18465, Thompson, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18465, Thompson, Pennsylvania is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.89 percent of the residents in 18465 has some form of health insurance. 43.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.68 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 18465 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 191 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18465. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 280 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 262 health care providers accessible to residents in 18465, Thompson, Pennsylvania.

This analysis explores the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 18465, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care, a crucial element in early detection and management of this disease. The geographic focus is Thompson, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas. This assessment considers several factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all of which contribute to a comprehensive ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for the region.

The initial consideration is the fundamental availability of primary care physicians. Thompson, a rural community, likely faces challenges in physician recruitment and retention. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio provides a critical baseline. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors, could hinder timely access to screening and diagnostic services, thereby negatively impacting the ‘Lung Cancer Score.’ Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access, potentially leading to improved outcomes. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) would be vital in determining this ratio. Furthermore, the distribution of these physicians within the ZIP code is important. Are they concentrated in one area, or are they spread out to serve the entire community?

Identifying standout practices is essential for understanding the quality of care. This involves evaluating practices that may excel in areas relevant to lung cancer prevention and early detection. This could include practices that have invested in advanced screening technologies like low-dose CT scans, which are crucial for detecting lung cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages. Practices with a strong emphasis on patient education and smoking cessation programs would also be considered favorably. Reviewing patient testimonials and online ratings, while not definitive, can offer insights into patient satisfaction and the overall patient experience. Contacting local healthcare organizations and patient advocacy groups could also provide valuable information about practices that are recognized for their excellence.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in enhancing access to care, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialists. Practices that have embraced telemedicine for primary care consultations, follow-up appointments, and even mental health services would receive a higher score. The availability of telehealth platforms, the types of services offered via telemedicine, and the ease of use of these platforms are all important factors. The ability to access specialists remotely, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, through telemedicine can be especially beneficial for patients in rural areas.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, can significantly improve a patient's quality of life and their ability to cope with the challenges of treatment. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, would be considered favorably. The accessibility of these services, including insurance coverage and waiting times, is also a key consideration. The presence of support groups specifically for lung cancer patients and their families is another positive indicator.

The ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for this region would be a composite measure, reflecting the combined impact of all these factors. A high score would indicate a favorable environment for lung cancer care, characterized by good physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices with advanced screening capabilities, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. A low score would indicate challenges in accessing care, potentially due to physician shortages, limited screening options, lack of telemedicine services, and inadequate mental health support. The score would be relative, reflecting the specific circumstances of the 18465 ZIP code and the availability of care in Thompson.

Specific details regarding the practices within 18465 would be needed to provide a truly accurate score. Publicly available information, such as the names of the primary care physicians, their affiliations, and the services they offer, would be essential. This information could be gathered from online directories, healthcare provider websites, and local health authorities. The availability of screening technologies, the presence of smoking cessation programs, and the integration of mental health services would be assessed for each practice. The adoption of telemedicine, including the platforms used and the types of services offered, would also be evaluated.

The analysis would consider the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, within a reasonable travel distance. The presence of hospitals or clinics with comprehensive cancer care programs would be a significant positive factor. The availability of support services, such as patient navigators and financial assistance programs, would also be considered. The overall goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the resources available to patients with or at risk of lung cancer in the Thompson area.

In conclusion, assessing the ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for doctors in ZIP code 18465 and primary care availability in Thompson requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, combining physician-to-patient ratios, standout practice evaluations, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability, provides a framework for understanding the quality of care in this area. The final score would reflect the combined impact of these factors, offering insights into the accessibility and quality of lung cancer care.

To visualize the geographic distribution of these resources and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Thompson and the surrounding areas, explore CartoChrome maps.