15337, Graysville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15337, Graysville, Pennsylvania is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.49 percent of the residents in 15337 has some form of health insurance. 33.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.74 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 15337 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 104 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15337. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 91 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,455 health care providers accessible to residents in 15337, Graysville, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score: A Graysville, PA (15337) Analysis

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians and the availability of associated resources within the Graysville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15337) area. This score considers factors crucial to early detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being, focusing on physician accessibility, resource availability, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. The goal is to offer a comprehensive overview, enabling residents to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and responsive primary care. In Graysville, the physician-to-patient ratio plays a critical role. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. The analysis will investigate the estimated physician-to-patient ratio within the 15337 ZIP code, comparing it to regional and national averages. This comparison will illuminate whether Graysville faces a shortage of primary care providers, a factor that directly impacts the Lung Cancer Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. Several factors contribute to this quality, including the experience and specialization of the physicians, the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment, and the practice's commitment to preventative care. Outstanding practices will be identified based on their adherence to established guidelines for lung cancer screening, such as those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). These guidelines emphasize the importance of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for individuals at high risk, including current and former smokers. Practices actively promoting and facilitating these screenings will receive higher marks in the Lung Cancer Score.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of modern healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas like Graysville. Telemedicine offers the potential to bridge geographical barriers, providing patients with access to specialists, follow-up consultations, and mental health support without requiring lengthy travel. The analysis will assess the extent to which primary care practices in 15337 have embraced telemedicine, evaluating the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and the integration of telehealth platforms into their workflows. Practices demonstrating a strong telemedicine presence will be viewed favorably, enhancing the overall Lung Cancer Score.

The connection between lung cancer and mental health is undeniable. The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can be emotionally taxing, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting is essential. The analysis will investigate the presence of on-site mental health professionals, the referral pathways to external mental health services, and the integration of mental health screenings into routine checkups. Practices that prioritize mental health support, demonstrating a commitment to holistic patient care, will receive a higher score.

Specific practices within the 15337 ZIP code will be assessed based on these criteria. This assessment will involve researching publicly available information, including practice websites, patient reviews, and data from healthcare databases. Practices demonstrating a strong commitment to preventative care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support will be highlighted as standout examples. Conversely, practices lacking these features will be identified as areas for potential improvement.

The availability of diagnostic resources within the immediate vicinity is also a significant factor. The analysis will evaluate the accessibility of CT scanners, pulmonary function testing (PFT) facilities, and other diagnostic tools essential for lung cancer detection and staging. Practices located near well-equipped diagnostic centers will receive a higher score, as this proximity facilitates timely diagnosis and treatment.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the presence of patient education resources. Practices that provide patients with comprehensive information about lung cancer, including risk factors, screening guidelines, and treatment options, will be recognized for their commitment to patient empowerment. This includes offering educational materials, hosting support groups, and providing access to online resources.

The Lung Cancer Score will also factor in the practice’s approach to smoking cessation. Primary care physicians play a critical role in helping patients quit smoking, a leading cause of lung cancer. Practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs, offer counseling services, and prescribe medications to aid in quitting will be recognized for their dedication to preventative care.

The analysis will also consider the practice's engagement with local hospitals and specialists. Strong referral networks and collaborative relationships with pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists are essential for ensuring seamless patient care. Practices with established referral pathways and a history of successful collaborations will be viewed favorably.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Graysville (15337) will be a composite measure, reflecting the performance of primary care practices across all these factors. The score will provide a valuable benchmark, allowing residents to compare practices and make informed decisions about their healthcare. The score will also serve as a tool for healthcare providers, highlighting areas for improvement and encouraging the adoption of best practices.

Finally, the analysis will emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring and evaluation. Healthcare landscapes are constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatments, and guidelines emerging regularly. The Lung Cancer Score will be updated periodically to reflect these changes, ensuring that it remains a relevant and reliable resource for the Graysville community. The goal is to create a dynamic and informative tool that supports improved lung cancer outcomes for all residents.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Graysville and surrounding areas, including the locations of primary care practices, diagnostic facilities, and other relevant resources, we encourage you to explore interactive maps. CartoChrome maps provide detailed visualizations of healthcare data, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health.