18447, Olyphant, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18447, Olyphant, Pennsylvania is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.11 percent of the residents in 18447 has some form of health insurance. 41.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.23 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 18447 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,223 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18447. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,304 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,063 health care providers accessible to residents in 18447, Olyphant, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score: Olyphant, PA (ZIP Code 18447) - A Deep Dive

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within Olyphant, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18447), focusing on the availability and quality of primary care, physician resources, and ancillary support crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. The ultimate goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" snapshot, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for potential improvement. This score is not a single number but a qualitative assessment based on various factors.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. Olyphant's primary care availability significantly impacts the potential for early detection through routine screenings and prompt referrals. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio is a starting point. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per primary care physician, can strain resources and potentially delay appointments, impacting the ability to address symptoms and initiate timely diagnostic procedures. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would be essential to calculate this ratio accurately. However, the overall impression is that Olyphant, like many rural and suburban communities, faces challenges in primary care access.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This encompasses the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, including recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) regarding low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals. Assessing the extent to which local practices actively promote and facilitate these screenings is crucial. This includes examining their patient education efforts, referral processes to radiology facilities, and follow-up protocols for positive findings.

Standout practices within the 18447 ZIP code, if any, would be those demonstrating a proactive approach to lung cancer screening and patient management. This includes practices that have integrated screening protocols into their routine care, offer convenient appointment scheduling, and utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient risk factors and screening compliance. Identifying these practices requires a thorough review of publicly available information, including practice websites, patient reviews, and potentially direct outreach to local providers. The absence of such readily identifiable practices would negatively affect the overall score.

Telemedicine adoption plays a critical role in bridging geographical barriers and improving access to specialized care, particularly for lung cancer. In a community like Olyphant, where access to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists may be limited, telemedicine can provide a vital link to expert consultations, second opinions, and remote monitoring. The Lung Cancer Score considers the availability of telemedicine services for both primary care and specialist consultations. This includes assessing the types of telemedicine platforms used, the range of services offered (e.g., virtual visits, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but critical component of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The Lung Cancer Score considers the availability of mental health resources within the community, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. The presence of mental health professionals integrated into primary care practices or readily available through referrals is highly valued. The availability of support groups specifically for lung cancer patients and their families would be a significant positive factor.

The effectiveness of communication and coordination between primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers is another crucial aspect of the Lung Cancer Score. This includes the use of EHRs to facilitate seamless information sharing, the existence of established referral pathways, and the frequency of communication between providers regarding patient care. Practices that prioritize clear and consistent communication, both internally and externally, would contribute positively to the overall score. The lack of such communication would hinder the effective delivery of care.

The Lung Cancer Score also considers the availability of patient education materials and resources. This includes access to information about lung cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, treatment options, and support services. The presence of educational materials in multiple languages, if applicable, would be a positive factor. The availability of patient navigators or care coordinators who can assist patients in navigating the healthcare system and accessing necessary resources would also be highly valued.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for Olyphant, PA (18447) is a composite assessment. It would likely reflect a mixed picture, with potential weaknesses in primary care access and specialist availability. The score would be affected by the level of telemedicine adoption, the availability of mental health resources, and the effectiveness of communication and coordination between healthcare providers. The presence of standout practices that prioritize lung cancer screening and patient management would significantly improve the score.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Olyphant and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice details, and potential access challenges, consider exploring interactive mapping tools. CartoChrome maps, with their detailed visualizations of healthcare resources, can provide valuable insights into the geographic distribution of physicians, the location of healthcare facilities, and potential areas of need.