19047, Langhorne, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 19047, Langhorne, Pennsylvania is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.44 percent of the residents in 19047 has some form of health insurance. 29.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.09 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 19047 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,082 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19047. An estimate of 24 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,861 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 21,663 health care providers accessible to residents in 19047, Langhorne, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Langhorne, PA (ZIP Code 19047)

This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 19047, Langhorne, Pennsylvania, focusing on factors crucial for early detection and management of lung cancer. This score considers access to care, quality of services, and resources available to patients, ultimately aiming to gauge the overall preparedness of the local healthcare landscape in addressing this significant health concern.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and proactive primary care. A high "Lung Cancer Score" reflects a healthcare environment where patients can readily access PCPs, receive timely screenings, and are supported throughout their treatment journey. This evaluation considers various elements, including physician-to-patient ratios, the availability of specialized services, and the integration of innovative healthcare delivery models.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access to Care:**

A critical component of the "Lung Cancer Score" is the physician-to-patient ratio. The availability of PCPs directly impacts a patient's ability to secure appointments for routine checkups, necessary screenings, and follow-up care. A favorable ratio, indicating a higher number of physicians per capita, generally translates to shorter wait times and increased access to care. In Langhorne (19047), analyzing the specific ratio is paramount. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards can be used to determine the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and the estimated population. A higher ratio is associated with a better score.

Furthermore, the analysis considers the insurance acceptance of local practices. The acceptance of a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and various private insurance providers, ensures that a broader segment of the population can access care. Practices that are "in-network" with most major insurance providers receive a higher score in this category.

**Standout Practices and Service Quality:**

Within Langhorne, several practices might distinguish themselves through their commitment to lung cancer prevention and management. These "standout" practices are identified by evaluating several factors. First, the availability of electronic health records (EHRs) is crucial. EHRs streamline communication between physicians, allowing for more coordinated care and efficient tracking of patient health histories, including smoking status and family history of cancer. Practices with robust EHR systems, particularly those integrated with local hospitals and specialists, receive a higher score.

Second, the implementation of evidence-based screening protocols is essential. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for individuals meeting specific criteria (age, smoking history). Practices actively adhering to these guidelines and proactively offering LDCT screenings to eligible patients are recognized as high-performing. This involves documenting screening rates, patient education materials, and referral processes to ensure patients are appropriately screened.

Third, the availability of on-site services, such as spirometry (lung function testing) and smoking cessation programs, significantly contributes to a practice's score. These services facilitate early detection of lung problems and provide patients with crucial support to quit smoking, a major risk factor for lung cancer.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Patient Support:**

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor in the "Lung Cancer Score" analysis. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices offering telehealth consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education receive a higher score. This is especially relevant for patients managing chronic conditions or undergoing treatment for lung cancer.

Beyond medical services, the availability of patient support resources is crucial. This includes access to certified smoking cessation counselors, patient navigators, and support groups. Practices that actively connect patients with these resources receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to holistic patient care. This includes partnerships with local hospitals, cancer centers, and community organizations.

**Mental Health Resources and Holistic Care:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental health. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a vital component of the "Lung Cancer Score" analysis. Practices that have established relationships with mental health professionals, either through referrals or on-site services, receive a higher score. This ensures that patients have access to counseling, therapy, and other mental health support services to help them cope with the emotional challenges of their illness.

Furthermore, the assessment considers the integration of palliative care services. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. Practices that offer or refer patients to palliative care services receive a higher score, as this demonstrates a commitment to improving the patient's quality of life throughout their treatment journey.

**Conclusion:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" analysis for primary care in Langhorne (19047) provides a valuable framework for evaluating the preparedness of the local healthcare landscape in addressing lung cancer. By considering factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, service quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, this analysis aims to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement. The ultimate goal is to promote a healthcare environment that prioritizes early detection, comprehensive care, and patient well-being.

Want to visualize the healthcare landscape in Langhorne, PA (19047) and discover the locations of PCPs, hospitals, and support services? Explore the data with interactive maps from CartoChrome.