18972, Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18972, Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.02 percent of the residents in 18972 has some form of health insurance. 32.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.54 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 18972 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 415 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18972. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 738 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,614 health care providers accessible to residents in 18972, Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania.

The following analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score (LCS) assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 18972, encompassing Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania. This score considers factors crucial for early detection and comprehensive care, including physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of supportive services. The goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in this specific area, ultimately aiming to empower residents with information to make informed decisions about their health.

The foundation of a strong LCS lies in the accessibility of primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A lower ratio, meaning more physicians per capita, generally translates to easier access to appointments, reduced wait times, and more personalized care. Within 18972, analyzing publicly available data on physician distribution and population demographics is essential. This involves cross-referencing physician listings with population estimates to calculate a preliminary physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio will then be compared against regional and national averages to assess the relative availability of primary care within Upper Black Eddy. A higher-than-average ratio could indicate potential challenges in accessing timely care, potentially impacting the LCS negatively.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves significantly influence the LCS. Practices that prioritize preventative care, including regular screenings for lung cancer, will receive higher scores. This involves evaluating the availability of services such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals. Practices that actively participate in patient education programs about smoking cessation and lung cancer risk factors will also be viewed favorably. The presence of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate efficient data sharing and care coordination is another crucial factor. EHRs enable seamless communication between specialists, improve medication management, and streamline the tracking of patient health history, all of which contribute to better patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Upper Black Eddy. Practices that offer telehealth consultations can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living far from the practice. Telemedicine can facilitate initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and medication management, all of which can contribute to earlier detection and more effective treatment of lung cancer. The LCS will consider the availability and utilization of telemedicine services within the practices in 18972. Practices that actively promote and utilize telemedicine will receive higher scores, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and accessibility.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical component of a high LCS. Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally taxing. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals will be scored more favorably. This includes assessing whether practices have psychologists, psychiatrists, or licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) on staff or have formal agreements with mental health providers in the area. The ability to address the psychological needs of patients alongside their physical health is crucial for holistic care and improved outcomes.

Identifying standout practices within 18972 requires a deeper dive. This involves examining patient reviews, assessing the qualifications and experience of the physicians, and evaluating the overall quality of care provided. Practices with a strong reputation for patient satisfaction, a commitment to preventative care, and a focus on patient education will be highlighted. Practices that have received awards or recognition for their quality of care will also be considered. This assessment will involve gathering information from various sources, including online review platforms, healthcare directories, and publicly available data.

The LCS also considers the availability of specialized lung cancer care in the broader region. While the focus is on primary care within 18972, access to oncologists, pulmonologists, and other specialists is essential for patients diagnosed with lung cancer. The LCS will assess the proximity of specialized cancer centers and the ease of access to these facilities. This includes evaluating the transportation options available to patients and the waiting times for appointments with specialists. The ability to quickly and efficiently access specialized care is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in Upper Black Eddy also includes evaluating the availability of support groups and other resources for lung cancer patients and their families. Support groups provide a valuable forum for patients to connect with others facing similar challenges, share experiences, and receive emotional support. The LCS will consider the presence of such resources in the community, including the availability of support groups, educational programs, and other support services.

The final LCS for each practice within 18972 will be a composite score based on all the factors discussed above. The score will be presented in a clear and concise manner, allowing residents to easily compare the different practices and make informed decisions about their healthcare. The score will be weighted to reflect the relative importance of each factor, with physician-to-patient ratio, preventative care, and access to specialized services being given the highest priority.

This analysis serves as a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape in Upper Black Eddy. It's important to note that the LCS is not a definitive ranking and should be used in conjunction with other sources of information, such as personal consultations with physicians and reviews from other patients. The goal is to provide residents with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health and access the best possible care.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 18972, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and other healthcare resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can help you visualize the data and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.