15427, Daisytown, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15427, Daisytown, Pennsylvania is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.65 percent of the residents in 15427 has some form of health insurance. 47.55 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.80 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 15427 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 178 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15427. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 230 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,968 health care providers accessible to residents in 15427, Daisytown, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Daisytown, PA (ZIP Code 15427)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support within Daisytown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15427). The focus is on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, all crucial elements in navigating a lung cancer journey. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the available resources.

Daisytown, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas when it comes to healthcare access. The geographical isolation can impact the availability of specialists and advanced treatment options. Therefore, the analysis will consider the proximity to larger healthcare centers and the potential for telemedicine to bridge the gap.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

A fundamental aspect of lung cancer care is access to a primary care physician (PCP). PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms, facilitating early detection and referral to specialists. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in Daisytown is essential. Information from the US Department of Health & Human Services or local health departments could provide data on the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated population. A higher ratio, indicating fewer patients per physician, generally suggests better access. However, it’s crucial to consider factors like the age and health of the population, as well as the presence of underserved communities.

If the physician-to-patient ratio is unfavorable, the analysis should explore the presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other community health initiatives. These facilities often play a critical role in providing primary care to underserved populations. The analysis would examine the services offered by these centers, including their capacity to screen for lung cancer and refer patients to specialists.

**Standout Practices and Healthcare Networks:**

Identifying standout practices within or near Daisytown is critical. This involves researching the quality of care offered by individual practices and healthcare networks. Factors to consider include:

* **Accreditation:** Are the practices affiliated with accredited hospitals or healthcare systems? Accreditation signifies adherence to high standards of care.
* **Specialist Access:** Do the practices have established relationships with pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons? Seamless referral pathways are vital for timely diagnosis and treatment.
* **Patient Reviews:** Online reviews, while not definitive, can offer valuable insights into patient experiences, including the quality of communication, the efficiency of appointments, and the overall patient-centeredness of the practice.
* **Technology Adoption:** Do the practices utilize electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals to facilitate communication and care coordination?

The analysis should also consider the presence of larger healthcare networks that may serve the Daisytown area. These networks often offer a wider range of services, including advanced imaging, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The analysis would evaluate the accessibility of these networks for Daisytown residents.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. It can improve access to specialists, particularly for consultations and follow-up appointments. The analysis will investigate the adoption of telemedicine by local practices and healthcare networks. Key questions include:

* **Teleconsultations:** Do PCPs and specialists offer virtual consultations for lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment planning?
* **Remote Monitoring:** Are there programs for remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment or recovery?
* **Patient Education:** Are telemedicine platforms used to provide patient education and support?

The analysis will also assess the availability of telehealth services through local hospitals and healthcare systems. The presence of telemedicine can significantly enhance the quality of care for lung cancer patients in Daisytown, especially those with mobility issues or transportation challenges.

**Mental Health Resources and Support:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive care. The analysis will examine:

* **Mental Health Professionals:** Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) practicing in or near Daisytown?
* **Counseling Services:** Do local practices or hospitals offer counseling services for patients and their families?
* **Support Groups:** Are there lung cancer support groups available in the area?
* **Integration of Mental Health:** Is mental health support integrated into the overall care plan for lung cancer patients?

The analysis will also consider the availability of resources for addressing financial concerns, which can be a significant source of stress for patients. This includes information about financial assistance programs, patient advocacy groups, and legal services.

**Overall Assessment and Conclusion:**

Based on the gathered information, a Lung Cancer Score would be assigned to Daisytown (ZIP Code 15427). The score would reflect the availability and quality of the healthcare resources discussed above. The score would be accompanied by a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape. This analysis provides a snapshot of the resources available for lung cancer patients in Daisytown.

This analysis is designed to be a starting point for further investigation. It is important to note that healthcare landscapes are constantly evolving. The information provided here should be supplemented with direct inquiries to healthcare providers and patient advocacy groups.

**Call to Action:**

For a visual representation of the healthcare resources available in Daisytown and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital networks, and specialist availability, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer an interactive and informative way to understand the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and can aid in making informed decisions about lung cancer care.