19145, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 19145, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.60 percent of the residents in 19145 has some form of health insurance. 41.76 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.91 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 19145 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,399 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 512 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19145. An estimate of 90 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,695 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 93,952 health care providers accessible to residents in 19145, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: 19145 & Philadelphia Primary Care

This analysis delves into the landscape of primary care availability and its implications for lung cancer care within the 19145 ZIP code and the broader context of Philadelphia. We aim to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the existing system, focusing on factors crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer. These factors include physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources.

The 19145 ZIP code, encompassing areas like Point Breeze and Grays Ferry, presents a unique demographic profile. Understanding the healthcare needs of this community requires careful consideration of socioeconomic factors, access to transportation, and the prevalence of risk factors associated with lung cancer, such as smoking and environmental exposures. Philadelphia, as a whole, faces significant healthcare challenges, including disparities in access to care and varying quality of services across different neighborhoods.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of primary care access. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of primary care physicians (PCPs) relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative screenings, and delayed diagnoses. In areas with high ratios, patients may struggle to establish a relationship with a consistent PCP, hindering continuity of care. Data on physician density within 19145 and across Philadelphia is essential to assess the adequacy of the current primary care infrastructure. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau can provide valuable insights into these ratios, allowing for a comparative analysis of access to care within the city.

Identifying standout primary care practices within 19145 and Philadelphia is crucial. These practices often demonstrate excellence in several key areas, including patient communication, preventative care, and coordination of specialist referrals. They may also excel in patient education, helping individuals understand their risk factors and the importance of early detection through screening. Practices that have adopted patient-centered medical home models, emphasizing coordinated care and patient involvement, often demonstrate improved outcomes. Investigating the presence of such practices, their patient satisfaction scores, and their commitment to lung cancer screening protocols can provide valuable insights into the quality of primary care available in the region.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in underserved areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in 19145 and Philadelphia can significantly impact lung cancer care. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, allowing patients to discuss symptoms, receive preliminary diagnoses, and access specialist referrals without the need for in-person visits. It can also be used to deliver educational materials and support groups, empowering patients to manage their health proactively. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption, the types of services offered, and patient satisfaction with these services is crucial in assessing its impact on lung cancer care.

The emotional and psychological toll of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be significant. Access to mental health resources is an essential component of comprehensive cancer care. Primary care practices should ideally have access to or partnerships with mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers. These professionals can provide counseling, support groups, and other interventions to help patients cope with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Assessing the availability of these resources within primary care practices in 19145 and Philadelphia is vital for ensuring that patients receive holistic care. This includes evaluating the presence of on-site mental health services, referrals to external providers, and the integration of mental health screening into routine primary care visits.

The analysis of lung cancer care also needs to consider the availability of lung cancer screening programs. These programs, utilizing low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, are recommended for individuals at high risk for lung cancer. Primary care practices play a crucial role in identifying eligible patients, educating them about the benefits and risks of screening, and coordinating the screening process. Evaluating the extent to which primary care practices in 19145 and Philadelphia are actively participating in lung cancer screening programs is essential. This includes assessing the percentage of eligible patients who are being screened, the availability of screening facilities, and the processes for follow-up care for patients with abnormal findings.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the integration of data analytics and technology to improve lung cancer care. This includes the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, identify high-risk individuals, and monitor treatment outcomes. It also includes the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in the interpretation of imaging scans and to predict patient outcomes. Evaluating the extent to which primary care practices in 19145 and Philadelphia are leveraging these technologies can provide valuable insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of lung cancer care.

Finally, the analysis should consider the role of community outreach and education. Primary care practices can play a vital role in educating the community about lung cancer risk factors, the importance of early detection, and the availability of screening programs. This includes participating in health fairs, providing educational materials, and partnering with community organizations. Evaluating the extent to which primary care practices in 19145 and Philadelphia are engaged in these activities can provide valuable insights into their commitment to improving lung cancer outcomes.

In conclusion, a comprehensive assessment of lung cancer care in 19145 and Philadelphia requires a multi-faceted approach. It needs to consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, screening program participation, the use of data analytics, and community outreach efforts. By analyzing these factors, we can gain a deeper understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the current system and identify opportunities for improvement.

For a visual representation of this data and a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, screening facilities, and areas of high-risk populations, explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. CartoChrome offers a powerful platform for visualizing complex healthcare data, enabling a more informed understanding of the challenges and opportunities in lung cancer care within 19145 and across Philadelphia. Visit CartoChrome today and begin exploring the spatial dimensions of healthcare access.