15360, Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15360, Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.81 percent of the residents in 15360 has some form of health insurance. 31.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.87 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 15360 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 393 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15360. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 338 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,221 health care providers accessible to residents in 15360, Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Scenery Hill, PA (ZIP Code 15360)

Analyzing the availability of quality healthcare, particularly related to lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, within the Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15360) area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers factors influencing patient access, physician expertise, and the overall healthcare ecosystem's capacity to address lung cancer concerns. We will examine the physician landscape, primary care resources, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, ultimately aiming to create a 'Lung Cancer Score' assessment for the region.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer care system is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). In Scenery Hill, the availability of PCPs directly impacts early detection and referral pathways. Scenery Hill, being a small community, likely has a limited number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code itself. Residents often travel to neighboring towns and cities like Washington, PA, for healthcare services. This necessitates evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio in the broader region encompassing Scenery Hill, including the Washington County area. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses.

Furthermore, it is essential to identify the types of primary care practices available. Are there solo practitioners, or larger group practices? Group practices often have the advantage of shared resources, including access to specialists and advanced diagnostic equipment. The presence of internal medicine specialists and family medicine physicians is critical, as they are typically the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. Evaluating the quality of these practices involves researching their patient satisfaction scores, online reviews, and their commitment to preventive care, including lung cancer screenings.

Within the context of lung cancer, the availability of pulmonologists and oncologists is paramount. While PCPs are crucial for initial assessments and referrals, specialists are essential for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. Determining the proximity of these specialists to Scenery Hill is critical. Are there pulmonologists and oncologists practicing within a reasonable driving distance, or do patients need to travel extensively for specialized care? The presence of a comprehensive cancer center in the region, offering a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, would significantly enhance the 'Lung Cancer Score'. This includes access to radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and medical oncology services.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in healthcare access, especially in rural areas like Scenery Hill. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists. Assessing the extent to which PCPs and specialists in the area offer telemedicine services is vital. Are virtual consultations available for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations? The ease of access to these services directly impacts the overall 'Lung Cancer Score'.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of cancer care, but they are a critical component of holistic patient support. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, in the Scenery Hill area is essential. Are there mental health services integrated into primary care practices, or are patients required to seek these services separately? The presence of support groups and counseling services specifically tailored to cancer patients would significantly enhance the 'Lung Cancer Score'.

Evaluating the standout practices in the area involves identifying those that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in lung cancer care. This requires looking beyond the basic availability of physicians and specialists. We need to assess the practices' participation in clinical trials, their adoption of advanced diagnostic technologies, and their commitment to patient education. Practices that actively promote lung cancer screening programs, offer smoking cessation resources, and provide comprehensive patient support services would score higher. This also includes evaluating the practice's patient navigation services, which help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.

To quantify the 'Lung Cancer Score', we need to consider the following factors:

* **Physician-to-patient ratio:** A higher ratio (more physicians per capita) will improve the score.
* **Specialist availability:** The proximity and accessibility of pulmonologists and oncologists are critical.
* **Telemedicine adoption:** The extent to which telemedicine services are offered.
* **Mental health resources:** The availability of mental health professionals and support services.
* **Practice quality:** Patient satisfaction, participation in clinical trials, and adoption of advanced technologies.
* **Screening programs:** The presence of lung cancer screening programs.
* **Smoking cessation resources:** The availability of smoking cessation programs.

Based on these factors, we can assign a score ranging from 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest level of care. A score of 1 would indicate limited access to care and a lack of resources, while a score of 10 would represent a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to lung cancer care.

Unfortunately, without specific data on the Scenery Hill area, it's impossible to provide a definitive score. However, based on the likely rural nature of the community, the score might be lower than in more urban areas due to potentially limited resources. Further research, including data collection on the specific factors outlined above, is required to provide a more accurate assessment.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Scenery Hill and the surrounding areas, including the locations of physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide detailed geographic visualizations of healthcare resources, allowing you to identify areas with high and low concentrations of providers, assess travel times, and gain a better understanding of the overall accessibility of care.