19076, Prospect Park, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 19076, Prospect Park, Pennsylvania is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.14 percent of the residents in 19076 has some form of health insurance. 34.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.96 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 19076 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,384 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 407 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19076. An estimate of 84 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 694 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 91,188 health care providers accessible to residents in 19076, Prospect Park, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Prospect Park, PA (ZIP Code 19076)**

Prospect Park, Pennsylvania, a small borough within Delaware County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access, particularly concerning lung cancer detection and treatment. Analyzing the quality of primary care, the availability of specialists, and supportive resources is crucial in assessing the community's ability to combat this significant health challenge. This analysis focuses on the factors influencing the "Lung Cancer Score" for residents of ZIP code 19076, considering the specific context of Prospect Park.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in robust primary care. Early detection significantly improves survival rates, making regular screenings and prompt referrals essential. In Prospect Park, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A high ratio, meaning fewer doctors per resident, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and publicly available sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the American Medical Association are essential for determining the actual ratio. This data must be regularly updated to reflect changes in physician availability, retirements, and population shifts.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices matters. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer comprehensive wellness visits, including screenings for at-risk individuals? Do they have electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate seamless information sharing with specialists? Standout practices in Prospect Park would ideally demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, actively promoting lung cancer screenings, particularly for individuals with a history of smoking or other risk factors. They would also have established referral pathways to pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care, especially for those with mobility issues or transportation challenges. In the context of lung cancer, telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, follow-up appointments, and mental health support. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, would receive a higher score. The ability to remotely manage symptoms and provide support can significantly improve the patient experience and potentially reduce hospital readmissions.

Mental health resources are a vital, often overlooked, component of lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within the Prospect Park community or readily accessible through referrals, is a critical factor in the "Lung Cancer Score." Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, either directly or through strong partnerships, would be considered more patient-centered and receive a higher rating. Support groups and access to counseling services are essential for patients and their families navigating the emotional and practical challenges of the disease.

Specialist availability is a key element in the comprehensive care needed for lung cancer. The presence of pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons within a reasonable travel distance is critical. The "Lung Cancer Score" must consider the proximity of these specialists and the ease of access to their services. Are there long wait times for appointments? Are there limitations on insurance coverage that could restrict access? The availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as CT scanners and PET scanners, is also essential for accurate diagnosis and staging of the disease.

The "Lung Cancer Score" should also consider the availability of resources for smoking cessation. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and effective cessation programs can significantly reduce the risk. Practices that offer smoking cessation counseling, medication assistance, and support groups would be given a higher rating. Community outreach programs that promote smoking cessation and raise awareness about the risks of smoking are also valuable.

Evaluating the "Lung Cancer Score" involves a multi-faceted approach. It's not just about the number of doctors or the availability of specialists. It's about the quality of care, the accessibility of services, and the integration of supportive resources. This includes assessing the practices' commitment to preventative care, their use of technology, and their attention to the mental and emotional well-being of patients.

The "Lung Cancer Score" should also consider the overall health of the Prospect Park community. Factors such as air quality, access to healthy food, and the prevalence of other chronic diseases can influence lung cancer risk and outcomes. Public health initiatives that address these broader health determinants are important for improving the community's overall health and reducing the burden of lung cancer.

In conclusion, assessing the "Lung Cancer Score" for Prospect Park, PA (ZIP code 19076) requires a comprehensive evaluation of primary care availability, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and smoking cessation programs. Data collection and analysis must be ongoing to reflect changes in physician availability, healthcare policies, and community needs.

For a detailed, interactive map of healthcare resources in Prospect Park and surrounding areas, including physician locations, specialist availability, and hospital locations, visit CartoChrome maps. Explore the data, identify resources, and gain a clearer understanding of the healthcare landscape in your community.