18454, Poyntelle, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18454, Poyntelle, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18454 has some form of health insurance. 90.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.45 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 18454 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 7 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18454. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 71 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 598 health care providers accessible to residents in 18454, Poyntelle, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of lung cancer care in and around Poyntelle, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18454), requires a multifaceted approach, considering not only the availability of specialists but also the broader healthcare ecosystem. This includes primary care access, mental health support, and the integration of technology like telemedicine. A comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" would assess these factors, providing a nuanced understanding of the resources available to patients facing this challenging diagnosis.

Assessing the availability of specialized lung cancer care in 18454 begins with identifying the oncologists, pulmonologists, and thoracic surgeons serving the area. A critical metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. A high ratio, indicating fewer specialists per capita, could lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potentially, a less favorable prognosis. The geographic distribution of these specialists is also crucial. Are they clustered in a single location, making access difficult for patients in more rural parts of the ZIP code, or are they spread out, offering more convenient options? Further investigation would involve evaluating the specific training and experience of these specialists. Are they board-certified in their respective fields? Do they have specialized expertise in areas like minimally invasive surgery or targeted therapies?

Primary care availability is the foundation of effective lung cancer care. Early detection is paramount, and primary care physicians (PCPs) play a vital role in screening, risk assessment, and referral. The "Lung Cancer Score" must evaluate the density of PCPs in Poyntelle and surrounding areas. A low PCP-to-patient ratio could hinder timely access to preventative care and early diagnosis. The score should also consider the PCP's familiarity with lung cancer screening guidelines, specifically those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Do they routinely offer low-dose CT scans to eligible patients? Do they actively counsel patients on smoking cessation, a crucial factor in both prevention and treatment?

Beyond the number of physicians, the "Lung Cancer Score" should examine the quality of care provided by standout practices in the area. This involves evaluating factors such as patient satisfaction, adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines, and the availability of comprehensive support services. Practices with a strong focus on patient education, offering resources on topics like treatment options, side effect management, and financial assistance, would receive higher scores. Furthermore, the presence of multidisciplinary teams, involving oncologists, pulmonologists, surgeons, radiologists, and nurses working collaboratively, is essential for providing holistic care.

The integration of telemedicine is another critical component of the "Lung Cancer Score." Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. It can facilitate remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and even virtual support groups. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering these services to their patients, would receive a higher score. This also involves assessing the technological infrastructure available to patients, including access to reliable internet and user-friendly platforms for virtual consultations.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and psychologically taxing. The "Lung Cancer Score" must therefore evaluate the availability of mental health resources for patients. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in oncology. Practices that proactively screen patients for depression and anxiety, and provide referrals to mental health professionals, would be highly valued. The score should also consider the availability of palliative care services, which can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with advanced disease.

The "Lung Cancer Score" needs to consider the accessibility of diagnostic and treatment facilities. This includes the availability of advanced imaging technologies, such as PET scans and MRI, as well as radiation therapy and chemotherapy facilities. The proximity of these facilities to patient residences is a key factor. Long travel distances can create significant burdens for patients undergoing treatment. The score would also evaluate the availability of clinical trials, which offer patients access to cutting-edge therapies.

The financial aspects of care are also important. The "Lung Cancer Score" should assess the availability of financial assistance programs, such as those offered by pharmaceutical companies or charitable organizations. Practices that help patients navigate the complexities of insurance coverage and access financial resources would be favorably evaluated. This includes providing information on copay assistance programs and advocating for patients' needs.

To illustrate the application of the "Lung Cancer Score," let's consider a hypothetical scenario. A practice in the 18454 ZIP code that demonstrates a high physician-to-patient ratio, offers comprehensive support services, has embraced telemedicine, and actively integrates mental health resources would receive a high score. Conversely, a practice with limited specialist availability, a lack of telemedicine options, and no readily available mental health support would receive a lower score. The "Lung Cancer Score" would provide a valuable tool for patients, helping them make informed decisions about their care.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a static metric. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes tracking the arrival of new specialists, the adoption of new technologies, and the availability of new treatment options. The score should also incorporate patient feedback, providing a mechanism for patients to share their experiences and contribute to the ongoing evaluation of care quality.

The data required to calculate this "Lung Cancer Score" is complex, requiring the integration of information from various sources. This includes public health databases, insurance claims data, and physician directories. A comprehensive analysis would involve a significant investment of time and resources. However, the potential benefits, including improved patient outcomes and a more informed healthcare system, justify the effort.

To visualize this complex data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Poyntelle, Pennsylvania, and beyond, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you analyze physician distribution, primary care access, and other critical factors related to lung cancer care. Discover how CartoChrome can empower you to make informed decisions about your health and the healthcare resources available in your community.