18417, Equinunk, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18417, Equinunk, Pennsylvania is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.97 percent of the residents in 18417 has some form of health insurance. 43.66 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.80 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 18417 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 182 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18417. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 278 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 422 health care providers accessible to residents in 18417, Equinunk, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 18417 and Primary Care in Equinunk

This analysis evaluates the landscape of lung cancer care access within ZIP Code 18417 (Honesdale, PA) and assesses the availability of primary care services in the neighboring community of Equinunk, PA. The core focus is on factors directly impacting a patient’s journey from potential diagnosis to treatment and support, including physician availability, technological integration, and mental health resources. This assessment is presented as a “Lung Cancer Score” analysis, though a precise numerical score isn't provided. Instead, a qualitative evaluation of strengths and weaknesses is offered, highlighting areas for improvement and potential avenues for enhanced patient care.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on readily accessible primary care. Equinunk, a rural community, presents a potential challenge. Primary care physicians act as the initial point of contact, crucial for early detection through screenings and prompt referral to specialists. Limited primary care availability in Equinunk could translate to delayed diagnoses, impacting survival rates. The analysis considers the physician-to-patient ratio within Equinunk, comparing it to national and state averages. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and receiving consistent care. The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can alleviate some of the burden on physicians, is also considered.

Within ZIP Code 18417, the availability of pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons is paramount. The analysis examines the number of specialists practicing within the area, including their affiliations with hospitals and cancer centers. The proximity of these specialists to primary care practices in Equinunk and 18417 is a critical factor. Geographic barriers, such as long travel times, can negatively impact patient access to consultations, diagnostic procedures (e.g., CT scans, biopsies), and treatment. The analysis considers the density of specialists, assessing whether the area is adequately served, or if patients must travel significant distances for specialized care.

Standout practices are identified based on several criteria. These include the integration of multidisciplinary care teams, where pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals collaborate on patient care plans. The analysis looks for evidence of these teams, which can lead to more comprehensive and coordinated treatment approaches. Furthermore, the adoption of evidence-based guidelines and protocols for lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment is assessed. Practices that consistently adhere to these guidelines often achieve better patient outcomes. The use of patient navigators, who guide patients through the complex healthcare system, is also a key indicator of a patient-centered approach.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. Telemedicine offers significant advantages, particularly in rural areas like Equinunk and 18417. It enables remote consultations with specialists, follow-up appointments, and access to educational resources. The analysis evaluates the extent to which local practices and hospitals utilize telemedicine platforms for lung cancer-related care. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of telemedicine for patient education and support groups. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and enhance patient convenience.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are vital for lung cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can cause significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. The analysis examines the availability of mental health services within the community, including access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. The integration of mental health services into cancer care is crucial. This includes the availability of on-site mental health professionals, referrals to mental health specialists, and the provision of support groups specifically for lung cancer patients and their families. The analysis assesses the degree to which local practices and hospitals address the mental health needs of their patients.

The availability of supportive care services is also considered. These services include palliative care, which focuses on symptom management and improving quality of life, and rehabilitation services, which help patients recover from treatment side effects. The analysis evaluates the availability of these services within the community, including access to palliative care specialists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals who can provide supportive care. The presence of these services is a key indicator of a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to lung cancer care.

The analysis also considers the availability of clinical trials. Clinical trials offer patients access to cutting-edge treatments and contribute to advancements in lung cancer research. The analysis examines the presence of clinical trials within the region, including the types of trials available and the eligibility criteria. The ability of local practices and hospitals to offer clinical trials can significantly improve patient outcomes and provide access to innovative therapies.

Finally, the analysis considers the overall quality of care, including patient satisfaction, outcomes, and adherence to evidence-based guidelines. This is assessed through a review of publicly available data, such as patient reviews, hospital ratings, and quality reports. The analysis also considers the presence of any accreditation or certification programs, such as those offered by the Commission on Cancer or the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. These programs indicate a commitment to quality and patient safety.

In conclusion, assessing the Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 18417 and the primary care landscape in Equinunk requires a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors. The analysis highlights the importance of physician availability, the integration of technology, and the provision of mental health and supportive care services. Addressing any identified gaps and implementing best practices can significantly improve the quality of lung cancer care and enhance patient outcomes.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in this region, including the locations of physicians, hospitals, and support services, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful platform for visualizing geographic data, allowing you to identify areas with high concentrations of resources and areas that may require additional support. Use CartoChrome to visualize the data presented in this analysis and gain a deeper understanding of the accessibility of lung cancer care in your community.