15046, Crescent, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15046, Crescent, Pennsylvania is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.18 percent of the residents in 15046 has some form of health insurance. 34.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.75 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 15046 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 556 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 243 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15046. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 543 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 10,846 health care providers accessible to residents in 15046, Crescent, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Crescent, PA (ZIP Code 15046)

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 15046 (Crescent, Pennsylvania), focusing on primary care access, physician resources, and supporting services. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment for individuals facing or at risk of this disease. This evaluation considers key factors impacting patient outcomes, including early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment.

Crescent, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. Proximity to larger urban centers, like Pittsburgh, can influence the availability of specialists and advanced treatment options. Understanding the local healthcare ecosystem is crucial for residents navigating the complexities of lung cancer care.

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

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. Early detection through screening programs and prompt referral to specialists are critical. Evaluating primary care availability requires examining the physician-to-patient ratio within Crescent. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and delayed access to crucial preventative screenings.

Data sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and publicly available physician directories can provide insights into the number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code. However, it’s essential to consider the geographic distribution of these physicians within the community. Are they clustered in specific areas, potentially leaving certain neighborhoods underserved? Travel time to access a primary care physician is another vital factor.

Furthermore, the age and experience of the primary care physicians in the area should be considered. Experienced physicians may possess a deeper understanding of lung cancer risk factors and early detection strategies.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout primary care practices is crucial. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, including actively promoting lung cancer screening for eligible patients. They might have established protocols for risk assessment, ordering low-dose CT scans, and coordinating referrals to pulmonologists and oncologists.

Evaluating these practices involves assessing their patient satisfaction scores, which can be found through online reviews and surveys. Practices with consistently high ratings often prioritize patient communication, education, and a patient-centered approach to care. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is another important factor. EHRs facilitate better coordination of care, allowing primary care physicians to easily access patient records and share information with specialists.

The presence of nurse navigators or care coordinators within these practices is a significant advantage. These professionals assist patients in navigating the healthcare system, scheduling appointments, coordinating tests, and providing emotional support. They can be invaluable in helping patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options.

**Telemedicine Adoption: Bridging the Gaps:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a critical tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Its adoption in Crescent can significantly impact lung cancer care. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and associated costs.

The availability of telemedicine consultations for pulmonology, oncology, and other relevant specialties is a positive indicator. This can be especially beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling to larger medical centers. The quality of telemedicine services is also important. Does the practice offer high-quality video conferencing equipment? Are the physicians trained in providing effective care via telemedicine?

The integration of telemedicine with existing healthcare infrastructure is crucial. This includes ensuring that patient records are accessible to both the primary care physician and the specialist during telemedicine consultations.

**Mental Health Resources: A Crucial Component:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The availability of mental health resources within Crescent is a critical factor in overall care.

Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, is essential. Are these professionals accepting new patients? Do they specialize in treating patients with cancer?

The integration of mental health services into the healthcare system is also important. Does the primary care practice offer on-site counseling services? Are there established referral pathways to mental health providers? Support groups and educational programs can also provide valuable emotional support and coping strategies.

**Overall Lung Cancer Score and Considerations:**

Creating a definitive "Lung Cancer Score" requires a comprehensive data analysis that incorporates all the factors discussed above. This would involve assigning weights to each factor based on its relative importance. However, the goal of this analysis is to provide a framework for evaluating the healthcare landscape in Crescent.

The final score would reflect the overall strength of the healthcare system in supporting lung cancer patients. It would highlight areas of strength and identify areas where improvements are needed. This information can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to improve the quality of care.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape in Crescent, PA (ZIP code 15046), presents both opportunities and challenges for individuals facing lung cancer. Assessing primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources provides a valuable understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the current system, efforts can be made to improve the quality of care and outcomes for patients.

**Call to Action:**

To visualize and analyze the healthcare data for Crescent, PA, and other areas, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive maps that allow you to visualize physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data points. This can provide a visual representation of healthcare access and identify areas where resources are needed.