18628, Lopez, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18628, Lopez, Pennsylvania is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.47 percent of the residents in 18628 has some form of health insurance. 45.50 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.82 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 18628 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 49 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18628. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 54 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 360 health care providers accessible to residents in 18628, Lopez, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Lopez, PA (ZIP Code 18628)

This analysis delves into the landscape of lung cancer care within the vicinity of Lopez, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18628), focusing on the availability and quality of primary care, a crucial element in early detection and effective treatment. The aim is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to residents, assessing factors that influence the overall "Lung Cancer Score" for the area.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management lies in accessible and proactive primary care. In Lopez, a rural community, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical determinant of health outcomes. Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio is the first step. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors for a given population, can lead to delayed diagnoses, reduced preventative care, and ultimately, poorer lung cancer survival rates. Publicly available data, such as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) data, can be used to estimate this ratio. The analysis would need to consider the population size of the Lopez area and the number of practicing primary care physicians within a reasonable geographic radius, factoring in travel time and accessibility.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes the adoption of evidence-based practices, such as routine lung cancer screenings for high-risk individuals (smokers and former smokers) as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Practices that actively promote and facilitate these screenings are more likely to catch lung cancer in its early stages, when treatment is most effective. The analysis would investigate the screening protocols of local practices, their adherence to national guidelines, and their patient education efforts regarding lung cancer risks and prevention.

Identifying standout practices within the 18628 ZIP code is crucial. This requires a deeper dive into individual practice profiles. Factors to consider include the experience and training of the physicians, the availability of specialized equipment (e.g., low-dose CT scanners), and the practice's overall patient satisfaction scores. Online reviews, patient testimonials, and data from health insurance providers can offer insights into the quality of care provided. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, including clear communication, timely appointments, and a supportive environment, would likely receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor. In a rural area like Lopez, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals can significantly enhance the convenience and accessibility of healthcare services. This is particularly important for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments or who require regular follow-up care. The analysis would assess the extent to which local practices have embraced telemedicine technologies and the impact this has on patient access and outcomes.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of cancer care, but they play a vital role in patient well-being. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health support services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, is therefore essential. The analysis would investigate the availability of these resources in the Lopez area, including the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices, referrals to specialists, and access to community-based support programs. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is a key indicator of a well-integrated healthcare system.

Furthermore, the analysis would consider the availability of specialized cancer care, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists, within a reasonable distance of Lopez. While primary care physicians are the gatekeepers to early detection and preventative care, access to specialists is essential for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of lung cancer. The analysis would assess the travel time to these specialists, the availability of appointments, and the coordination of care between primary care physicians and specialists.

The analysis would also consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact lung cancer outcomes. These include poverty, lack of insurance, and limited access to healthy food and transportation. These factors can create barriers to care and exacerbate health disparities. The analysis would assess the extent to which local healthcare providers are addressing these challenges, through programs such as financial assistance, transportation services, and community outreach initiatives.

Finally, the analysis would consider the overall healthcare infrastructure in the Lopez area. This includes the presence of hospitals, urgent care centers, and other healthcare facilities. The analysis would assess the quality of these facilities, their accreditation status, and their ability to provide comprehensive care for lung cancer patients. The availability of emergency services is also critical, as lung cancer patients may experience complications that require immediate medical attention.

This comprehensive analysis would culminate in a "Lung Cancer Score" for the Lopez area, taking into account all of the factors discussed above. The score would provide a valuable snapshot of the resources available to residents and identify areas for improvement. The score would be a dynamic metric, evolving as healthcare practices adapt and improve. This information can be used by residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions about healthcare access and quality.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Lopez, including physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps provide a powerful tool for understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and identifying areas of need.