18962, Silverdale, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18962, Silverdale, Pennsylvania is 91 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.87 percent of the residents in 18962 has some form of health insurance. 51.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.53 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 18962 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 86 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18962. An estimate of 27 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 60 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 10,628 health care providers accessible to residents in 18962, Silverdale, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Silverdale, PA (ZIP Code 18962)

This analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Silverdale, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18962), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. We will assess the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of care, and the integration of supportive resources, ultimately culminating in a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment. The primary goal is to provide actionable insights for residents seeking optimal healthcare within the community.

**Primary Care Physician Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and quality primary care. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) within Silverdale is a crucial starting point. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio offers a quantifiable measure of access. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access to appointments, preventative screenings, and ongoing care. Determining the exact ratio requires data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the US Census Bureau, and potentially private healthcare databases. The analysis should differentiate between family medicine physicians, internal medicine specialists, and other relevant primary care providers. The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who often play a significant role in primary care delivery, should also be considered.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care Assessment**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several key metrics. This includes the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, particularly for individuals at high risk (smokers and former smokers). Practices that proactively offer low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, in accordance with the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations, demonstrate a commitment to early detection. The analysis should investigate the practice's adherence to these guidelines. Furthermore, the presence of a dedicated care coordination team, which facilitates communication between specialists, primary care physicians, and the patient, is a strong indicator of quality. Patient satisfaction surveys, if available, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience and the perceived quality of care. Examining the practice's electronic health record (EHR) system and its interoperability with other healthcare providers is also critical for seamless information sharing.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**

Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare access, particularly in rural or underserved areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Silverdale can significantly impact lung cancer care. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, improving access to care for patients who may have mobility issues or live far from a clinic. The analysis should assess the types of telemedicine services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, patient portals) and the extent of their utilization. The availability of telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients undergoing treatment or follow-up care after a lung cancer diagnosis. It allows for convenient communication with their care team and reduces the need for frequent in-person visits.

**Mental Health Resources and Supportive Care**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. The availability of mental health resources is crucial for supporting patients throughout their journey. The analysis should identify mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, counselors) within the community or those accessible through referrals from primary care practices. The presence of support groups, both in-person and online, can provide valuable emotional support and peer-to-peer interaction. The analysis should also consider the availability of resources for smoking cessation, which is a critical component of lung cancer prevention and treatment. The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan, including screening for depression and anxiety, is a hallmark of comprehensive cancer care.

**Lung Cancer Score Calculation and Overall Assessment**

Based on the factors discussed above – physician-to-patient ratios, quality of care metrics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability – a "Lung Cancer Score" will be calculated. This score, which will be a composite of the individual factors, will provide an overall assessment of the healthcare landscape in Silverdale concerning lung cancer care. The score can be presented on a numerical scale or using a qualitative rating system (e.g., excellent, good, fair, poor). This score will provide a benchmark for the community and can be used to identify areas for improvement.

**Specifics and Nuances within Silverdale**

Silverdale, being a smaller community, may present unique challenges and opportunities. The analysis should take into account the specific demographics of the area, including age distribution, socioeconomic status, and the prevalence of smoking. This information will help tailor the analysis to the specific needs of the community. The analysis should also consider the presence of any local hospitals or cancer centers that provide specialized lung cancer care, including diagnostic services, treatment options (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy), and clinical trials. The proximity of these facilities to Silverdale is a crucial factor in assessing access to advanced care. The analysis should also delve into the insurance landscape, as access to care is heavily influenced by insurance coverage.

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

This comprehensive analysis provides a critical assessment of lung cancer care within Silverdale, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18962). It highlights the importance of accessible primary care, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources in providing comprehensive support for patients. The "Lung Cancer Score" provides a valuable tool for residents to understand the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions about their care. To visualize the distribution of healthcare providers, pinpoint practice locations, and assess accessibility in Silverdale, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps offer a powerful visual tool for navigating the healthcare landscape and making informed decisions about your health.