15437, Farmington, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15437, Farmington, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.59 percent of the residents in 15437 has some form of health insurance. 40.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.67 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 15437 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 624 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15437. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 268 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,853 health care providers accessible to residents in 15437, Farmington, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Farmington, PA (ZIP Code 15437)**

Farmington, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Fayette County, presents a unique healthcare landscape when considering lung cancer care. Analyzing the quality and accessibility of care within ZIP code 15437 requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the availability of supportive resources. This analysis aims to provide a Lung Cancer Score, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon a robust primary care network. Primary care physicians (PCPs) serve as the initial point of contact, crucial for early detection, screening, and referral to specialists. Assessing primary care availability involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. In Farmington, the physician-to-patient ratio needs careful scrutiny. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau would be essential to calculate this ratio accurately. Furthermore, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is important. Are they clustered in a central location, or are they dispersed throughout the community, ensuring accessibility for all residents, including those in more rural areas?

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices are significant. Do practices accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, ensuring access for all socioeconomic groups? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? The presence of electronic health records (EHRs) is also critical. EHRs facilitate efficient information sharing between PCPs and specialists, streamlining referrals and improving care coordination. The ability to access and share patient information quickly is a key factor in the timely diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Specialist care is another essential component of the Lung Cancer Score. The availability of pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons within a reasonable driving distance is vital. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer require specialized expertise for diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and ongoing management. The presence of a comprehensive cancer center, offering a multidisciplinary approach with access to advanced diagnostic tools (such as PET scans and advanced imaging) and treatment modalities (including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery), significantly improves the prognosis for lung cancer patients. Examining the affiliations of local hospitals with larger cancer centers in the region is crucial. This could provide access to clinical trials and cutting-edge therapies.

Telemedicine adoption plays a growing role in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The extent to which local practices and hospitals utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education is a factor in the Lung Cancer Score. The availability of telehealth options can significantly improve access to specialists and support services, especially for patients living in geographically isolated areas.

Mental health support is often overlooked in the context of cancer care, but it is a critical component of overall well-being. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is an important factor in the Lung Cancer Score. Does the community have access to mental health professionals who specialize in oncology or have experience working with cancer patients? Are there support groups available to provide emotional support and peer-to-peer interaction? Integration of mental health services within the healthcare system is essential for providing comprehensive care.

Standout practices in Farmington may exhibit several positive attributes. Some may have a particularly strong focus on patient education, providing comprehensive information about lung cancer, treatment options, and supportive care services. Others may have established robust patient navigation programs, assisting patients in navigating the complex healthcare system, coordinating appointments, and accessing resources. Practices with a strong commitment to community outreach, such as participating in lung cancer screening programs or offering educational events, would also receive high marks. These practices often serve as models for other healthcare providers in the area.

Specific practices in Farmington would need individual evaluation. This includes assessing their staffing levels, the types of services they offer, their adoption of technology, and their patient satisfaction scores. Publicly available data, such as physician profiles and practice websites, can provide valuable insights. However, a comprehensive assessment would likely require on-site visits, interviews with healthcare professionals, and analysis of patient outcomes data.

The Lung Cancer Score for Farmington, PA (15437) is a complex metric. It is influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and the characteristics of individual practices. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare ecosystem with good access to care, advanced treatment options, and comprehensive support services. A low score would highlight areas for improvement, such as physician shortages, limited access to specialists, or a lack of mental health resources.

This analysis underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to lung cancer care, encompassing not only medical expertise but also accessibility, technological integration, and supportive services. Evaluating the healthcare landscape in Farmington requires a detailed assessment of each of these components. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Farmington, PA (15437) and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping tools that can help you visualize physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data, providing a clear understanding of healthcare accessibility in the area.