15132, Mckeesport, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15132, Mckeesport, Pennsylvania is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.87 percent of the residents in 15132 has some form of health insurance. 56.62 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.09 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 15132 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,437 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 28 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15132. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,307 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 15,277 health care providers accessible to residents in 15132, Mckeesport, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 15132 and Primary Care Availability in McKeesport**

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score (LCS) assessment for healthcare resources within ZIP code 15132 (McKeesport, PA) and its surrounding primary care landscape, particularly focusing on McKeesport itself. This score considers factors crucial for lung cancer detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being, including physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare ecosystem and identify areas of strength and weakness.

The core of this analysis is centered on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) within and immediately adjacent to 15132. Primary care serves as the initial point of contact for patients, playing a vital role in early detection through screenings and referrals. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access and potentially more personalized care. Data from the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health will be utilized to estimate the population within 15132 and the surrounding areas. This will be cross-referenced with publicly available physician directories and insurance provider databases to determine the number of PCPs actively practicing in the area. This data will be used to calculate a preliminary physician-to-patient ratio.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of care provided by these PCPs is paramount. This includes their experience in managing patients at risk for lung cancer, their adherence to current screening guidelines (e.g., low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for eligible individuals), and their ability to effectively refer patients to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists. Assessing this requires a multi-faceted approach. Publicly available information, such as physician ratings from platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals, will be examined. Furthermore, the presence of board certifications in relevant specialties will be considered. The practices' affiliations with hospitals and cancer centers will be evaluated, as these affiliations often indicate access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options.

Standout practices within 15132 and the surrounding areas will be identified based on a combination of factors. These include a high physician-to-patient ratio, positive patient reviews, a demonstrated commitment to preventative care (e.g., promoting smoking cessation programs), and a comprehensive approach to patient management. Practices that offer extended hours, same-day appointments, and bilingual services will be given additional consideration, as these factors enhance accessibility and patient convenience. The presence of on-site diagnostic services, such as X-ray or basic lab work, will also be considered, as this can streamline the diagnostic process.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important, especially in areas with limited access to care. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, potentially reducing the need for travel and improving access for those with mobility issues or transportation challenges. The analysis will assess the extent to which PCPs in 15132 and the surrounding areas offer telemedicine services. This includes the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate communication and care coordination. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow will receive a higher score.

Mental health is a crucial, often overlooked, aspect of cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally taxing, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an important component of the LCS. The analysis will evaluate the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices or in the surrounding community. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. The availability of support groups, both in-person and virtual, will also be considered. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and provide referrals to appropriate resources will be viewed favorably.

The geographical distribution of healthcare resources is a significant factor in access. The analysis will map the locations of PCPs, specialists, hospitals, and cancer centers in relation to the population distribution within 15132 and the surrounding areas. This will help identify potential "healthcare deserts" or areas where access to care is limited. The proximity of public transportation options will also be considered, as this can impact access for individuals without personal vehicles.

The overall LCS will be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of screening programs will likely be weighted more heavily than the availability of extended hours. The final LCS will be presented as a numerical score, along with a detailed explanation of the methodology and the rationale behind the scoring system. This will allow for a transparent and objective assessment of the healthcare landscape in 15132 and the surrounding areas.

The analysis will also consider the socioeconomic characteristics of the population within 15132 and the surrounding areas. Factors such as income levels, educational attainment, and insurance coverage can significantly impact access to care. The analysis will identify any disparities in access to care based on these factors and highlight any initiatives aimed at addressing these disparities. This includes the availability of free or low-cost clinics, programs that provide financial assistance for cancer screenings and treatment, and outreach efforts to underserved populations.

The final LCS will be a dynamic assessment, subject to change as healthcare resources evolve. The analysis will be updated periodically to reflect changes in physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This will ensure that the LCS remains a relevant and accurate reflection of the healthcare landscape. The goal is to provide a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, helping them make informed decisions about healthcare access and quality.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 15132, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing you to explore the distribution of healthcare resources and identify areas of need.