscape in Sugarloaf (ZIP code 18249). This score will reflect the overall availability, quality, and accessibility of care for individuals potentially facing or living with lung cancer. The score will be based on a combination of quantitative data and qualitative assessments.

The analysis aims to provide a clear and concise picture of the healthcare landscape in Sugarloaf. This information can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to identify areas for improvement and to develop strategies to enhance the quality and accessibility of care for individuals affected by lung cancer. The goal is to ensure that residents of Sugarloaf have access to the best possible care, from early detection and diagnosis to effective treatment and ongoing support.

For a more detailed visualization of the healthcare resources in Sugarloaf, including the locations of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome.