18826, Kingsley, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18826, Kingsley, Pennsylvania is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.25 percent of the residents in 18826 has some form of health insurance. 41.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.95 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 18826 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 239 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18826. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 432 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 173 health care providers accessible to residents in 18826, Kingsley, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Kingsley, PA (ZIP Code 18826)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 18826 (Kingsley, PA), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The score considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical elements in the patient journey. The goal is to offer a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in Kingsley, highlighting strengths and areas needing improvement.

Kingsley, a small community in Susquehanna County, likely faces unique challenges regarding healthcare access. Rural areas often experience shortages of medical professionals and limited access to specialized services. This analysis aims to illuminate these factors, providing a nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access to Care:**

One of the primary determinants of a Lung Cancer Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced opportunities for preventative care, all of which negatively impact lung cancer outcomes. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires data from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, coupled with physician directories. The score will reflect the availability of PCPs, considering both the number of physicians and the population size within the service area. This is crucial, as early detection significantly improves survival rates for lung cancer.

**Standout Practices and Their Contributions:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. These include the adoption of evidence-based screening protocols, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management and patient communication, and the availability of on-site or readily accessible diagnostic services like CT scans. Practices demonstrating a commitment to these elements will receive higher scores. For example, a practice that actively promotes low-dose CT scans for high-risk patients (smokers and former smokers) would be considered a standout. Furthermore, the practice's integration of patient education materials and support groups would be positively assessed.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine adoption is a critical component of the Lung Cancer Score, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists, follow-up appointments, and mental health services. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring, will receive higher scores. This also includes the availability of remote patient monitoring for individuals undergoing treatment or recovery. The score will consider the ease of use of the telemedicine platform, the availability of technical support for patients, and the ability to integrate telehealth data into the patient's EHR.

**Mental Health Resources: A Crucial Consideration:**

The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is substantial. The Lung Cancer Score must account for the availability of mental health resources. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. Practices that proactively screen patients for mental health concerns and offer referrals to appropriate services will receive higher scores. The score will also consider the availability of resources specifically tailored to the needs of cancer patients, such as grief counseling, support groups, and access to palliative care specialists. The integration of mental health services into the overall treatment plan is vital for patient well-being and adherence to treatment protocols.

**Specific Analysis of Kingsley, PA (18826):**

Given the rural nature of Kingsley, the Lung Cancer Score analysis will likely reveal challenges related to access to care. The physician-to-patient ratio may be lower than in more urban areas, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments. The availability of diagnostic services, such as CT scans, may be limited, requiring patients to travel to larger medical centers. Telemedicine adoption may be a key factor in improving access to specialists and mental health services. The analysis will highlight practices that are actively working to overcome these challenges.

The score will also assess the availability of patient education materials, such as information on smoking cessation programs and the importance of early detection. The presence of local support groups for lung cancer patients and their families will also be considered. The analysis will provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Kingsley, PA, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses.

**Scoring Methodology:**

The Lung Cancer Score will be calculated based on a weighted scoring system. Each factor, such as physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability, will be assigned a weight based on its importance in lung cancer care. The scores will be aggregated to produce an overall score for each practice or the overall healthcare landscape in Kingsley. The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, providing an easily understandable assessment of the healthcare environment.

**Concluding Remarks:**

The Lung Cancer Score analysis provides a valuable assessment of the healthcare landscape in Kingsley, PA (ZIP code 18826). It highlights the critical factors influencing lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The analysis emphasizes the importance of access to care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, identifying areas of strength and areas needing improvement. This information can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to improve the quality of lung cancer care in the community.

**Take Action Now:**

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