19150, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 19150, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.20 percent of the residents in 19150 has some form of health insurance. 45.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.21 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 19150 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,157 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 512 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19150. An estimate of 86 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,430 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 92,626 health care providers accessible to residents in 19150, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score: Philadelphia's 19150 and Primary Care Landscape

Analyzing the landscape of lung cancer care within Philadelphia's 19150 ZIP code and the broader primary care ecosystem in the city requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, focusing on key indicators like physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, aims to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, offering insights for patients and highlighting areas for improvement. This score is not a definitive ranking but rather a composite of factors influencing access to and quality of care.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 19150, a predominantly residential area, is a crucial starting point. While precise data on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within this specific ZIP code can fluctuate, the overall trend in Philadelphia, and by extension, the surrounding neighborhoods, is a concern. A shortage of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses, reduced preventative care, and ultimately, poorer outcomes for patients, particularly those at risk for lung cancer. National averages suggest an ideal ratio, but the reality in many urban areas, including parts of Philadelphia, often falls short. This shortage necessitates careful consideration of the broader Philadelphia primary care landscape.

Primary care availability across the city is a critical factor. While 19150 may have a limited number of PCPs within its boundaries, residents often seek care outside the ZIP code. Examining the accessibility of primary care throughout Philadelphia, including factors like transportation options and insurance acceptance, is essential. Areas with high concentrations of vulnerable populations, such as those with lower socioeconomic status or limited access to transportation, are at increased risk of delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Identifying standout practices within and around 19150 is also vital. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care, including early detection strategies for lung cancer. This includes offering or facilitating access to screening programs like low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals. Furthermore, practices that embrace a patient-centered approach, focusing on clear communication, shared decision-making, and culturally sensitive care, tend to achieve better patient outcomes. These practices often boast higher patient satisfaction scores and lower rates of preventable hospitalizations.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of the Lung Cancer Score. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, offering a convenient way for patients to access care, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health support. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow, offering secure video consultations and remote monitoring capabilities, demonstrate a commitment to patient accessibility and convenience. This is particularly relevant for lung cancer patients who may experience mobility limitations or require frequent follow-up appointments.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that recognize this and offer or facilitate access to mental health services, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, are better equipped to provide holistic care. Integration of mental health services into primary care, or strong referral networks to mental health specialists, is a key indicator of a practice's commitment to comprehensive patient well-being.

The availability of resources for smoking cessation within primary care practices is another important consideration. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and providing patients with access to evidence-based smoking cessation programs, including counseling, medication, and support groups, is a critical component of preventative care. Practices that actively screen patients for smoking status and offer comprehensive cessation support demonstrate a proactive approach to reducing lung cancer risk.

Assessing the Lung Cancer Score also involves evaluating the practice's commitment to data-driven improvement. Practices that regularly track patient outcomes, analyze data to identify areas for improvement, and implement evidence-based interventions demonstrate a commitment to continuous quality improvement. This includes tracking metrics such as lung cancer screening rates, time to diagnosis, and patient satisfaction scores.

Furthermore, the Lung Cancer Score should consider the practice's ability to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. This includes assisting patients with insurance coverage, navigating specialist referrals, and coordinating care across different providers. Practices that provide strong care coordination services, including a dedicated care coordinator or patient navigator, can significantly improve the patient experience and reduce the burden of navigating the healthcare system.

The Lung Cancer Score is not static; it is a dynamic assessment that should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. Factors such as new medical advancements, changes in insurance coverage, and evolving patient needs can all impact the score. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that the score remains relevant and provides a meaningful assessment of lung cancer care.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for 19150 and the broader Philadelphia primary care ecosystem is a complex evaluation. It requires a comprehensive assessment of physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, smoking cessation support, data-driven improvement, and care coordination services. While the 19150 ZIP code may face challenges in primary care access, the quality of care depends on factors beyond the geographic boundaries. The overall landscape of Philadelphia impacts the care available to residents in 19150. The goal is to provide patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health and to identify areas where improvements are needed.

Want to visualize the primary care landscape in Philadelphia and explore the distribution of resources in 19150? Explore the data and create your own maps with CartoChrome.