18814, Burlington, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18814, Burlington, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18814 has some form of health insurance. 35.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.13 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 18814 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 56 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18814. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 33 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,907 health care providers accessible to residents in 18814, Burlington, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical “Lung Cancer Score” for primary care physicians in ZIP code 18814, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection and patient support. It also assesses primary care availability in Burlington, considering elements crucial for comprehensive patient care. This is a simulated assessment and should not be used as a definitive ranking.

The Lung Cancer Score, in this context, is a composite metric. It considers several key areas, including early detection capabilities, access to specialists, patient support services, and overall practice infrastructure. The goal is to gauge the likelihood a patient in Burlington, particularly those at risk for lung cancer, would receive timely and effective care within the primary care landscape of ZIP code 18814.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental element. A higher ratio, meaning fewer patients per physician, often correlates with increased appointment availability and more individualized care. In Burlington, and specifically within ZIP code 18814, this data point is crucial. A low ratio suggests potentially better access to preventative screenings, including those for lung cancer, such as low-dose CT scans for eligible patients. Conversely, a high ratio could indicate longer wait times and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data from the US Census Bureau and state medical boards would be the sources for this information.

The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is another critical component. The Lung Cancer Score would be significantly impacted by the proximity and accessibility of these specialists. The analysis would assess the number of pulmonologists and oncologists practicing within a reasonable radius of ZIP code 18814. Factors such as appointment wait times and the acceptance of various insurance plans would also be considered. The presence of a comprehensive cancer center within a reasonable driving distance would be highly beneficial, offering a multidisciplinary approach to care.

Standout practices within the ZIP code would be identified based on several criteria. Practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to lung cancer screening, such as actively recommending low-dose CT scans for eligible patients based on established guidelines (e.g., those from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force), would receive higher scores. Practices that have implemented robust patient education programs, including materials on smoking cessation and early detection, would also be recognized. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to lung cancer would be viewed favorably.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural or underserved areas. The Lung Cancer Score would evaluate the extent to which primary care physicians in ZIP code 18814 utilize telemedicine. This includes the availability of virtual consultations for routine check-ups, follow-up appointments, and even specialist consultations. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote locations. The ability to remotely monitor patients' health, such as through wearable devices, would also be considered a positive factor.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The Lung Cancer Score would assess the availability of mental health services within the primary care practices or through referrals. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health screening and counseling into their standard of care would receive higher scores. The availability of resources for managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis is vital for holistic patient care.

Primary care availability in Burlington, beyond the specific ZIP code, is a broader consideration. This involves assessing the overall density of primary care physicians in the area, considering factors such as the population size and the geographic distribution of practices. The analysis would examine whether there are any areas within Burlington that are underserved by primary care providers. The availability of transportation options to access care is also a key factor, particularly for patients who may not have their own vehicles.

The analysis would also consider the presence of community health centers or other safety-net providers in Burlington. These organizations often play a crucial role in providing care to underserved populations, including those who may be at higher risk for lung cancer due to socioeconomic factors. The Lung Cancer Score would assess the accessibility and quality of care provided by these organizations.

The overall infrastructure of primary care practices would also be evaluated. This includes factors such as the availability of electronic health records (EHRs), which can facilitate communication and coordination of care. Practices that have implemented patient portals, allowing patients to access their medical records and communicate with their providers online, would be viewed favorably. The analysis would also consider the accessibility of the practice, including factors such as parking availability and wheelchair accessibility.

The Lung Cancer Score is designed to be a dynamic metric. It would be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape, such as the introduction of new screening guidelines, the development of new treatments, and the expansion of telemedicine services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of the primary care environment in Burlington and ZIP code 18814, helping patients make informed decisions about their healthcare.

This analysis, while hypothetical, provides a framework for evaluating primary care quality and accessibility in the context of lung cancer care. It highlights the importance of factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.

For a visual representation of this data and a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Burlington and beyond, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Visualize the distribution of physicians, specialists, and healthcare resources, and gain valuable insights to inform your healthcare decisions.