18824, Hop Bottom, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18824, Hop Bottom, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.93 percent of the residents in 18824 has some form of health insurance. 45.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.25 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 18824 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 222 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18824. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 358 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 134 health care providers accessible to residents in 18824, Hop Bottom, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Hop Bottom, PA (ZIP Code 18824)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support within ZIP Code 18824, focusing on primary care access in Hop Bottom, PA. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the community's preparedness to address this significant health concern. The score will be a qualitative assessment based on available data and observations, rather than a numerical value.

The foundation of lung cancer care rests on early detection and effective primary care. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is therefore a critical factor. In Hop Bottom, a rural community, the physician-to-patient ratio is likely a key indicator. Given the geographical challenges and potential for limited healthcare infrastructure, the ratio is expected to be less favorable than in more urban areas. This suggests a potential bottleneck in accessing timely appointments for routine checkups, screening, and initial symptom evaluation. A lower PCP density can lead to delayed diagnoses, impacting treatment outcomes.

Standout practices within the area are evaluated based on their integration of lung cancer screening protocols. This includes adherence to guidelines from organizations like the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) regarding eligibility for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans. Practices that actively promote and facilitate these screenings, particularly for high-risk individuals (e.g., current or former smokers), demonstrate a commitment to early detection. The presence of certified lung cancer screening centers within a reasonable distance is also a positive factor.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. The ability to conduct virtual consultations with PCPs and specialists can overcome geographical barriers and improve access to care. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual follow-up appointments, remote monitoring of patients, and access to specialists via telehealth platforms, are considered to have a higher score. This is particularly relevant for lung cancer patients, who may require frequent follow-up appointments and access to specialists such as pulmonologists and oncologists.

Mental health resources are a crucial component of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis, and the treatment process itself, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is therefore a significant factor in this assessment. The presence of these resources within the community, or readily accessible through referral networks, contributes positively to the score. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices, such as offering on-site counseling or facilitating referrals, is a further advantage. Support groups, both in-person and virtual, also play a vital role in providing emotional support and fostering a sense of community among patients.

The availability of specialized care, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is another key consideration. While these specialists may not be located directly within Hop Bottom, the ease of access to their services, measured by travel time and referral processes, is important. Strong referral networks between PCPs and specialists are crucial for seamless patient care. The presence of comprehensive cancer centers within a reasonable distance, offering multidisciplinary care, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, is highly beneficial.

The overall score reflects the combined impact of these factors. A higher score indicates a community better equipped to address lung cancer, with greater access to primary care, screening programs, specialized care, telemedicine, and mental health resources. Conversely, a lower score suggests potential challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive care, highlighting areas for improvement. The score is not a static measure but rather a dynamic assessment that should be regularly updated as healthcare resources evolve.

In the context of Hop Bottom, PA (ZIP Code 18824), the Lung Cancer Score is likely to be moderate, with areas for improvement. The rural nature of the community presents challenges in terms of physician-to-patient ratios and access to specialized care. However, the adoption of telemedicine and the presence of strong referral networks could mitigate some of these challenges. The availability of mental health resources and the integration of these services within primary care practices are critical factors in improving the score.

The overall assessment emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to improve lung cancer care within the community. This includes increasing the number of PCPs, promoting lung cancer screening programs, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and ensuring access to mental health resources. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is essential to achieve these goals.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hop Bottom, PA (ZIP Code 18824), including the precise locations of healthcare providers, the availability of specialized services, and potential gaps in care, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a visual representation of healthcare resources, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of the community's preparedness to address lung cancer.