18451, Paupack, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18451, Paupack, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.93 percent of the residents in 18451 has some form of health insurance. 44.82 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 88.93 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 18451 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 78 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18451. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 233 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,481 health care providers accessible to residents in 18451, Paupack, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Paupack, PA (ZIP Code 18451)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of healthcare resources in Paupack, PA (ZIP Code 18451), specifically focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care and primary care availability. The goal is to provide a “Lung Cancer Score” analysis, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape to inform residents and healthcare providers. This score is not a single number but a multifaceted evaluation based on several key indicators.

The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is the cornerstone of any effective healthcare system, particularly in the context of lung cancer. Early detection and effective management of this disease are heavily reliant on regular checkups, screening programs, and referrals. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A high ratio, indicating a limited number of PCPs for the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced access to preventative care, all of which negatively impact lung cancer outcomes. Conversely, a low ratio suggests greater accessibility to primary care services.

In Paupack, assessing the PCP-to-patient ratio requires a detailed analysis of the number of practicing PCPs within the 18451 ZIP code and the total population. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with physician directories and insurance provider networks, would be necessary to determine this ratio accurately. A high population density within the ZIP code, coupled with a relatively small number of PCPs, would likely result in a less favorable ratio, potentially hindering access to care.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of primary care is crucial. This includes the expertise of the physicians, the comprehensiveness of the services offered, and the integration of preventative care strategies. Practices that actively promote lung cancer screening programs, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals, are essential. This involves proactively identifying eligible patients based on age, smoking history, and other risk factors and facilitating their access to screening.

Standout practices in the area would be those demonstrating a commitment to these preventative measures. This can be evaluated by examining their patient education materials, the availability of on-site screening services, and their referral pathways to pulmonologists and oncologists. Practices that have established strong relationships with local specialists, ensuring seamless transitions for patients requiring further evaluation or treatment, would also score favorably.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in the modern healthcare landscape. Telemedicine offers significant advantages, particularly in rural areas like Paupack, by increasing access to specialists and facilitating follow-up appointments. For lung cancer patients, this can be particularly beneficial, allowing for remote consultations with pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists, reducing the need for travel and improving the convenience of care.

The degree to which local practices have embraced telemedicine can be assessed by examining their websites and patient portals. Do they offer virtual consultations? Do they provide remote monitoring of patients' health metrics? Do they use telehealth platforms to connect patients with specialists located outside of the immediate area? Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow would likely provide a higher level of care and improved patient outcomes.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are a crucial component of comprehensive lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and psychologically challenging for patients and their families. Access to mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and support groups, is essential for managing the stress, anxiety, and depression that often accompany this disease.

Evaluating the availability of mental health resources in Paupack requires examining the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, within the ZIP code. It also involves assessing the availability of support groups specifically for cancer patients and their families. Practices that actively screen patients for mental health issues and have established referral pathways to mental health services would be considered more patient-centered and likely contribute to better overall outcomes.

The proximity to larger medical centers and specialized cancer treatment facilities is another crucial factor. While Paupack may have limited specialized cancer care, the proximity to facilities offering advanced treatments, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology, is vital. The ease of access to these facilities, including transportation options and the availability of patient support services, significantly impacts the quality of care.

To fully assess this aspect, an analysis of the travel time to the nearest comprehensive cancer centers, the availability of transportation assistance programs, and the presence of patient support services, such as lodging and financial assistance, would be necessary. The closer and more accessible these resources are, the better the prognosis for lung cancer patients.

In summary, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Paupack, PA (ZIP Code 18451) would be a composite score based on these factors: PCP-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and proximity to specialized cancer care. Each factor would be weighted based on its relative importance, and a final score would be generated. The score would provide a valuable overview of the healthcare landscape, highlighting areas of strength and areas that require improvement.

This analysis, however, is a starting point. A complete evaluation would require a more in-depth investigation, including data collection from various sources, interviews with healthcare providers, and patient surveys. It would be an ongoing process, as the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving.

For a more comprehensive and visually engaging understanding of the healthcare landscape in Paupack and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive visualizations of healthcare data, allowing you to easily identify healthcare resources, assess access to care, and make informed decisions about your health.