18461, Starlight, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18461, Starlight, Pennsylvania is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.01 percent of the residents in 18461 has some form of health insurance. 54.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.41 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 18461 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18461. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 80 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 73 health care providers accessible to residents in 18461, Starlight, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 18461 & Starlight, PA**

This analysis delves into the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP Code 18461, encompassing the town of Starlight, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas. Our assessment considers several key factors influencing patient outcomes, including primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare ecosystem relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support, offering insights for both patients and healthcare providers.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. Starlight, a small community, may face challenges in this area. Primary care physicians (PCPs) serve as the initial point of contact, crucial for early detection through screening and referral. Limited primary care availability can lead to delayed diagnoses, impacting treatment outcomes. This analysis examines the number of PCPs practicing within ZIP Code 18461 and the surrounding areas, calculating a physician-to-patient ratio to gauge access. A higher ratio, indicating fewer patients per physician, generally signifies better access. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and receiving comprehensive care.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. The analysis investigates the practices of PCPs within the area, looking for those employing evidence-based screening protocols, such as recommending low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals. We assess the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate communication and care coordination. This includes the ability to seamlessly share patient information with specialists, streamlining the referral process for suspected lung cancer cases. Practices that proactively engage in patient education, promoting smoking cessation programs and providing information on lung cancer risk factors, receive higher scores.

The presence of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is another critical factor. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer require expert care from these specialists. This analysis identifies the availability of these specialists within a reasonable distance of Starlight, considering travel time and accessibility. We assess the number of specialists, their board certifications, and their affiliations with hospitals and cancer centers. The proximity of advanced treatment facilities, such as those offering radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology, is also evaluated. A robust network of specialists, coupled with access to cutting-edge treatment options, significantly improves patient outcomes.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. The analysis examines the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and specialists in the region. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing travel time and improving access to care. We assess the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of telehealth platforms for follow-up appointments and patient education. Practices that embrace telemedicine are recognized for their commitment to expanding access to care.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. Access to mental health resources is essential for patients and their families. This analysis investigates the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, in the Starlight area. We assess the integration of mental health services into the overall care plan, including referrals from primary care physicians and specialists. Practices that offer on-site counseling or collaborate with mental health providers receive higher scores. Support groups and educational programs are also considered, recognizing the importance of peer support and patient empowerment.

The analysis also considers the presence of standout practices. These are healthcare providers that demonstrate exceptional commitment to lung cancer care. This includes practices that actively participate in clinical trials, offering patients access to the latest treatment options. We identify practices that have earned recognition for their quality of care, such as those accredited by cancer centers or receiving awards for patient satisfaction. These practices serve as models for other healthcare providers, demonstrating best practices in lung cancer management.

The overall Lung Cancer Score is a composite measure, incorporating all the factors discussed above. It provides a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare ecosystem in ZIP Code 18461 and the surrounding areas. The score reflects the availability of primary care, the presence of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the access to mental health resources, and the existence of standout practices. This score is not a definitive ranking of individual physicians, but rather a reflection of the overall healthcare environment.

The analysis acknowledges the limitations of the data. Access to complete and up-to-date information on all healthcare providers can be challenging. The analysis relies on publicly available information, data from healthcare directories, and information provided by healthcare providers. The score is subject to change as the healthcare landscape evolves.

The goal is to provide a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care and provides healthcare providers with insights into areas for improvement. The analysis promotes transparency and accountability, encouraging healthcare providers to strive for excellence in lung cancer care.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 18461 and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we invite you to utilize CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that visualize healthcare data, allowing you to explore the location of healthcare providers, assess access to care, and identify potential gaps in services.