15022, Charleroi, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15022, Charleroi, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.80 percent of the residents in 15022 has some form of health insurance. 48.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.00 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 15022 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,266 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15022. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,135 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,571 health care providers accessible to residents in 15022, Charleroi, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Charleroi, PA (ZIP Code 15022)

This analysis evaluates the landscape of lung cancer care access within ZIP Code 15022 (Charleroi, PA) and its surrounding areas, focusing on primary care availability and related resources. The objective is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. This score is not a numerical value but rather a qualitative assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

Charleroi, a borough in Washington County, faces challenges common to many post-industrial communities. Healthcare access, particularly specialized services like those related to lung cancer, can be affected by factors such as physician shortages, socioeconomic disparities, and the prevalence of risk factors like smoking.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the gatekeepers to lung cancer screening and early detection. Their availability directly impacts the likelihood of timely interventions. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in Charleroi and the surrounding areas is critical. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can be used to determine the number of PCPs per 1,000 residents. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, would negatively impact the Lung Cancer Score.

Further, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP Code and its proximity to neighboring areas offering more comprehensive care is a factor. Are the existing PCPs clustered in certain areas, creating "healthcare deserts" for some residents? The presence of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or community health clinics, which often serve vulnerable populations, is also considered. These facilities can help mitigate the impact of physician shortages by providing accessible care.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout primary care practices is crucial. These practices may demonstrate superior performance in lung cancer screening, patient education, and referral processes. Key indicators include:

* **Adherence to Screening Guidelines:** Do practices consistently recommend lung cancer screening (low-dose CT scans) for eligible patients (e.g., those with a history of smoking)?
* **Patient Education:** Do practices proactively educate patients about lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early detection?
* **Referral Networks:** Do practices have established referral pathways to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists? Are these referrals timely and efficient?
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Do practices receive positive patient feedback regarding communication, care coordination, and overall experience?

Practices excelling in these areas would positively influence the Lung Cancer Score. Conversely, practices lacking in these areas would lower the score. The presence of multidisciplinary cancer care centers within a reasonable distance is also a factor.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Role:**

Telemedicine offers a valuable tool for expanding access to care, especially in areas with limited resources. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in the Charleroi area is vital.

* **Virtual Consultations:** Do practices offer virtual consultations for routine check-ups, follow-up appointments, and patient education?
* **Remote Monitoring:** Do practices utilize remote patient monitoring technologies to track patients' health metrics and provide timely interventions?
* **Specialist Consultations:** Do practices facilitate virtual consultations with pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists?

High telemedicine adoption can significantly improve the Lung Cancer Score by overcoming geographical barriers and increasing access to care. Conversely, limited telemedicine adoption would negatively affect the score.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Significance:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental health. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges are common. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a crucial factor in the Lung Cancer Score.

* **Integrated Behavioral Health:** Do primary care practices offer integrated behavioral health services, such as on-site therapists or counselors?
* **Referral Networks:** Do practices have established referral pathways to mental health professionals and support groups?
* **Support Groups:** Are there local support groups for lung cancer patients and their families?
* **Accessibility:** Are mental health services affordable and accessible to patients, considering factors like insurance coverage and transportation?

Robust mental health resources would positively influence the Lung Cancer Score. A lack of such resources would negatively affect the score.

**Overall Assessment and Conclusion:**

The Lung Cancer Score for Charleroi (ZIP Code 15022) would be determined by synthesizing the information gathered from the above areas. A high score would indicate strong primary care availability, proactive screening practices, robust telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. A low score would indicate the opposite.

This analysis requires data-driven insights. It is imperative to gather data from various sources. The resulting assessment can be used to identify areas for improvement and advocate for policies that enhance lung cancer care access.

**Call to Action:**

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Charleroi and the surrounding areas, including the distribution of primary care practices, specialist availability, and other relevant factors, explore the power of geographic data visualization with CartoChrome maps. Understand the spatial relationships that influence healthcare access and identify areas that require focused attention.