15084, Tarentum, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15084, Tarentum, Pennsylvania is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.40 percent of the residents in 15084 has some form of health insurance. 42.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.85 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 15084 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,088 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 247 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15084. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,814 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 10,159 health care providers accessible to residents in 15084, Tarentum, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Tarentum, PA (ZIP Code 15084)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support within Tarentum, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15084). It focuses on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, and the integration of modern healthcare practices, ultimately culminating in a Lung Cancer Score that reflects the accessibility and quality of care. The goal is to offer a practical assessment for individuals seeking healthcare in the area, specifically considering the critical importance of early detection and comprehensive management of lung cancer.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care access. Early detection through regular screenings, particularly for high-risk individuals, is crucial. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact, facilitating referrals for diagnostic imaging, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, and connecting patients with specialists. The availability of PCPs in Tarentum, therefore, directly impacts the potential for timely diagnosis and intervention. Assessing this availability involves examining the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas, as well as considering patient-to-physician ratios. A higher ratio indicates a greater patient load per physician, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced time for each patient encounter. This, in turn, can negatively affect the thoroughness of screenings and the overall quality of preventative care.

Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios requires accessing data from various sources, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and private healthcare databases. This data will reveal the number of active PCPs within ZIP code 15084 and the estimated population served. Comparing this ratio to state and national averages provides a benchmark for assessing the adequacy of primary care access in Tarentum. A favorable ratio, indicating a higher density of PCPs relative to the population, suggests better access to care and a greater likelihood of early lung cancer detection. Conversely, a less favorable ratio could necessitate patients seeking care outside of the immediate area, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes the expertise of the physicians, the efficiency of the practice, and the integration of modern technologies. Identifying standout practices involves researching patient reviews, examining the types of services offered, and assessing the adoption of best practices in lung cancer screening and management. Practices that actively participate in initiatives promoting early detection, such as offering LDCT screenings to eligible patients, are particularly noteworthy. Similarly, practices that have implemented robust patient education programs regarding lung cancer risk factors and symptoms demonstrate a commitment to preventative care.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial factor in evaluating healthcare access. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. It can reduce the need for travel, making it easier for patients to attend appointments and receive follow-up care. For lung cancer patients, telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for managing symptoms, providing emotional support, and coordinating care with specialists. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services within Tarentum involves identifying practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and online patient portals.

The mental health of lung cancer patients is a critical, often overlooked, aspect of their care. A cancer diagnosis can trigger significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. Access to mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential for helping patients cope with the psychological challenges of the disease. Evaluating the availability of these resources in Tarentum involves identifying mental health professionals who are accepting new patients, assessing the availability of support groups, and examining the integration of mental health services within primary care practices and oncology centers. Practices that prioritize mental health support, either through in-house services or referrals to external providers, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

Integrating all these factors – physician-to-patient ratios, quality of primary care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – allows for the creation of a Lung Cancer Score for Tarentum. This score will reflect the overall accessibility and quality of care available to individuals in the area. The score would be a composite metric, weighted based on the relative importance of each factor. For example, a higher physician-to-patient ratio might negatively impact the score, while the availability of telemedicine services and robust mental health support would positively influence it. The final score would provide a concise, easily understandable assessment of the healthcare landscape in Tarentum, specifically related to lung cancer care.

The Lung Cancer Score is intended to be a dynamic measure, reflecting changes in the healthcare landscape. As new practices open, telemedicine adoption increases, or mental health resources become more readily available, the score should be updated to accurately reflect the evolving healthcare environment. This ongoing assessment is crucial for ensuring that individuals in Tarentum have access to the best possible care.

Ultimately, understanding the availability and quality of healthcare resources in Tarentum is essential for individuals seeking care, particularly those at risk for or affected by lung cancer. This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the healthcare landscape, highlighting key factors that influence access to care and the potential for positive health outcomes. By considering physician-to-patient ratios, assessing the quality of primary care, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources, a comprehensive Lung Cancer Score can be generated.

For a detailed, interactive map visualizing the healthcare resources discussed in this analysis, including the locations of primary care physicians, specialists, and mental health providers, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Tarentum and make informed decisions about your healthcare options.