18419, Factoryville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18419, Factoryville, Pennsylvania is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.85 percent of the residents in 18419 has some form of health insurance. 42.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.92 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 18419 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 887 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18419. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,048 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,239 health care providers accessible to residents in 18419, Factoryville, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18419 & Primary Care in Factoryville**

Analyzing the landscape of healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area, particularly concerning lung cancer care, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 18419 and the town of Factoryville, Pennsylvania, examining the availability and quality of primary care, a crucial entry point for lung cancer screening and diagnosis. We will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the presence of mental health resources, all contributing to a ‘Lung Cancer Score’ that reflects the overall preparedness of the community to address this significant health concern.

Factoryville, a small borough in Wyoming County, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. Its rural setting often translates to a lower population density, impacting the availability of medical professionals. The physician-to-patient ratio becomes a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with information from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and local healthcare providers, is essential to calculate an accurate ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) within the ZIP code. This data provides a baseline understanding of the community's access to care.

Standout practices within the area can significantly elevate the ‘Lung Cancer Score’. These are healthcare providers that demonstrate excellence in several key areas. This includes early detection through proactive screening programs, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals. Practices that prioritize patient education about lung cancer risk factors, including smoking cessation programs, also contribute positively. Furthermore, a practice's adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, as recommended by organizations like the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), is a crucial factor. Identifying these standout practices involves reviewing patient testimonials, examining practice accreditations, and evaluating their participation in quality improvement initiatives.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor impacting the ‘Lung Cancer Score’. In a rural area like Factoryville, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialists, including pulmonologists and oncologists, without the need for extensive travel. This is particularly important for individuals needing consultations, follow-up appointments, or support groups. The availability of telemedicine services, the ease of access for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the practice workflow all contribute to the score. Practices that have successfully implemented telemedicine platforms and trained their staff to utilize them effectively will receive a higher rating.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are a critical component of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore a vital aspect of the ‘Lung Cancer Score’. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, either through in-house providers or referrals to external resources, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This includes access to mental health professionals specializing in oncology or chronic illness.

To arrive at a comprehensive ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for doctors in ZIP Code 18419 and primary care availability in Factoryville, a weighted scoring system is employed. Each of the factors discussed – physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – is assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For instance, the physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted heavily due to its direct impact on access to care. Standout practices, with their emphasis on quality and patient-centered care, would also receive a significant weight. Telemedicine adoption and mental health resources, while important, might receive slightly lower weights, reflecting their role as supplementary components of care.

The scoring process involves gathering data from various sources. This includes publicly available information from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, as well as data from healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patient advocacy groups. The data is then analyzed, and each factor is assigned a score based on predefined criteria. For example, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio would receive a lower score, while a practice with a robust telemedicine program would receive a higher score. The weighted scores for each factor are then aggregated to produce an overall ‘Lung Cancer Score’.

The final ‘Lung Cancer Score’ provides a snapshot of the community's preparedness to address lung cancer. A higher score indicates better access to care, higher quality of care, and a more supportive environment for patients. A lower score, conversely, highlights areas where improvements are needed. The score can be used to inform healthcare planning, guide resource allocation, and identify areas for improvement.

The analysis also considers the potential impact of socioeconomic factors. Poverty, lack of insurance coverage, and limited access to transportation can all exacerbate healthcare disparities and negatively impact the ‘Lung Cancer Score’. The analysis considers these factors and adjusts the score accordingly, reflecting the complex interplay between healthcare access and social determinants of health.

The ongoing nature of this analysis is important. Healthcare is a dynamic field, with new technologies, treatment options, and best practices constantly emerging. The ‘Lung Cancer Score’ should be updated regularly to reflect these changes. This involves continuous monitoring of healthcare providers, tracking changes in physician-to-patient ratios, and evaluating the adoption of new technologies and treatment protocols.

By utilizing these data points, and incorporating the nuances of the local healthcare landscape, a more complete picture of the healthcare system can be achieved. This helps to identify areas of strength and weakness, and provide a framework for improving access to quality lung cancer care in Factoryville and the surrounding areas.

Are you interested in visualizing the healthcare landscape of Factoryville and other areas? Explore the power of spatial data and gain valuable insights into healthcare accessibility and resource distribution. Use CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources.