19029, Essington, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 19029, Essington, Pennsylvania is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.69 percent of the residents in 19029 has some form of health insurance. 38.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.31 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 19029 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 825 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19029. An estimate of 28 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 641 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 29,729 health care providers accessible to residents in 19029, Essington, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 19029, Essington, Pennsylvania, and their preparedness to address lung cancer risk factors and patient needs. This includes an assessment of physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of supportive services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape relevant to lung cancer care in this specific geographic area.

Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is crucial. While precise, real-time patient counts for each PCP are unavailable, data from the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health can be used to estimate the population within 19029. This population figure, combined with the number of practicing PCPs in the area (obtainable through online directories and insurance provider lists), allows for a calculation of the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can potentially translate to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to care, which can negatively impact early detection and treatment of lung cancer.

Standout practices, those demonstrating a commitment to lung cancer prevention and early detection, are identified through several key indicators. These include the consistent use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track smoking history and provide smoking cessation counseling. Practices actively participating in lung cancer screening programs, utilizing low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk patients, and demonstrating a high rate of referrals to pulmonologists for suspicious findings are considered exemplary. Furthermore, practices that integrate patient education materials about lung cancer risk factors and symptoms are also recognized.

The adoption of telemedicine within primary care practices is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers several advantages in the context of lung cancer care. It can facilitate virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. This can improve access to care and reduce the burden on patients, particularly those undergoing treatment or follow-up after treatment for lung cancer. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms and offering virtual care options are therefore viewed favorably.

The availability of mental health resources is often overlooked but is a critical component of comprehensive lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and psychologically taxing. Practices that offer or refer patients to mental health services, such as counseling, support groups, or psychiatric care, are considered more patient-centered. This integration of mental health support can help patients cope with the emotional challenges of the disease and improve their overall well-being.

The analysis also considers the presence of ancillary services within or easily accessible to the primary care practices. This includes access to diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays and CT scans, as well as laboratory services for blood tests and other diagnostic procedures. Practices that have these services readily available or have established referral networks to facilitate timely access to these services are better positioned to provide comprehensive care for patients at risk of or diagnosed with lung cancer.

Specific practices in 19029 will be evaluated based on the criteria outlined above. This involves a review of publicly available information, including practice websites, online reviews, and insurance provider directories. Efforts are made to gather information about practice characteristics, such as the number of physicians, the services offered, and the use of technology. While direct patient experience data is difficult to obtain, the presence of certain features, such as patient portals and online appointment scheduling, can be indicative of a patient-friendly practice.

The overall Lung Cancer Score will be a composite measure, taking into account all the factors discussed. The score is intended to provide a relative ranking of the PCPs in 19029, reflecting their preparedness to address lung cancer risk factors, facilitate early detection, and provide supportive care. The score is not a definitive judgment but rather a tool to inform patients about the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care landscape in their area.

The findings of this analysis will be presented in a concise and easily understandable format. The goal is to provide residents of Essington with actionable information to help them make informed decisions about their healthcare. This includes identifying practices that are well-equipped to address their lung cancer risk factors and provide comprehensive care. The analysis also highlights areas where the healthcare system in 19029 could be improved to better serve the needs of patients.

The evaluation of each practice includes an assessment of its commitment to preventive care. This involves evaluating the practice's approach to smoking cessation counseling, the use of risk assessment tools, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Practices that actively engage in these preventive measures are considered to be more proactive in addressing lung cancer risk factors.

The analysis also considers the practice's approach to communication and patient education. This includes evaluating the availability of educational materials about lung cancer, the use of patient portals for communication, and the accessibility of the practice's staff. Practices that prioritize clear and effective communication are better able to empower patients to take an active role in their healthcare.

The final Lung Cancer Score is a dynamic measure. It is subject to change as practices evolve and new information becomes available. The analysis is intended to be an ongoing process, with updates and revisions as needed to reflect the changing healthcare landscape in 19029.

The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is also factored into the analysis. Practices that have strong referral networks with these specialists are better positioned to provide comprehensive care for patients with lung cancer. The analysis will assess the proximity of these specialists to the primary care practices and the efficiency of the referral process.

The final Lung Cancer Score will be a valuable resource for residents of Essington. It will provide them with a clear and concise overview of the primary care landscape in their area and help them make informed decisions about their healthcare.

To visualize the geographic distribution of these practices and their associated Lung Cancer Scores, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 19029, allowing you to easily identify practices that meet your needs.