18471, Waverly, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18471, Waverly, Pennsylvania is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18471 has some form of health insurance. 27.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 88.85 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 18471 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 101 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18471. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 116 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,555 health care providers accessible to residents in 18471, Waverly, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18471 & Primary Care Availability in Waverly

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 18471, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care and primary care accessibility in the nearby community of Waverly. The goal is to assess the availability and quality of resources, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" framework, albeit an informal one, to evaluate the healthcare environment. This score considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements in successful lung cancer treatment and overall patient well-being.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. In ZIP code 18471, the concentration of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts the ability of patients to receive timely screenings, diagnoses, and referrals, which are critical in early lung cancer detection. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed care. This analysis will attempt to quantify this ratio using publicly available data, recognizing that the actual ratio can fluctuate. For Waverly, understanding the PCP availability is crucial because these physicians are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms.

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating the quality of care offered by medical facilities within and around 18471. This includes assessing factors such as board certifications of physicians, the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment (like low-dose CT scanners for lung cancer screening), and the presence of multidisciplinary teams (including pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists). Practices that actively participate in lung cancer screening programs, adhere to established guidelines, and offer comprehensive treatment options will receive higher scores. The focus will be on identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care and provide a full spectrum of services.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in modern healthcare. In the context of lung cancer, telemedicine can improve access to specialists, particularly for those in rural areas or with mobility issues. It facilitates remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to educational resources. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, such as secure video conferencing and remote patient monitoring, are considered to be more patient-focused and adaptable to the evolving healthcare landscape. This analysis will evaluate the extent of telemedicine integration within practices in 18471 and its potential impact on lung cancer care.

The integration of mental health resources is another vital aspect of comprehensive lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals are better equipped to support patients throughout their treatment journey. The analysis will examine the availability of mental health support within practices and the presence of collaborative care models that integrate mental health services into the overall care plan.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be constructed by evaluating these four key areas: physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Each area will be assigned a weighted score based on its perceived importance to lung cancer care and overall patient well-being. The final score will provide a comparative assessment of the healthcare environment in 18471, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.

The analysis will begin by gathering data on the number of PCPs and specialists practicing within ZIP code 18471. Publicly available databases, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and state medical boards, will be used to identify and verify the credentials of physicians. The population of 18471 will be determined using U.S. Census Bureau data. This data will be used to calculate the physician-to-patient ratio.

Next, the analysis will identify "standout practices" by reviewing online directories, patient reviews, and practice websites. Information on board certifications, diagnostic equipment, and multidisciplinary teams will be gathered. Practices that meet specific criteria, such as participation in lung cancer screening programs and adherence to treatment guidelines, will be highlighted.

The analysis will also assess the adoption of telemedicine within practices. This will involve reviewing practice websites and contacting practices directly to inquire about their telemedicine capabilities. The availability of virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and other telemedicine services will be evaluated.

Finally, the analysis will examine the integration of mental health resources. This will involve reviewing practice websites and contacting practices to inquire about their mental health services or referral pathways. The presence of on-site mental health professionals or collaborations with mental health providers will be assessed.

The resulting "Lung Cancer Score" will provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It will help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare choices, identify areas for improvement in the healthcare system, and guide policy decisions aimed at enhancing lung cancer care. The analysis will acknowledge the limitations of relying solely on publicly available data and the inherent challenges in creating a truly comprehensive healthcare assessment.

The primary care availability in Waverly will be evaluated by examining the number of PCPs practicing in the area, the availability of appointment slots, and the accessibility of healthcare facilities. The analysis will consider factors such as transportation options, insurance acceptance, and language services. This information will be crucial for patients in 18471 and the surrounding areas, as they often rely on Waverly for their primary care needs.

The analysis will strive to provide a realistic and insightful assessment of the healthcare landscape in 18471 and Waverly. The ultimate goal is to empower patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare and to contribute to the improvement of lung cancer care in the region.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in 18471 and Waverly, including the locations of practices, physician specialties, and access to resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive visualization of the data, allowing you to explore the healthcare environment in greater detail.