18640, Pittston, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18640, Pittston, Pennsylvania is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.73 percent of the residents in 18640 has some form of health insurance. 46.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.40 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 18640 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,699 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18640. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,816 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,076 health care providers accessible to residents in 18640, Pittston, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Pittston, PA (ZIP Code 18640)**

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score (LCS) assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 18640 ZIP code, focusing on factors relevant to early detection, diagnosis, and support for patients battling lung cancer. The goal is to evaluate the accessibility and quality of care available to residents of Pittston, Pennsylvania, considering the crucial role PCPs play in this disease. The analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all of which significantly impact patient outcomes.

The foundation of a strong LCS begins with adequate access to primary care. In Pittston, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to delayed appointments, longer wait times, and reduced opportunities for preventative care, including lung cancer screenings. The analysis will assess the current ratio based on publicly available data, such as the US Department of Health & Human Services, and compare it to regional and national averages. A lower ratio suggests better access and, potentially, a higher LCS.

Standout practices within the 18640 ZIP code are those that demonstrate a commitment to proactive lung cancer screening and patient education. These practices are likely to have implemented evidence-based guidelines, such as those recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) for individuals at high risk (e.g., current or former smokers). We will identify practices that actively promote low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for eligible patients. This includes assessing whether the practice has established screening protocols, a system for patient outreach, and a process for referring patients to specialists if abnormalities are detected.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor in evaluating the LCS. The ability to offer virtual consultations can improve access to care, particularly for patients who have mobility issues or live in remote areas. Telemedicine can also facilitate follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education. The analysis will examine the extent to which PCPs in Pittston have embraced telemedicine, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual visits, remote monitoring) and the platforms used. Practices with robust telemedicine programs will receive higher scores.

The psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is profound. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the LCS. PCPs should be able to connect patients with mental health professionals who can provide counseling, support groups, and other services to address anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. The analysis will investigate the extent to which PCPs in Pittston collaborate with mental health providers, including whether they have established referral pathways and whether they offer or have access to support groups specifically for cancer patients.

The analysis will also consider the availability of other supportive services, such as smoking cessation programs. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and PCPs play a vital role in helping patients quit. The LCS will assess whether practices offer smoking cessation counseling, medication prescriptions, and referrals to specialized programs. Practices that prioritize smoking cessation efforts will be viewed favorably.

The LCS will be based on a weighted scoring system, with each factor assigned a specific weight based on its importance. The physician-to-patient ratio will be a significant factor, reflecting the importance of access to care. Practices with lower ratios will receive higher scores. The adoption of lung cancer screening protocols and telemedicine will also be weighted heavily, as these factors directly impact early detection and access to care. The availability of mental health resources and smoking cessation programs will contribute to the overall score, reflecting the importance of comprehensive patient support.

To identify standout practices, the analysis will consider several factors. Practices that actively promote LDCT screening, have established screening protocols, and demonstrate a commitment to patient education will be recognized. Practices that have embraced telemedicine and offer virtual consultations will also be highlighted. The analysis will also identify practices that collaborate with mental health providers and offer smoking cessation programs.

The analysis will be performed using publicly available data, including information from the US Department of Health & Human Services, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and insurance provider directories. In addition, we will consult with local healthcare professionals and patient advocacy groups to gather insights and validate our findings.

The final LCS will be presented as a numerical score, along with a detailed explanation of the methodology and the rationale behind the scoring system. The analysis will also include a list of recommendations for improving the LCS in Pittston, such as increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing the availability of mental health resources.

The results of this analysis will provide valuable information for residents of Pittston seeking primary care. It will also help healthcare providers identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance the quality of care for patients at risk for or diagnosed with lung cancer. The goal is to empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and to support the efforts of healthcare providers to deliver the best possible care.

The analysis will be a dynamic process, and the LCS will be updated periodically to reflect changes in healthcare practices and policies. This will ensure that the information remains current and relevant. The ongoing assessment will help to ensure that residents of Pittston have access to the best possible care.

For a comprehensive, interactive map visualizing physician locations, practice specializations, and other relevant healthcare data in Pittston, PA, visit CartoChrome maps.