18641, Pittston, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18641, Pittston, Pennsylvania is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.03 percent of the residents in 18641 has some form of health insurance. 43.76 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.14 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 18641 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,305 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18641. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,432 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,070 health care providers accessible to residents in 18641, Pittston, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Pittston, PA (ZIP Code 18641)

This analysis delves into the landscape of healthcare within Pittston, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18641), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care. We'll examine primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, and the adoption of modern healthcare practices, including telemedicine and mental health resources, to assess the overall quality of care accessible to residents. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and its ability to support individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests heavily on accessible and high-quality primary care. Early detection through screening programs, facilitated by a strong primary care network, is critical for improving patient outcomes. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Pittston is a crucial starting point. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio provides insight into the potential for timely appointments and consistent follow-up care. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to better access. However, raw numbers alone don't tell the whole story. Factors such as the age and health status of the population, the presence of underserved communities, and the geographic distribution of practices all influence the practical availability of care.

Beyond simple physician counts, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. We need to identify standout practices within the 18641 ZIP code. These practices likely demonstrate excellence in several areas. They may have a strong emphasis on preventative care, including robust screening programs for lung cancer, such as low-dose CT scans for eligible patients. They might also prioritize patient education, providing clear and accessible information about lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options. Furthermore, a patient-centered approach, focusing on individualized care plans and strong communication, is a hallmark of high-quality primary care. Identifying these practices requires research into patient reviews, practice accreditations, and the presence of specialized programs focused on cancer prevention and management.

Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative force in healthcare, and its adoption within Pittston is a key consideration. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The availability of virtual consultations with PCPs, pulmonologists, and other specialists can significantly streamline the diagnostic process and facilitate ongoing management of lung cancer. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption requires investigating which practices offer virtual appointments, the types of services available remotely, and the technologies utilized. This also includes evaluating the availability of remote monitoring tools, which can help track patient progress and identify potential complications.

The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis is immense. Mental health resources are an integral component of comprehensive cancer care. The availability of mental health services within Pittston is therefore a critical factor. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in oncology. Ideally, these resources are integrated into the primary care network or readily accessible through referrals. Assessing the mental health landscape requires examining the presence of mental health professionals in the area, the availability of support groups, and the integration of mental health services within cancer care pathways. Practices that proactively address the psychological needs of patients, offering counseling or connecting them with support networks, demonstrate a commitment to holistic care.

The presence of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is crucial for providing specialized care to lung cancer patients. The availability of these specialists within the 18641 ZIP code, or within a reasonable commuting distance, is a significant factor. Analyzing the number of pulmonologists and oncologists, their affiliations with hospitals or cancer centers, and their expertise in lung cancer treatment modalities is essential. Proximity to comprehensive cancer centers, offering advanced treatment options such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, is also a key consideration. The ability to access these specialized services locally or regionally directly impacts the quality and convenience of care for patients.

Furthermore, the overall healthcare infrastructure within Pittston plays a significant role. The quality of local hospitals, the availability of diagnostic imaging services (such as CT scans and PET scans), and the presence of specialized cancer treatment centers all contribute to the overall Lung Cancer Score. Evaluating these factors requires assessing hospital accreditations, the availability of advanced imaging technologies, and the presence of multidisciplinary cancer care teams. The ability to access these resources locally or within a reasonable distance is crucial for ensuring timely and effective treatment.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for Pittston, PA (ZIP code 18641) is a complex assessment that depends on various factors. Primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of individual practices, telemedicine adoption, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of specialists and a robust healthcare infrastructure all contribute to the overall score. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Pittston, highlighting areas where improvements are needed to better serve patients facing a lung cancer diagnosis.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Pittston and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and specialist availability, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for analyzing geographic data and gaining valuable insights into healthcare access and disparities.