19608, Reading, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 19608, Reading, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.86 percent of the residents in 19608 has some form of health insurance. 31.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.33 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 19608 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,607 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 9 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19608. An estimate of 25 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,036 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 10,543 health care providers accessible to residents in 19608, Reading, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 19608 and Primary Care Availability in Reading, PA**

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 19608, encompassing a portion of Reading, Pennsylvania, and evaluates the availability of primary care physicians and related resources relevant to lung cancer detection and care. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering factors beyond simple physician counts. This score aims to inform residents about the local healthcare landscape and encourage proactive health management.

The foundation of any healthcare analysis rests on the physician-to-patient ratio. In ZIP Code 19608 and the broader Reading area, determining this ratio necessitates accessing current data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the U.S. Census Bureau, and potentially local hospital systems. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a relative shortage of doctors, can significantly impact access to care, especially for preventative screenings like low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans used for lung cancer detection. Long wait times for appointments and limited availability of specialists can hinder timely diagnosis and treatment. The score will reflect this critical aspect, adjusting based on the available physician data.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and efficiency of primary care practices are crucial. Standout practices, identified through patient reviews, accreditations (e.g., from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance), and participation in quality improvement programs, will positively influence the score. Factors such as the availability of extended hours, weekend appointments, and multilingual staff contribute to accessibility. Practices that proactively engage in preventative care, including promoting smoking cessation programs and offering LDCT screenings for eligible patients (based on age and smoking history), will receive higher marks. The analysis will identify practices demonstrating these qualities, highlighting them as potentially valuable resources for residents.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in healthcare accessibility. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments or initial consultations for patients with mobility issues or transportation challenges, can improve access to care. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms, offering virtual screening options, and integrating telehealth into their care models will be viewed favorably in the scoring. The score will assess the extent of telemedicine integration, considering factors like ease of use, platform availability, and the types of services offered virtually.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment often involve significant emotional and psychological challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score." The analysis will evaluate the proximity of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, to ZIP Code 19608. The presence of integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices, allowing for easy access to mental health support, will be highly valued. The score will also consider the availability of support groups and resources for cancer patients and their families, recognizing the importance of a holistic approach to care.

The specific features of the Reading healthcare landscape will be assessed. The presence and accessibility of major hospital systems within the area, like Reading Hospital, and their specialized oncology departments are critical. The analysis will consider the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as PET scans and advanced imaging technologies, and the expertise of the oncology team. The score will incorporate the presence of comprehensive cancer centers offering multidisciplinary care, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive services.

Furthermore, the analysis will explore the availability of resources for smoking cessation. Primary care practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs and offer counseling and medication to help patients quit smoking will be recognized. The score will assess the availability of these programs, considering factors such as cost, accessibility, and success rates. The emphasis on smoking cessation is paramount, given the strong link between smoking and lung cancer.

Finally, the "Lung Cancer Score" will incorporate data on health insurance coverage within the ZIP Code. Access to affordable health insurance is a critical determinant of healthcare access. The analysis will consider the percentage of residents with health insurance coverage, as well as the availability of financial assistance programs for those who are uninsured or underinsured. The score will reflect the impact of insurance coverage on access to preventative screenings, diagnostic tests, and treatment.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a static number but a dynamic assessment reflecting the ever-changing healthcare landscape. The score will be updated periodically to reflect changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and other relevant factors. The goal is to provide a valuable resource for residents of ZIP Code 19608, empowering them to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Reading, PA, and to explore the distribution of healthcare resources, including primary care physicians, specialists, and cancer treatment centers, we invite you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the data discussed in this analysis, allowing you to identify areas with higher or lower access to care and make informed decisions about your health. Click here to explore the maps and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.