18458, Shohola, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18458, Shohola, Pennsylvania is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.97 percent of the residents in 18458 has some form of health insurance. 37.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.89 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 18458 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 754 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18458. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 781 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 225 health care providers accessible to residents in 18458, Shohola, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Shohola, PA (ZIP Code 18458)**

Analyzing the healthcare landscape of Shohola, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18458), through the lens of lung cancer care reveals a complex interplay of factors. This analysis considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components in providing comprehensive care for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. While a definitive "score" cannot be assigned without access to real-time data and proprietary algorithms, this analysis provides a qualitative assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

Primary care availability is the cornerstone of effective lung cancer screening and early detection. In Shohola, the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical determinant of patient outcomes. Assessing this involves examining the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas, as well as their patient panel sizes. A high physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced screening rates, and ultimately, later-stage diagnoses. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests greater access to preventative care and timely intervention. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau can provide some insight into these ratios, but a comprehensive analysis would require access to more granular, often proprietary, data.

The presence of specialized lung cancer care, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, is essential. While Shohola itself may not house these specialists, the proximity to larger medical centers in neighboring towns or cities is a crucial factor. The ease of access to these specialists, measured by travel time and appointment availability, directly impacts the speed and quality of diagnosis and treatment. The existence of multidisciplinary cancer centers, where specialists collaborate to provide comprehensive care, is highly desirable. Assessing the availability of these specialists requires investigation into the affiliations of local PCPs and the referral patterns of patients.

Standout practices, those demonstrating excellence in lung cancer care, can significantly elevate the quality of healthcare within a community. Identifying these practices involves examining their patient outcomes, adherence to national guidelines, and participation in clinical trials. Data on patient survival rates, recurrence rates, and patient satisfaction can provide valuable insights. Furthermore, the adoption of advanced technologies, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques and targeted therapies, indicates a commitment to providing cutting-edge care. Identifying these standout practices requires a deep dive into practice websites, patient reviews, and, ideally, direct communication with healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Shohola. Telemedicine offers the potential to overcome geographical barriers, providing access to specialists and facilitating follow-up care. The availability of telehealth consultations for lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment can significantly improve patient outcomes. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining the availability of virtual consultations with PCPs, pulmonologists, and oncologists. This includes assessing the availability of remote monitoring systems for patients undergoing treatment and the ease of access to virtual support groups.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of cancer care, but they are critical. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is crucial for supporting patients and their families. Assessing the availability of mental health resources involves examining the presence of mental health professionals in the area, the availability of support groups, and the integration of mental health services into the overall cancer care plan.

Physician-to-patient ratios in Shohola require careful examination. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can create bottlenecks in the healthcare system. This can lead to delays in appointments, screening, and diagnosis. Conversely, a high ratio, indicating an abundance of PCPs, suggests greater access to care. However, it is important to consider the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas, as well as the demographics of the patient population. The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is also a critical factor.

The integration of these factors paints a complex picture. While Shohola may have limited resources within its immediate boundaries, access to care is heavily influenced by its proximity to larger medical centers and the availability of specialists in neighboring towns. The adoption of telemedicine and the integration of mental health services are also vital components of a comprehensive lung cancer care plan.

To effectively visualize and analyze the complex healthcare landscape of Shohola, PA (ZIP code 18458), consider using advanced mapping tools. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping capabilities that allow you to overlay various data points, such as physician locations, hospital locations, and population demographics. By visualizing this data on a map, you can gain a clearer understanding of healthcare access and identify potential gaps in care.