15136, Mc Kees Rocks, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15136, Mc Kees Rocks, Pennsylvania is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.33 percent of the residents in 15136 has some form of health insurance. 47.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.43 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 15136 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,274 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 294 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15136. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,047 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 18,392 health care providers accessible to residents in 15136, Mc Kees Rocks, Pennsylvania.

The challenge of assessing lung cancer care in a specific geographic area, like the ZIP code 15136 encompassing McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, demands a multifaceted approach. This analysis will examine available data to construct a "Lung Cancer Score," focusing on primary care physician availability, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, all crucial components of a comprehensive lung cancer treatment landscape. We will then attempt to rank the doctors within the specified ZIP code, acknowledging the limitations of publicly available information.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer care strategy rests on robust primary care. Early detection is paramount, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients exhibiting symptoms or at risk. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in McKees Rocks is a critical first step. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the American Medical Association can be cross-referenced to estimate this ratio. A lower ratio, indicating more PCPs per capita, generally suggests better access to preventative care and initial screenings, which are vital for early lung cancer detection. The availability of PCPs accepting new patients is also a significant factor.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care are crucial. The presence of patient portals, online appointment scheduling, and after-hours care options can significantly impact patient experience and adherence to screening recommendations. Furthermore, the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) allows for seamless communication between PCPs and specialists, streamlining the referral process and facilitating coordinated care. The "Lung Cancer Score" would ideally incorporate metrics related to these aspects of primary care, though obtaining this granular data is often challenging.

Specialist access is another critical element. The availability of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists in or near McKees Rocks directly impacts the timeliness and quality of lung cancer treatment. Proximity to major hospitals and cancer centers is a significant advantage. These facilities typically house multidisciplinary teams, offering a comprehensive approach to care, including diagnostic imaging, surgical interventions, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical trials. The "Lung Cancer Score" should factor in the distance to these specialized facilities and the wait times for appointments with specialists.

Identifying standout practices within the 15136 ZIP code requires a deeper dive into publicly available information, patient reviews, and potentially, healthcare quality data. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc provide patient-generated reviews and ratings, which, while subjective, can offer insights into patient satisfaction, communication skills, and overall experience. Analyzing these reviews, alongside information about physician credentials, board certifications, and years of experience, can help identify practices with a strong reputation for quality care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially for patients in rural or underserved areas. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, improving access to care and reducing the burden of travel. The "Lung Cancer Score" would assess the extent to which practices in the area offer telemedicine services, including the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and patient education resources. The ease of use and technical support provided for telemedicine platforms are also important considerations.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but essential aspect of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis, and the subsequent treatment, can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. Access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, is crucial for addressing anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The "Lung Cancer Score" would evaluate the availability of mental health services within the community, including the presence of mental health professionals, support groups, and patient navigation programs. The integration of mental health services into the cancer care pathway is also a key factor.

Ranking doctors within the 15136 ZIP code is challenging due to the limitations of publicly available data. Ideally, this ranking would be based on a combination of factors, including the physician-to-patient ratio, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and patient reviews. However, without access to proprietary data, such as insurance claims data or hospital quality metrics, a precise ranking is difficult. The analysis would need to rely on publicly available information, such as physician profiles, hospital affiliations, and patient reviews, to make informed assessments. The ranking would be presented with clear caveats, acknowledging the limitations of the data and emphasizing the need for patients to conduct their own thorough research and consult with their healthcare providers.

The "Lung Cancer Score" would be a dynamic metric, subject to change as new data becomes available. Regular updates would be necessary to reflect changes in physician availability, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The score could also be refined to incorporate additional factors, such as patient outcomes, clinical trial participation, and the availability of palliative care services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and informative assessment of the lung cancer care landscape in McKees Rocks, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of lung cancer care in McKees Rocks requires a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors. While a precise ranking of individual doctors is challenging, the analysis can provide valuable insights into the availability of resources, the accessibility of care, and the overall quality of the healthcare environment. The development of a "Lung Cancer Score" is a complex undertaking, but it is a worthwhile endeavor, offering a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

For a visual representation of this data and to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in McKees Rocks and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help visualize physician locations, specialist access, and proximity to hospitals and cancer centers, providing a valuable tool for patients and healthcare professionals.