18616, Forksville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18616, Forksville, Pennsylvania is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.84 percent of the residents in 18616 has some form of health insurance. 49.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.56 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 18616 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 98 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18616. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 222 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 173 health care providers accessible to residents in 18616, Forksville, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Forksville, PA (ZIP Code 18616)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer diagnosis and treatment within ZIP code 18616, focusing specifically on the town of Forksville, Pennsylvania. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering factors impacting early detection, access to specialists, and overall patient support. This assessment will cover primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical components in navigating a lung cancer journey.

Forksville, a rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare. The limited population density often translates to fewer healthcare providers and resources compared to urban areas. This analysis aims to provide a realistic picture of the healthcare landscape, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses.

**Primary Care Availability in Forksville**

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and proactive primary care. Regular check-ups, screening recommendations, and prompt referral to specialists are essential. In Forksville, primary care availability is likely a significant concern. The low population density suggests a limited number of primary care physicians (PCPs) serving the area. Determining the exact number of PCPs and their patient load is crucial. This information, alongside factors like appointment wait times and the acceptance of new patients, directly impacts the "Lung Cancer Score." A shortage of PCPs would negatively affect the score, as it could lead to delayed diagnoses and reduced access to preventative care.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

The physician-to-patient ratio provides a valuable metric for assessing healthcare access. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access. In Forksville, the physician-to-patient ratio for PCPs and pulmonologists (lung specialists) is a critical factor. Researching the number of physicians practicing within the 18616 ZIP code and estimating the population served allows for the calculation of these ratios. A low ratio, particularly for pulmonologists, would be a significant red flag, potentially forcing patients to travel long distances for specialized care. This travel burden adds stress and complexity to an already challenging situation.

**Standout Practices and Specialists**

Identifying any standout medical practices or specialists within or near Forksville is vital. This includes assessing the presence of practices with a focus on early detection and lung cancer treatment. Are there any family practices known for proactively recommending lung cancer screenings for at-risk patients? Are there any pulmonologists with expertise in advanced diagnostic techniques or treatment modalities? The presence of specialists, even if located outside the immediate ZIP code, significantly improves the "Lung Cancer Score." Proximity to hospitals with advanced imaging capabilities, such as CT scans, and access to oncologists are also crucial considerations.

**Telemedicine Adoption**

Telemedicine offers a potential solution to the challenges of rural healthcare access. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices, or access to telemedicine services from larger healthcare systems, can improve the "Lung Cancer Score." Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. This is particularly important for follow-up appointments, consultations, and managing chronic conditions. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), is a crucial component of this analysis.

**Mental Health Resources**

The emotional and psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is profound. Access to mental health resources is essential for patients and their families. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, within Forksville or nearby communities is a key factor. Do local healthcare providers offer integrated mental health services? Are there support groups available for lung cancer patients and their caregivers? The presence of these resources significantly improves the "Lung Cancer Score," reflecting a holistic approach to patient care.

**Overall "Lung Cancer Score" Assessment**

Based on the above factors, a "Lung Cancer Score" can be assigned. This score is not a simple numerical value, but rather a qualitative assessment based on the availability and quality of healthcare resources. The score would reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Forksville, specifically regarding lung cancer care. Factors like PCP availability, physician-to-patient ratios, access to specialists, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources would be weighted based on their impact on patient outcomes. A low score would indicate significant challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive lung cancer care. A high score would reflect a more favorable environment, with readily available resources and support systems.

**Specific Considerations for Forksville**

Given the rural nature of Forksville, the analysis should consider the following:

* **Travel distance:** The distance patients must travel to access specialists, hospitals, and support services.
* **Transportation options:** The availability of reliable transportation, especially for those with limited mobility.
* **Community support:** The presence of local support networks, such as cancer support groups or community health initiatives.
* **Insurance coverage:** The types of insurance accepted by local providers and the affordability of healthcare services.

**Conclusion**

Assessing the healthcare resources available for lung cancer patients in Forksville, PA, reveals a complex picture. The "Lung Cancer Score" is likely influenced by the challenges of rural healthcare, including limited access to specialists and potential travel burdens. However, the adoption of telemedicine and the presence of proactive primary care practices can significantly improve the score. Understanding the specific resources available, the physician-to-patient ratios, and the support systems in place is critical for patients and healthcare providers.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Forksville, PA, and to visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. Their platform allows for the visualization of physician locations, hospital proximity, and other relevant data points, providing a comprehensive overview of the healthcare environment in the 18616 ZIP code. Visit CartoChrome maps to explore the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare access in your area.