15458, Mc Clellandtown, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15458, Mc Clellandtown, Pennsylvania is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.59 percent of the residents in 15458 has some form of health insurance. 36.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.51 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 15458 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 661 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15458. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 506 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 757 health care providers accessible to residents in 15458, Mc Clellandtown, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: McClellandtown, PA (ZIP Code 15458)

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care services in McClellandtown, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15458), focusing on factors relevant to early lung cancer detection and patient support. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering physician access, technological integration, and the availability of crucial support services. This score will help residents understand the strengths and weaknesses of their local healthcare environment.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer screening program is robust primary care. Early detection through low-dose CT scans significantly improves survival rates. However, this relies on patients having regular access to a primary care physician (PCP) who can order these screenings, monitor results, and guide patients through treatment if necessary. In McClellandtown, the geographical isolation and potentially limited resources necessitate a close examination of the healthcare landscape.

One critical aspect is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the precise ratio requires publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau. However, based on general observations of rural areas, it's plausible that McClellandtown faces challenges in this area. A lower physician-to-patient ratio means fewer doctors available to serve the population. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. The analysis would seek to quantify this ratio, comparing it to state and national averages to assess the severity of any potential shortages.

Beyond the raw number of physicians, the quality and accessibility of existing practices are paramount. Identifying standout practices requires investigating their services, patient reviews, and adoption of best practices. Are they actively promoting lung cancer screening to eligible patients (e.g., current or former smokers over a certain age)? Do they have established protocols for managing patients with suspicious findings? Do they collaborate effectively with specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, to ensure seamless care? This would involve researching individual practices, reviewing their websites, and potentially gathering information from patient advocacy groups.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas where travel can be a barrier. It allows patients to consult with their doctors remotely, receive follow-up care, and even participate in support groups. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of local primary care practices is a key component of the Lung Cancer Score. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote monitoring technologies, and the integration of telemedicine platforms into the practice's workflow.

The availability of mental health resources is often overlooked but is critical for lung cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The Lung Cancer Score analysis would examine the availability of mental health services within the community. This includes assessing the presence of therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, as well as the availability of support groups specifically for cancer patients. The analysis would consider the accessibility of these resources, including their proximity to primary care practices, insurance coverage, and appointment wait times.

Furthermore, the analysis should examine the degree of integration between primary care and specialist services. Do primary care physicians have established referral pathways to pulmonologists, radiologists, and oncologists? Are there clear communication protocols to ensure that patient information is shared effectively between providers? A well-coordinated healthcare system is essential for providing timely and effective care to lung cancer patients.

A comprehensive Lung Cancer Score would be built on a weighted scoring system. Each factor – physician-to-patient ratio, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and specialist integration – would be assigned a weight based on its importance. The analysis would then assign a score to each factor based on the available data. These scores would be combined to generate an overall Lung Cancer Score for the McClellandtown area. This score would provide a clear and concise assessment of the healthcare environment's ability to support early lung cancer detection and patient care.

The analysis would also consider the presence of community resources that can support lung cancer patients. This includes organizations that offer financial assistance, transportation services, and educational programs. The availability of these resources can help patients navigate the challenges of cancer treatment and improve their quality of life.

The final Lung Cancer Score would serve as a valuable tool for residents of McClellandtown. It would provide them with a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of their local healthcare environment. It would also empower them to make informed decisions about their healthcare and advocate for improvements in the services they receive.

The goal of this analysis is to offer an objective evaluation of the healthcare landscape in McClellandtown, Pennsylvania, with a specific focus on factors directly related to lung cancer care. The findings can inform both healthcare providers and residents, helping to improve the overall health and well-being of the community. The analysis emphasizes the importance of accessible, high-quality primary care, technological advancements, and comprehensive support services. This holistic approach is crucial for addressing the challenges of lung cancer in a rural setting.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in McClellandtown, including the location of primary care practices, specialist offices, and support services, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides detailed geographical data and mapping tools that can help you visualize the healthcare resources available in your community.