15311, Amity, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15311, Amity, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.92 percent of the residents in 15311 has some form of health insurance. 33.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.77 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 15311 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 169 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15311. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 289 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,741 health care providers accessible to residents in 15311, Amity, Pennsylvania.

This analysis assesses the quality of lung cancer care and primary care accessibility within the 15311 ZIP code, specifically focusing on Amity, Pennsylvania. The goal is to provide a data-driven perspective on physician availability, healthcare resource utilization, and overall patient support, ultimately informing healthcare decisions for residents.

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer care is timely and accurate diagnosis. This necessitates a robust network of primary care physicians (PCPs) who can identify early symptoms, order appropriate screening tests, and facilitate referrals to specialists. Primary care availability in Amity is a critical first step.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental metric. A low ratio, meaning more patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with publicly available information on physician practices in the 15311 ZIP code, is essential to calculate this ratio. We must consider the number of active, practicing PCPs within the area and estimate the population they serve. This data is dynamic, and the analysis should reflect the most current figures.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? Do they utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to streamline communication and coordination of care? Practices like the Amity Family Medical Clinic, for example, should be evaluated based on these criteria. A practice that actively participates in population health initiatives, such as offering smoking cessation programs, would also receive a higher score.

The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is crucial for lung cancer patients. The analysis should determine the proximity of these specialists to Amity. How long does it take to travel to the nearest specialist? Are there any specialists accepting new patients? The presence of a comprehensive cancer center within a reasonable driving distance would significantly improve the overall score.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients in Amity to access consultations, follow-up appointments, and even mental health support remotely. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, offering virtual visits for appropriate situations, should be recognized. The analysis should evaluate the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of use of the platform, and the availability of technical support for patients.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of cancer care, but they are essential. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis should evaluate the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the 15311 ZIP code. Does the local hospital or healthcare system offer support groups or counseling services specifically for cancer patients? The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan is a significant indicator of quality.

Specific practices in Amity may distinguish themselves through their commitment to patient care. For instance, a practice that actively participates in clinical trials for lung cancer treatments would demonstrate a commitment to cutting-edge care. Another practice might excel in patient education, providing comprehensive information about lung cancer, treatment options, and support services. Identifying and highlighting these standout practices is crucial for guiding patients to the best possible care.

The availability of diagnostic imaging services, such as CT scans and PET scans, is also important. Patients need timely access to these imaging modalities for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of treatment response. The analysis should assess the proximity of imaging centers to Amity and the wait times for appointments.

Patient support services can significantly improve the quality of life for lung cancer patients. These services may include financial assistance programs, transportation assistance, and support groups. The analysis should evaluate the availability of these services within the 15311 ZIP code and the ease with which patients can access them.

The analysis should also consider the overall healthcare infrastructure in the area. Does Amity have a well-equipped hospital with a dedicated oncology unit? Does the hospital have a strong reputation for cancer care? The presence of a comprehensive healthcare system that can provide a full spectrum of services, from diagnosis to treatment to supportive care, is a major advantage.

The analysis must be dynamic. Healthcare landscapes change, and this analysis is a snapshot in time. Regular updates are essential to maintain its accuracy and relevance.

The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of lung cancer care and primary care accessibility in Amity, allowing residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare. The analysis is not intended to be a definitive ranking of physicians or practices, but rather a tool to guide patients towards the best possible care.

To visualize this complex data and understand the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can display physician locations, specialist availability, hospital locations, and other relevant data points, allowing you to see the healthcare landscape in Amity in a clear and intuitive way. Explore the possibilities with CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access in your community.