15236, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15236, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.63 percent of the residents in 15236 has some form of health insurance. 33.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.69 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 15236 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,783 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 201 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15236. An estimate of 171 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,894 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 66,317 health care providers accessible to residents in 15236, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score: An Analysis for ZIP Code 15236 and Pittsburgh Primary Care

This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment for primary care physicians within ZIP Code 15236, focusing on their preparedness and resources related to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The scope extends to consider the broader context of primary care availability within the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This score is not a definitive ranking, but rather a nuanced evaluation based on publicly available data and established best practices. The goal is to offer insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape, ultimately informing patient choices and highlighting areas for improvement.

The foundation of a strong Lung Cancer Score lies in early detection. This begins with proactive primary care. A high score necessitates a demonstrated commitment to lung cancer screening, particularly for individuals at high risk (smokers, former smokers, and those with a family history). This commitment is reflected in the physician's documented adherence to U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening. Practices that actively identify eligible patients, offer screening, and facilitate timely follow-up are prioritized. This includes clear protocols for ordering scans, managing incidental findings, and referring patients to pulmonologists and oncologists.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial factor. A lower ratio, indicating a greater availability of physicians per capita, generally translates to increased access to care. ZIP Code 15236's score will be influenced by the density of primary care physicians within the area. Data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will be analyzed to determine if the area is designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). This designation would negatively impact the score, reflecting potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. The analysis will also examine the average wait times for appointments within the ZIP code and the broader Pittsburgh area, as longer wait times can delay crucial screenings and interventions.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate exceptional commitment to patient care and innovation. This includes practices that have implemented robust patient education programs about lung cancer risks and prevention. They may also utilize patient portals and electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate communication, track screening compliance, and share results efficiently. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to lung cancer will also be recognized. Moreover, practices that offer comprehensive care, including smoking cessation programs, are highly valued.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery. Practices that offer telehealth consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. The Lung Cancer Score will evaluate the availability and utilization of telehealth services within the practices in ZIP Code 15236. This includes assessing the types of telehealth platforms used, the ease of access for patients, and the integration of telehealth into the overall care workflow.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can be emotionally devastating, and patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The Lung Cancer Score will assess the availability of mental health support services within the practices or through referrals. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Practices that proactively screen for mental health issues and integrate mental health services into their care plans will receive a higher score. Collaboration with oncology social workers and other support staff is also considered.

The analysis of primary care availability in Pittsburgh will consider the city's overall healthcare infrastructure. This includes the number of hospitals and specialty clinics, the availability of pulmonologists and oncologists, and the accessibility of transportation to healthcare facilities. The score will also consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact lung cancer outcomes, such as poverty, access to healthy food, and exposure to environmental hazards. The goal is to provide a holistic assessment of the resources available to patients in Pittsburgh.

The Lung Cancer Score will also take into account the diversity of the physician workforce. A diverse physician workforce can better serve the needs of a diverse patient population. The analysis will consider the representation of different racial and ethnic groups within the primary care practices in ZIP Code 15236 and Pittsburgh. This includes assessing the availability of language services and cultural competency training for healthcare providers.

The evaluation will also focus on the practices' commitment to patient-centered care. This includes assessing the practices' communication skills, their ability to build trusting relationships with patients, and their willingness to involve patients in their care decisions. Practices that actively solicit patient feedback and use it to improve their services will be highly valued.

The final Lung Cancer Score will be presented as a composite score, reflecting the various factors discussed above. The score will not be a simple numerical ranking, but rather a comprehensive assessment that provides insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care landscape in ZIP Code 15236 and Pittsburgh. The score will be accompanied by a detailed analysis of the data and recommendations for improvement. This information will be valuable for patients seeking primary care, healthcare providers looking to improve their practices, and policymakers seeking to enhance the quality of healthcare in the region.

To visualize and further explore the geographical distribution of these factors, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and demographic data related to lung cancer risk and prevalence, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you identify areas with high lung cancer risk, limited access to care, and other critical factors.