18951, Quakertown, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18951, Quakertown, Pennsylvania is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.73 percent of the residents in 18951 has some form of health insurance. 31.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.20 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 18951 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,008 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18951. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,297 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,985 health care providers accessible to residents in 18951, Quakertown, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Quakertown, PA (ZIP Code 18951)

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within the Quakertown, PA (ZIP Code 18951) area, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) and the resources available to support patients navigating this challenging disease. We will examine factors crucial for early detection, effective treatment, and comprehensive patient support, ultimately providing a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and high-quality primary care. PCPs play a vital role in early detection through screening recommendations, risk assessment, and prompt referrals to specialists. In Quakertown, primary care availability is a critical factor. We need to evaluate the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with information from healthcare directories, can help establish this ratio.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. We need to assess the practices' adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer screening, particularly for individuals at high risk due to smoking history or other factors. This involves looking at whether practices actively offer or recommend low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, the preferred screening method for eligible individuals. Practices that proactively engage in patient education about lung cancer risks and screening are also indicators of quality.

Several practices in Quakertown may stand out in their commitment to lung cancer prevention and care. Identifying these "standout practices" requires a deeper dive. We can examine their patient reviews, which can offer insights into patient satisfaction, communication, and the overall experience. Furthermore, we should investigate their integration of technology, such as electronic health records (EHRs), which facilitate seamless communication between PCPs, specialists, and patients, improving care coordination.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. The ability to access healthcare remotely, particularly for follow-up appointments, consultations, and mental health support, is increasingly important, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve access to care and reduce the burden on patients. We will investigate which practices offer telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the accessibility of these services for patients in the 18951 ZIP code.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges are common among patients. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive care. We need to determine the extent to which PCPs in Quakertown have access to mental health professionals. This includes investigating whether they have integrated behavioral health specialists into their practices or have established referral networks with mental health providers in the community.

Furthermore, we should explore whether PCPs screen patients for depression and anxiety, and whether they provide resources for patients, such as support groups, counseling services, and educational materials. Practices that prioritize mental health support demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care, which can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

The geographical distribution of primary care practices within the 18951 ZIP code is also important. We need to assess whether there are any areas with limited access to care, which could disproportionately affect certain populations. This involves mapping the locations of primary care practices and analyzing the demographics of the surrounding areas. Identifying potential "healthcare deserts" can help inform efforts to improve access to care and address health disparities.

Another factor to consider is the availability of specialized care, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. While this analysis focuses on primary care, the ability to quickly access specialized care is crucial for patients diagnosed with lung cancer. We need to assess the proximity of these specialists to the 18951 ZIP code and the ease with which patients can be referred to them.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for Quakertown, PA (18951) will be a composite of these factors. It will reflect the availability and quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the accessibility of specialized care. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare ecosystem that supports early detection, effective treatment, and comprehensive patient support. A lower score would highlight areas for improvement, such as increasing the physician-to-patient ratio, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing mental health resources.

This analysis is based on publicly available data and information. The accuracy of the score depends on the availability and reliability of the data sources. Regular updates and refinements are essential to ensure the score reflects the evolving healthcare landscape in Quakertown.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Quakertown, including the location of primary care practices, the distribution of specialists, and the demographics of the area, we recommend exploring interactive maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing healthcare data and identifying areas of need.

**Call to Action:** Explore the interactive maps available from CartoChrome to visualize the healthcare resources in Quakertown, PA (18951). Gain a deeper understanding of the landscape and identify areas where improvements can be made.