15424, Confluence, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15424, Confluence, Pennsylvania is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.61 percent of the residents in 15424 has some form of health insurance. 46.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.35 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 15424 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 291 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15424. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 482 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 573 health care providers accessible to residents in 15424, Confluence, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Confluence, PA (ZIP Code 15424)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score (LCS) assessment for medical resources within and serving the Confluence, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15424) area. This score considers factors crucial to early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer, focusing on primary care availability, specialist access, and supportive services. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape for individuals in this community, highlighting strengths and areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care begins with accessible and proactive primary care. In Confluence, assessing the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is paramount. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key indicator. A higher ratio, meaning more patients per physician, can potentially translate to longer wait times for appointments and less time dedicated to individual patient needs, including preventative screenings like those for lung cancer. Research into the specific PCP-to-patient ratio within 15424, and the surrounding areas that serve Confluence residents, is essential. This data will reveal whether the community has adequate primary care access.

Primary care practices in the area should be evaluated based on their commitment to lung cancer screening. This includes their adherence to U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines, which recommend annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for individuals at high risk. The LCS would consider the percentage of eligible patients screened within each practice. Furthermore, the practices' processes for patient education about lung cancer risk factors (smoking history, family history, etc.) and the benefits of screening should be assessed. Practices that actively engage patients in these conversations and offer comprehensive screening programs will receive higher scores.

Beyond primary care, access to specialists is critical. The LCS will evaluate the proximity and availability of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and oncologists who specialize in lung cancer. The distance patients must travel for consultations, diagnostic procedures (like bronchoscopies and biopsies), and treatment (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery) directly impacts the LCS. The analysis should identify the nearest hospitals and clinics offering these services, noting travel times and the availability of appointments. This information is crucial for patients needing timely diagnosis and treatment.

Telemedicine adoption is another important factor. Telemedicine offers a valuable tool for expanding access to care, especially in rural areas like Confluence. The LCS will assess the extent to which local practices and specialists offer telemedicine consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations. Practices that utilize telemedicine effectively will receive a higher score, as this can improve patient convenience and reduce barriers to care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are integral to lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The LCS will evaluate the availability of mental health services within the community, including therapists, counselors, and support groups. The analysis will assess the integration of mental health services within the broader healthcare system, such as whether primary care practices offer on-site counseling or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals. The availability of support groups specifically for lung cancer patients and their families will also be considered.

The LCS will also evaluate the presence of any standout practices or healthcare providers in the Confluence area. This could involve identifying practices with a demonstrated commitment to patient-centered care, innovative approaches to lung cancer screening and treatment, or strong community outreach programs. These practices, if identified, will serve as models for best practices within the community. The analysis should highlight any unique programs or services offered by these practices, such as smoking cessation programs, patient navigation services, or clinical trials.

The overall LCS will be a composite score, weighted based on the importance of each factor. The analysis will identify areas where Confluence excels and areas where improvements are needed. For example, if primary care access is limited, the LCS will reflect this. If specialist access is good, but mental health resources are lacking, the score will reflect that imbalance. The final score will provide a clear and concise overview of the healthcare landscape for lung cancer care in the area.

This comprehensive analysis aims to provide a valuable resource for residents of Confluence, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas. It will empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare and advocate for improvements in the community. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, residents can work together to enhance the quality of care and improve outcomes for those affected by lung cancer.

For a visual representation of this data, including geographic mapping of physician locations, specialist availability, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome offers dynamic visualizations that bring this analysis to life, allowing you to explore the healthcare landscape of Confluence in a user-friendly and informative way. Visit CartoChrome today to see how geographic data can enhance your understanding of healthcare access in your community.