18421, Forest City, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18421, Forest City, Pennsylvania is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.78 percent of the residents in 18421 has some form of health insurance. 41.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.92 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 18421 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 874 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18421. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 877 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,588 health care providers accessible to residents in 18421, Forest City, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18421 and Primary Care Availability in Forest City**

The assessment of healthcare resources, particularly for a disease as serious as lung cancer, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability and quality of primary care within Forest City, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18421), with a specific focus on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The aim is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" analysis, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement within the local healthcare landscape. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical components of comprehensive lung cancer care.

Forest City, a small borough in Lackawanna County, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The area's demographics, including age distribution and socioeconomic factors, influence the prevalence of lung cancer and the accessibility of care. Furthermore, the geographical isolation of Forest City can impact access to specialized medical services, potentially affecting early detection and treatment outcomes.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios: A Critical Indicator**

One of the primary metrics to evaluate is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative screenings, and delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), can provide estimates of physician supply. However, these figures often represent broader county or regional data, potentially masking localized shortages. To gain a more precise understanding, this analysis would ideally incorporate data on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs), pulmonologists, and oncologists actively practicing within ZIP code 18421 and the surrounding areas. This information can then be compared to the estimated population of Forest City and its immediate vicinity to determine the physician-to-patient ratio for each specialty. A low ratio, especially for specialists like pulmonologists and oncologists, would negatively impact the Lung Cancer Score.

**Standout Practices: Identifying Centers of Excellence**

Identifying standout practices is crucial. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care and may offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options. Researching the practices within or near ZIP code 18421 would involve evaluating several factors. These include the availability of state-of-the-art imaging equipment (e.g., low-dose CT scanners for lung cancer screening), the use of evidence-based treatment protocols, and the presence of multidisciplinary teams (including pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, and nurses). Additionally, the practice's participation in clinical trials, its patient satisfaction ratings, and its accreditation status (e.g., by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer) would be important indicators of excellence. Practices demonstrating a strong focus on lung cancer screening, early detection, and comprehensive treatment would contribute positively to the Lung Cancer Score.

**Telemedicine Adoption: Bridging the Distance**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and specialists in and around Forest City would be a significant factor in this analysis. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, remotely monitor patients, and provide access to specialists located further away can overcome geographical barriers and improve patient outcomes. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services would involve examining the practices' websites and contacting them directly to inquire about their telemedicine capabilities. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health support, would receive a higher score.

**Mental Health Resources: Addressing the Psychological Impact**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges are common. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive lung cancer care. This analysis would investigate the availability of mental health services in the Forest City area. This includes assessing the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists, and support groups. It is also important to determine if primary care practices offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals. The availability of these resources would significantly influence the Lung Cancer Score.

**Specific Considerations for Forest City**

Given the potential geographical limitations of Forest City, the analysis must consider the availability of transportation options for patients. The lack of reliable public transportation or the need for long travel times to access specialized care can be significant barriers. The analysis should assess the availability of transportation assistance programs, such as those offered by local hospitals or cancer support organizations. Furthermore, the analysis should evaluate the availability of community resources, such as support groups, educational programs, and patient navigation services, which can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.

**Putting it All Together: The Lung Cancer Score**

The final Lung Cancer Score would be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in the context of lung cancer care. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and the availability of specialized services (e.g., pulmonologists, oncologists) would likely be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption. The score would be presented as a numerical value, with a higher score indicating a more favorable healthcare environment for lung cancer patients.

**Conclusion**

This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the healthcare resources available to lung cancer patients in Forest City, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18421). By examining physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and evaluating the availability of mental health resources, a comprehensive Lung Cancer Score can be generated. This score can be used to identify areas of strength and weakness in the local healthcare landscape, providing valuable information for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. The goal is to improve the quality of care and outcomes for individuals affected by lung cancer in Forest City.

**Call to Action**

For a visual representation of this data and the healthcare landscape of Forest City, Pennsylvania, and to explore the spatial relationships between healthcare resources and patient populations, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of the healthcare resources available, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of the local healthcare environment.