15060, Midway, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15060, Midway, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.83 percent of the residents in 15060 has some form of health insurance. 45.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.97 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 15060 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 227 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15060. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 223 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,872 health care providers accessible to residents in 15060, Midway, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Midway, PA (ZIP Code 15060)

Analyzing the landscape of healthcare within ZIP code 15060, specifically focusing on lung cancer care and primary care accessibility, reveals a complex interplay of resources, challenges, and opportunities. This analysis aims to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for patient outcomes, including physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and mental health support.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer care system rests on the availability of qualified primary care physicians (PCPs). Midway, PA, presents a specific geographic challenge. The physician-to-patient ratio in this area is a critical data point. While precise figures fluctuate, publicly available resources, such as those from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), can provide estimates. A lower physician-to-patient ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, suggests potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive preventative care, which is vital for early lung cancer detection. This scarcity can lead to delayed diagnoses and reduced chances of successful treatment.

Primary care practices in Midway need to be assessed based on their approach to lung cancer screening. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for individuals meeting specific criteria, including age and smoking history. Practices demonstrating a proactive approach, actively identifying eligible patients and facilitating screening, will score higher. This includes having clear protocols for patient education, risk assessment, and referral to specialists if needed. Practices that integrate screening reminders into their electronic health records (EHRs) and offer convenient scheduling options will be considered more patient-centric.

Beyond basic screening, the quality of primary care extends to the comprehensiveness of services offered. Practices that emphasize preventative care, including smoking cessation programs, score favorably. These programs should include counseling, medication options, and ongoing support to help patients quit smoking, a significant risk factor for lung cancer. The availability of these resources within the primary care setting significantly impacts a patient's ability to access the care they need.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element of the Lung Cancer Score. The ability to offer virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health support, enhances access to care, particularly for patients who may have mobility limitations or live in geographically remote areas. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine platforms, ensuring patient privacy and ease of use, will receive a higher score. This includes offering secure video conferencing, remote patient monitoring capabilities, and the ability to share medical records electronically.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but critical component of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis, and the subsequent treatment, can trigger significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. Practices that integrate mental health services, either directly or through referrals to qualified therapists and counselors, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This could involve on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health providers, or the use of telehealth platforms to connect patients with mental health professionals. Practices that proactively screen patients for mental health issues and provide appropriate support will score higher.

Evaluating standout practices within ZIP code 15060 requires a deeper dive into their specific offerings and patient outcomes. This involves examining factors such as patient satisfaction surveys, physician experience and certifications, and the availability of specialized services, such as palliative care. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to continuous quality improvement, actively seeking patient feedback and implementing changes to enhance care, will be recognized as leaders in the field.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Midway, PA (15060) will be a composite score, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in the area. This score should be considered a dynamic measure, subject to change as healthcare practices evolve and new resources become available. The score will also consider the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, and the proximity to hospitals equipped to treat lung cancer.

The analysis should also consider the broader healthcare ecosystem in the region. This includes the availability of transportation to medical appointments, the affordability of healthcare services, and the level of health literacy among the population. Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial to ensuring equitable access to care for all residents of Midway.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for Midway, PA (15060) is a multi-faceted assessment that considers the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of screening and preventative care, the integration of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the overall patient experience. This analysis highlights the importance of proactive healthcare practices, patient-centered care, and a commitment to addressing the complex needs of individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis.

To gain a comprehensive visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Midway, PA (15060), including the geographic distribution of physicians, the location of healthcare facilities, and the availability of resources, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data analysis with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of the healthcare ecosystem, enabling you to identify areas of strength and areas where improvements are needed.