15064, Morgan, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15064, Morgan, Pennsylvania is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15064 has some form of health insurance. 30.80 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.00 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 15064 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 21 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 243 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15064. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 73 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 11,001 health care providers accessible to residents in 15064, Morgan, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 15064 and Primary Care in Morgan

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer detection and management within ZIP Code 15064, with a specific focus on primary care availability in the broader geographical area of Morgan. The aim is to evaluate the landscape of care, considering factors such as physician accessibility, technological adoption, and mental health support, all critical components in improving patient outcomes. This is not a definitive ranking, but rather an informed evaluation based on available data and assumptions.

The initial assessment centers on physician-to-patient ratios. In 15064, the density of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists is a crucial indicator. A low ratio, signifying fewer doctors per capita, presents a significant challenge. Patients may face longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, is paramount. Early detection through screening programs, often initiated by PCPs, hinges on timely access to these specialists for follow-up and diagnostic procedures like bronchoscopies and CT scans. The analysis will consider the number of practicing physicians in 15064 and the surrounding areas, estimating the population served by each. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will be analyzed to determine these ratios.

Primary care availability in Morgan, the broader geographic area, plays a pivotal role. Even if 15064 itself has limited resources, the proximity to Morgan's healthcare infrastructure can mitigate some challenges. The analysis will examine the accessibility of PCPs in Morgan, including their acceptance of new patients and the geographic distribution of their practices. This involves mapping the locations of practices and assessing the travel time from 15064. The presence of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or other community health centers in Morgan is particularly important, as these facilities often provide services to underserved populations and may offer sliding-scale fees, making care more accessible to a wider range of individuals.

Identifying standout practices within and around 15064 is essential. This involves looking beyond simple physician counts. The analysis will evaluate practices based on several criteria. First, the availability of comprehensive services, including on-site diagnostic capabilities (e.g., X-ray, blood tests) and access to specialists. Second, the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and management. Third, patient satisfaction scores, which reflect the quality of care and the patient experience. Publicly available data from sources like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and patient review websites will be consulted to identify practices demonstrating excellence in these areas.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to conduct virtual consultations can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The analysis will assess the extent to which practices in 15064 and Morgan utilize telemedicine for primary care visits, specialist consultations, and follow-up appointments. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual screening programs, remote patient monitoring capabilities, and the use of telehealth platforms to connect patients with specialists. The analysis will consider the availability of high-speed internet access in the area, which is essential for effective telemedicine implementation.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are a crucial component of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health support can significantly improve patient well-being and treatment adherence. The analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health services in 15064 and Morgan, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. This includes assessing the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, the availability of support groups for cancer patients and their families, and the accessibility of these resources for patients with limited financial means. The analysis will consider the availability of mental health services that are specifically tailored to address the unique challenges faced by lung cancer patients.

The analysis will also consider the availability of lung cancer screening programs. Early detection is key to improving survival rates. The analysis will examine the availability of low-dose CT scans for individuals at high risk for lung cancer, including those with a history of smoking. This includes assessing the awareness of these programs among PCPs, the accessibility of screening facilities, and the process for referring patients for screening. The analysis will consider the availability of smoking cessation programs, which are essential for preventing lung cancer and improving the overall health of patients.

Data sources will include publicly available information from government agencies, healthcare organizations, and patient review websites. The analysis will rely on the most recent data available, but it is important to recognize that the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. The analysis will not provide specific names of doctors or practices, but rather a general assessment of the healthcare environment.

The analysis will consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on healthcare access. Poverty, lack of transportation, and limited health literacy can all create barriers to care. The analysis will consider the demographic characteristics of the population in 15064 and Morgan, including income levels, educational attainment, and access to transportation. This information will be used to assess the potential impact of these factors on healthcare access and to identify areas where additional resources may be needed.

Finally, the analysis will consider the impact of healthcare policy on access to care. Changes in insurance coverage, reimbursement rates, and regulatory requirements can all affect the availability of healthcare services. The analysis will consider the current healthcare policies in place and their potential impact on patients in 15064 and Morgan.

This comprehensive evaluation, though not a definitive ranking, offers a valuable overview of the healthcare landscape relevant to lung cancer care in ZIP Code 15064 and the surrounding area. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the existing system is the first step towards improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, including physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and demographic data, explore CartoChrome maps.