18505, Scranton, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18505, Scranton, Pennsylvania is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.78 percent of the residents in 18505 has some form of health insurance. 50.91 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.36 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 18505 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,645 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18505. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,717 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,035 health care providers accessible to residents in 18505, Scranton, Pennsylvania.

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care in Scranton, Pennsylvania's 18505 ZIP code, focusing on physician availability, primary care resources, and ancillary support systems. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem, highlighting strengths and weaknesses to inform patient decision-making and potentially guide healthcare resource allocation.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and competent primary care. In 18505, assessing primary care availability is crucial. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key metric. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can signal potential access challenges. Data from state and national sources must be consulted to accurately determine this ratio within the specified ZIP code. This information should be compared to regional and national averages to contextualize the local situation.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of primary care practices matters. Are practices concentrated in certain areas, potentially creating "healthcare deserts" for some residents? Are practices accepting new patients, and what is the average wait time for appointments? These factors directly impact a patient's ability to receive timely screening, diagnosis, and referral for lung cancer. Furthermore, the presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers is significant. These institutions often serve vulnerable populations and may offer vital services, including lung cancer screening programs.

The quality of primary care is equally important. Practices should be evaluated based on their adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer screening, particularly for high-risk individuals (e.g., current or former smokers). This includes offering low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, counseling on smoking cessation, and prompt referral to specialists when needed. Patient reviews, available through online platforms, can provide valuable insights into patient experiences and the perceived quality of care.

Specialist availability, specifically pulmonologists and oncologists, is another critical factor. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio for these specialists within the 18505 ZIP code is essential. Are there sufficient specialists to meet the needs of the population? Are wait times for appointments reasonable? The presence of multidisciplinary cancer centers, offering coordinated care from various specialists, is highly beneficial. These centers often provide access to clinical trials and advanced treatment options.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. The availability of telehealth consultations with primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and oncologists can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate remote monitoring. The analysis should assess the extent of telemedicine adoption within the 18505 ZIP code, including the types of services offered and the technological infrastructure available.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, is crucial. The analysis should assess the availability of these resources within the 18505 ZIP code, including the number of providers, their areas of expertise, and their acceptance of insurance. Access to support groups, both in-person and online, is also beneficial.

Identifying standout practices is a key objective. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, adhere to national guidelines, and embrace innovative approaches, such as telemedicine, should be highlighted. This could include practices with high patient satisfaction scores, robust screening programs, or a strong focus on smoking cessation. These practices can serve as models for other providers in the area.

The analysis should also consider the availability of ancillary services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nutritional counseling. These services can help patients manage the side effects of treatment and improve their overall quality of life. Access to palliative care services, which focus on relieving suffering and improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, is also important.

The economic factors affecting healthcare access cannot be ignored. The analysis should consider the insurance landscape in the 18505 ZIP code, including the prevalence of different types of insurance coverage (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance). The affordability of care, including the cost of medications, diagnostic tests, and treatment, is a significant barrier for many patients.

In conclusion, evaluating the lung cancer care landscape in Scranton's 18505 ZIP code requires a comprehensive approach, encompassing physician availability, primary care resources, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, mental health support, and economic considerations. This analysis aims to provide a detailed picture of the healthcare ecosystem, highlighting strengths and weaknesses to inform patient decision-making and potentially guide healthcare resource allocation.

To gain a visually rich understanding of physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to care, consider exploring the CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome's interactive maps provide a dynamic way to visualize the healthcare landscape, allowing you to explore the data presented in this analysis in a user-friendly and informative format.