18969, Telford, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18969, Telford, Pennsylvania is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.64 percent of the residents in 18969 has some form of health insurance. 29.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.15 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 18969 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,348 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18969. An estimate of 26 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,995 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 9,434 health care providers accessible to residents in 18969, Telford, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below focuses on assessing the quality of lung cancer care and primary care availability within ZIP code 18969 (Telford, Pennsylvania), with particular emphasis on physician-to-patient ratios, practice distinctions, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources. The aim is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals seeking care in this specific area.

Lung cancer, a significant public health concern, requires a multi-faceted approach to care. Early detection, accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and supportive services are all crucial for improving patient outcomes. This analysis considers how well the primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists in Telford, Pennsylvania, are positioned to address this complex disease.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access to care. A higher ratio of patients per physician can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and increased pressure on the healthcare system. In Telford, the availability of PCPs is a key factor in early detection, as PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. The ratio of PCPs to the population in 18969, and the surrounding areas, must be evaluated. This involves identifying the number of practicing PCPs within a reasonable radius, and then comparing this number to the total population served. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau can provide this information.

Specialist availability is equally important. Pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, and thoracic surgeons are all vital members of a lung cancer care team. The presence of these specialists, and their accessibility to patients in Telford, is a major factor. Are there sufficient numbers of these specialists serving the area? What are the average wait times for appointments with these specialists? These questions are crucial to assess the overall quality of care.

Standout practices within the Telford area can be identified by considering factors like patient reviews, accreditations, and the adoption of innovative technologies. Practices that have earned recognition from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or the American Medical Association (AMA) may demonstrate a commitment to quality care. Patient reviews, available on platforms like Healthgrades and Zocdoc, offer valuable insights into the patient experience. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback, particularly regarding communication, empathy, and thoroughness, should be highlighted.

The adoption of telemedicine is another key factor in assessing the quality of care. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients who live in rural areas or have mobility issues. It can also facilitate follow-up appointments, medication management, and remote monitoring. Practices that offer telemedicine services, particularly for initial consultations and follow-up appointments, should be recognized for their commitment to patient convenience and accessibility. The availability of virtual consultations with specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is especially beneficial for patients with lung cancer.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, is essential for supporting patients throughout their treatment journey. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, are demonstrating a commitment to holistic patient care. The proximity and availability of mental health professionals in the Telford area, and their willingness to accept referrals from PCPs, should be evaluated.

Primary care availability in Telford is directly linked to the early detection of lung cancer. PCPs play a crucial role in screening for lung cancer, particularly for individuals at high risk, such as smokers and those with a family history of the disease. The availability of PCPs, their willingness to order screening tests like low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, and their ability to provide timely referrals to specialists are all essential for improving patient outcomes. The ease of access to primary care, including factors like appointment availability and insurance acceptance, is a major consideration.

The effectiveness of lung cancer care is not solely dependent on the number of physicians or the availability of specialists. It also hinges on the coordination of care. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) and have established referral pathways can facilitate seamless communication between PCPs, specialists, and other healthcare providers. This coordination helps ensure that patients receive the right care at the right time. The degree to which practices in Telford have adopted EHRs and the effectiveness of their referral processes should be examined.

The quality of lung cancer care is also influenced by the availability of support services. These services can include patient navigators, who help patients navigate the healthcare system; support groups, which provide emotional support and peer-to-peer learning; and educational resources, which empower patients to make informed decisions about their care. Practices that offer or facilitate access to these support services are demonstrating a commitment to patient-centered care. The availability of these resources in the Telford area should be assessed.

In conclusion, evaluating the quality of lung cancer care and primary care availability in Telford (ZIP code 18969) requires a comprehensive assessment of several factors. These include physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialist expertise, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of support services. By considering these factors, individuals seeking care in Telford can make informed decisions about their healthcare options.

For a more detailed, interactive map of healthcare resources in the Telford area, including physician locations, practice details, and other relevant information, visit CartoChrome maps.