18705, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18705, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.39 percent of the residents in 18705 has some form of health insurance. 43.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.54 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 18705 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,167 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18705. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,990 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,985 health care providers accessible to residents in 18705, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.

The following analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians within the 18705 ZIP code, encompassing Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and evaluates the availability of related resources. This assessment considers factors crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and management of lung cancer, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. The ultimate goal is to offer insights that could potentially improve patient outcomes and healthcare access in this specific area.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. A lower ratio, signifying more physicians per capita, generally translates to easier access to appointments, potentially facilitating earlier detection of lung cancer symptoms. In the 18705 ZIP code, data analysis reveals a moderate physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians. While not critically low, the ratio suggests that access to primary care, a critical first point of contact for individuals experiencing symptoms, may be somewhat limited. This could potentially lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Further investigation into the specific distribution of physicians within the area is crucial to understand if certain areas are underserved.

Standout practices within the 18705 ZIP code are those that demonstrate a proactive approach to lung cancer screening and management. These practices often exhibit several key characteristics. First, they actively promote lung cancer screening for eligible patients, particularly those with a history of smoking or exposure to other risk factors. This involves educating patients about the benefits of screening, identifying those at high risk, and facilitating access to low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans. Second, standout practices integrate a multidisciplinary approach to care. This means collaborating with pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive and coordinated care. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment plan. Third, these practices often have robust systems for patient follow-up and monitoring. This includes regular check-ups, monitoring for recurrence, and providing ongoing support to patients and their families.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural or underserved areas. Telemedicine can improve access to care by allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and minimizing potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. In the context of lung cancer, telemedicine can be used for initial consultations, follow-up appointments, medication management, and even remote monitoring of patients' symptoms. The level of telemedicine adoption among primary care physicians in the 18705 ZIP code varies. Some practices have embraced telemedicine more fully than others, offering a wider range of virtual services. Others may be in the early stages of adoption or may not offer telemedicine at all. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to be better positioned to provide timely and convenient care to their patients.

Mental health resources are a crucial but often overlooked aspect of lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a significant impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health support is essential. This support can include individual therapy, group counseling, support groups, and access to psychiatric services. The 18705 ZIP code has a moderate level of mental health resources available. While there are mental health professionals and facilities in the area, access to these resources may be limited due to factors such as insurance coverage, transportation, and wait times. Primary care physicians should ideally have established referral pathways to mental health services and be able to identify and address the mental health needs of their patients.

Primary care availability in Wilkes-Barre, including the 18705 ZIP code, is influenced by several factors. The number of primary care physicians, the distribution of these physicians across the area, and the availability of support staff all contribute to access to care. Additionally, the presence of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities in the area impacts the availability of primary care services. The overall primary care availability in the 18705 ZIP code is moderate. While there are primary care physicians in the area, access to care may be limited by factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, insurance coverage, and transportation.

The Lung Cancer Score for primary care physicians in the 18705 ZIP code is a composite assessment based on the factors discussed above. The score considers the physician-to-patient ratio, the characteristics of standout practices, the level of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. Based on the available data, the Lung Cancer Score for this area is considered to be moderate. This score suggests that while there are resources available, there is room for improvement in several areas, including physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support.

To improve the Lung Cancer Score in the 18705 ZIP code, several actions could be taken. First, efforts could be made to increase the number of primary care physicians in the area, particularly in underserved areas. Second, practices could be encouraged to adopt telemedicine and other technologies to improve access to care. Third, resources could be allocated to expand the availability of mental health services for lung cancer patients. Fourth, increased collaboration between primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers could be promoted. Finally, public awareness campaigns could be launched to educate the public about the importance of lung cancer screening and early detection.

The data suggests that while the 18705 ZIP code has some strengths in terms of lung cancer care, there are also areas that require attention. By addressing these areas, it is possible to improve patient outcomes and healthcare access for individuals in this community. This analysis provides a starting point for further investigation and targeted interventions.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in the 18705 ZIP code, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive way to explore the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in this area. Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to visualize and analyze the data.