18846, Sugar Run, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18846, Sugar Run, Pennsylvania is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.63 percent of the residents in 18846 has some form of health insurance. 39.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.83 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 18846 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 149 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18846. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 202 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 566 health care providers accessible to residents in 18846, Sugar Run, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Sugar Run, PA (ZIP Code 18846)

This analysis provides a comprehensive evaluation of healthcare resources within Sugar Run, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18846), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The aim is to provide a “Lung Cancer Score” assessment, considering primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, all crucial elements in a patient's journey from diagnosis to survivorship. This analysis is designed to be a snapshot of the current landscape and is not intended to be a definitive ranking.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and proactive primary care. In Sugar Run, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical determinant of early detection. The ability to secure timely appointments for regular checkups and screenings, especially for individuals at high risk (smokers, former smokers, those with a family history), is paramount. A limited number of PCPs, coupled with a geographically dispersed population, could present challenges. The “Lung Cancer Score” will reflect the ease of access to PCPs, factoring in appointment wait times, the acceptance of new patients, and the availability of extended hours or weekend clinics.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a key metric. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates greater availability and potentially more personalized care. Conversely, a lower ratio might suggest increased patient loads, potentially leading to longer wait times and less time for each patient. Assessing the ratio within the 18846 ZIP code, and comparing it to regional and national averages, will provide a valuable benchmark. This comparison will inform the “Lung Cancer Score,” highlighting whether the area is adequately served by primary care physicians.

Standout practices, those demonstrating excellence in patient care and lung cancer screening, will be identified. These practices may have implemented innovative approaches, such as dedicated lung cancer screening programs, smoking cessation support, or streamlined referral processes. The analysis will consider the presence of these programs, their accessibility, and their impact on patient outcomes. Practices that actively promote low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for eligible individuals will be given higher consideration in the score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Sugar Run. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access consultations, follow-up appointments, and even some forms of therapy remotely. The “Lung Cancer Score” will evaluate the availability of telemedicine services offered by local PCPs and specialists. This includes assessing the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), the ease of access (e.g., user-friendly platforms), and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care plan.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but crucial aspect of cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. The “Lung Cancer Score” will evaluate the availability of mental health support services within the community. This includes assessing the presence of therapists, counselors, and support groups, as well as the accessibility of these services (e.g., insurance coverage, cost). The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan, such as referrals from PCPs or oncology specialists, will also be considered.

Specific examples of practices and resources within Sugar Run are difficult to ascertain without a direct survey. However, the analysis will utilize publicly available data, including online physician directories, hospital websites, and community health resources, to assess the availability of the above-mentioned elements. The “Lung Cancer Score” will be a composite score, reflecting the weighted importance of each factor. A higher score will indicate a more favorable environment for lung cancer patients, with greater access to resources and a more comprehensive approach to care.

The data gathering process will involve researching the availability of PCPs in the 18846 ZIP code, including their specialties, insurance acceptance, and patient reviews. The analysis will also investigate the presence of any specialist physicians, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, who may serve the area. Furthermore, the analysis will examine the availability of lung cancer screening programs, smoking cessation programs, and mental health support services.

The analysis will also consider the proximity of larger healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and cancer centers, to Sugar Run. While the local resources are crucial, access to specialized care and advanced treatment options is also important. The distance to these facilities and the ease of transportation will be factored into the overall assessment. The presence of support groups and patient advocacy organizations will also be considered.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will reflect the overall health of the community. The score will be a relative measure, and it is not a definitive statement on the quality of care. The score is intended to be a starting point for further investigation. The goal is to provide a snapshot of the current landscape and identify areas where improvements can be made.

In conclusion, this "Lung Cancer Score" analysis aims to provide a valuable overview of the healthcare resources available in Sugar Run, PA (ZIP Code 18846), specifically in the context of lung cancer care. By considering factors such as primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, this analysis provides a useful framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system.

For a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and to visualize the data presented in this analysis, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can help you visualize the locations of PCPs, specialists, hospitals, and support services, providing a powerful tool for navigating the healthcare landscape in Sugar Run and beyond.