18818, Friendsville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18818, Friendsville, Pennsylvania is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.98 percent of the residents in 18818 has some form of health insurance. 38.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.47 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 18818 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 186 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18818. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 248 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 230 health care providers accessible to residents in 18818, Friendsville, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Friendsville, PA (ZIP Code 18818)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape within Friendsville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18818), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care and primary care access. The goal is to evaluate the available resources and identify potential strengths and weaknesses in the community's ability to address lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. This analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all of which are critical components of a holistic approach to cancer care.

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer care is timely access to qualified medical professionals. In Friendsville, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians is a critical metric. While precise data on the exact physician-to-patient ratio within the 18818 ZIP code requires access to proprietary databases, we can infer general trends. Rural areas often face challenges in recruiting and retaining physicians, potentially leading to a higher patient load per doctor. This can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with patients, and potentially delayed diagnoses. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a scarcity of primary care providers, would negatively impact the "Lung Cancer Score."

The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is another crucial factor. Friendsville's proximity to larger medical centers in surrounding areas, such as Scranton or Binghamton, is crucial. The ability to access specialized care quickly is essential for effective lung cancer management. The presence of established referral networks and strong relationships between primary care physicians and specialists are vital. A score that indicates limited access to specialists would significantly impact the overall "Lung Cancer Score."

Examining the practices themselves is essential. The quality of care varies between practices. Factors to consider include the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment, such as low-dose CT scanners for early detection, and the adoption of evidence-based treatment protocols. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials and offer access to the latest therapies would receive a higher score. The presence of patient navigators or dedicated oncology nurses, who guide patients through the complexities of treatment, is also a positive indicator.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely, receive follow-up care, and participate in support groups. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies would be considered more patient-centric and receive a higher score. Telemedicine can improve access to care and reduce the burden of travel, especially for patients undergoing treatment.

Mental health resources are often overlooked, but they are crucial for lung cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, within the community is therefore a critical factor. Practices that integrate mental health support into their care plans would receive a higher score.

Evaluating the practices within the 18818 ZIP code requires a nuanced approach. While a comprehensive list of specific practices would be beyond the scope of this analysis, we can identify characteristics that would contribute to a high "Lung Cancer Score." Practices that demonstrate a commitment to early detection, offer comprehensive treatment options, and prioritize patient support would be considered standout practices. These practices would likely have strong relationships with specialists, embrace telemedicine, and integrate mental health services into their care models.

To determine the overall "Lung Cancer Score" for Friendsville, a weighted scoring system would be employed. Each factor discussed above – physician-to-patient ratio, specialist availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The score for each factor would be determined based on available data, such as physician directories, practice websites, and public health reports. The weighted scores would then be combined to produce an overall "Lung Cancer Score," which would provide a comprehensive assessment of the community's ability to address lung cancer care.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not just a numerical value; it is a reflection of the community's commitment to the health and well-being of its residents. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare system with ample resources and a patient-centered approach. A low score would highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing physician availability, expanding access to specialists, and enhancing mental health support.

The analysis also needs to account for the primary care availability within the area. This includes the number of primary care physicians, the types of services they offer, and their ability to accept new patients. Primary care physicians play a vital role in early detection, screening, and the coordination of care for lung cancer patients. The availability of primary care is crucial for providing comprehensive and timely care.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Friendsville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18818) is more than just a number; it is a snapshot of the community's health infrastructure and its ability to support those affected by lung cancer. It is a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and gain deeper insights into the healthcare landscape of Friendsville and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the power of data visualization with CartoChrome maps.