15004, Atlasburg, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15004, Atlasburg, Pennsylvania is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.92 percent of the residents in 15004 has some form of health insurance. 25.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.35 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 15004 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 89 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15004. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 22 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,856 health care providers accessible to residents in 15004, Atlasburg, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Atlasburg & ZIP Code 15004

This analysis assesses the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 15004 (Atlasburg, PA) and surrounding areas, focusing on factors crucial for lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" by evaluating the availability and quality of primary care, specialist access, and supportive resources. This score is not a singular number but a composite assessment based on the elements discussed below.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. Early detection through screening programs, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, requires diligent primary care physicians (PCPs) to identify at-risk individuals, counsel them on smoking cessation, and manage the screening process. The physician-to-patient ratio in Atlasburg and the surrounding area is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per patient, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and follow-up care. Researching the current physician-to-patient ratio within a reasonable radius of 15004 is the first step. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can provide valuable insights.

Within the 15004 ZIP code, a key consideration is the presence and accessibility of standout primary care practices. These practices should demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, including proactive screening programs for lung cancer. This includes actively identifying and contacting patients who meet the criteria for LDCT screening based on age, smoking history, and other risk factors. Furthermore, the practices should have a clear system for managing patients who screen positive, ensuring timely referrals to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists.

Access to specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is a vital component of lung cancer care. The analysis should consider the proximity of these specialists to Atlasburg. Travel distance can significantly impact a patient's ability to attend appointments, receive timely treatment, and participate in support groups. The availability of specialists within a reasonable driving distance is a significant factor in the overall Lung Cancer Score. Evaluating the number of pulmonologists and oncologists practicing within a 25-mile radius of 15004 is essential.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. The use of telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and minimizing disruptions to their daily lives. The analysis should assess the extent to which primary care practices and specialist offices in the area offer telemedicine services. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of telehealth platforms.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are integral to cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health support services, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is a critical component of comprehensive care. The analysis should investigate the availability of these resources in and around Atlasburg. This includes identifying local mental health providers, support groups specifically for cancer patients, and any integrated mental health services offered within primary care practices or specialist offices.

The overall quality of care is not solely determined by the availability of resources but also by the practices and policies of healthcare providers. The analysis should consider the following:

* **Patient Education:** Do practices offer comprehensive patient education materials on lung cancer prevention, screening, and treatment options?
* **Smoking Cessation Programs:** Do practices offer smoking cessation programs or refer patients to such programs?
* **Care Coordination:** Do practices have a system for coordinating care between primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers?
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Are there publicly available patient satisfaction scores or reviews for the primary care practices and specialist offices in the area?

The Lung Cancer Score is not a simple metric but a holistic assessment. It considers the availability of resources, the quality of care, and the accessibility of services. A high score would indicate a healthcare landscape that prioritizes lung cancer prevention, early detection, and comprehensive treatment. This would be reflected in a high physician-to-patient ratio, readily available specialist care, widespread telemedicine adoption, and ample mental health resources.

A lower score would indicate deficiencies in one or more of these areas. This might be reflected in a low physician-to-patient ratio, limited access to specialists, a lack of telemedicine options, or a scarcity of mental health resources. Further research would be necessary to identify the specific weaknesses and areas for improvement.

For instance, if the physician-to-patient ratio is high, the score would be negatively impacted. If telemedicine is not widely available, the score would also be negatively affected. Conversely, a practice with a robust screening program, easy access to specialists, and integrated mental health services would positively influence the score.

This analysis serves as a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape in Atlasburg and surrounding areas. The Lung Cancer Score is intended to be a dynamic assessment, reflecting the changing availability and quality of healthcare services. It is imperative to continuously monitor and update the score as new information becomes available.

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in 15004 and surrounding areas, including the precise locations of healthcare providers, specialists, and support services, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome.