18428, Hawley, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18428, Hawley, Pennsylvania is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.47 percent of the residents in 18428 has some form of health insurance. 42.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.65 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 18428 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,978 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18428. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,471 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 600 health care providers accessible to residents in 18428, Hawley, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Hawley, PA (ZIP Code 18428)

This analysis delves into the landscape of lung cancer care accessibility and quality within Hawley, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18428), focusing on primary care physician availability and related resources. The ultimate goal is to provide a “Lung Cancer Score” assessment, though a definitive numerical score is beyond the scope of this written analysis. Instead, we'll explore the key factors that contribute to a patient's experience, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for potential improvement. This analysis considers the impact of primary care, a critical entry point for early detection and management of lung cancer.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on a robust primary care infrastructure. In Hawley, assessing primary care availability requires examining the physician-to-patient ratio. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, when combined, can provide a preliminary estimate. This ratio, expressed as the number of patients per primary care physician (PCP), is a crucial indicator. A higher ratio suggests potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments, impacting preventative screenings and early diagnosis – vital for lung cancer.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the community matters. Are practices clustered in one area, leaving others underserved? Are there sufficient PCPs accepting new patients? This geographic accessibility is paramount, especially for elderly populations or those with limited transportation options. The presence of diverse practice types, including family medicine, internal medicine, and geriatric specialists, is also significant. Each specialty brings a unique skillset, contributing to comprehensive patient care.

Standout practices in Hawley, if any, would likely be characterized by several key features. First, they would demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, including regular lung cancer screening protocols for high-risk individuals (smokers, former smokers, and those with a family history). This involves educating patients about the importance of screening and facilitating access to low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, the recommended screening method. Second, these practices would likely have streamlined referral pathways to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists. Efficient communication and coordination between primary care and specialist providers are essential for seamless patient care.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Hawley. It can reduce travel burdens, improve appointment adherence, and facilitate follow-up care. The availability of telemedicine services for both primary care and specialist consultations directly impacts the “Lung Cancer Score.” Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering it as a standard option, are likely to score higher in terms of accessibility and patient convenience.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are integral to a comprehensive lung cancer care plan. A cancer diagnosis, and its treatment, can take a significant toll on a patient's emotional well-being. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, is vital. Practices that integrate mental health support into their care models are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This includes screening for depression and anxiety, and providing access to appropriate mental health professionals. The presence of these resources directly impacts the patient’s quality of life and their ability to adhere to treatment plans.

Beyond the direct provision of care, the quality of a practice can be gauged by its patient education efforts. Do practices provide comprehensive information about lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, screening options, and treatment pathways? Do they offer smoking cessation programs or resources? Patient education empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and actively participate in their care. Practices that prioritize patient education and engagement are better positioned to improve outcomes.

The “Lung Cancer Score” for Hawley, PA (18428) would be influenced by all these factors. The higher the physician-to-patient ratio, the lower the score. The availability of telemedicine, mental health resources, and patient education programs would improve the score. The presence of dedicated screening protocols and efficient referral pathways would also positively influence the score. However, without a comprehensive data collection and analysis process, a precise numerical score remains elusive.

In conclusion, assessing the “Lung Cancer Score” for Hawley, PA, requires a multi-faceted approach. Evaluating primary care availability, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources are all crucial. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the key factors that contribute to the quality and accessibility of lung cancer care in this community.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice types, and access to specialized services, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data visualization. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive way to visualize this data, allowing you to identify areas of strength and weakness in the healthcare landscape. Visit CartoChrome to learn more and discover how you can leverage the power of maps to gain valuable insights into healthcare accessibility.