15472, Oliver, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15472, Oliver, Pennsylvania is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.43 percent of the residents in 15472 has some form of health insurance. 51.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 27.66 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 15472 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15472. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 44 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 646 health care providers accessible to residents in 15472, Oliver, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 15472 & Primary Care in Oliver

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians within ZIP code 15472, focusing on their capacity to address lung cancer risks and patient needs in Oliver, Pennsylvania. The score considers factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all of which contribute to a patient's overall care experience and, by extension, their potential for early detection and effective management of lung cancer.

Oliver, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. A high Lung Cancer Score indicates a healthcare environment conducive to proactive screening, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive patient support. Conversely, a low score highlights areas needing improvement to ensure residents receive optimal care.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Access to Care:**

The fundamental metric influencing the Lung Cancer Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can significantly hinder access to primary care. In Oliver, this scarcity could lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced opportunities for preventative care, including lung cancer screenings. The analysis will assess the current physician density within 15472, comparing it to regional and national averages. A shortage necessitates exploring strategies like telemedicine to bridge gaps in access.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the distribution of primary care physicians within the ZIP code. Are they concentrated in a single practice, or are they spread throughout the community? Geographic accessibility is crucial, particularly for elderly patients or those with mobility limitations. Proximity to specialists, including pulmonologists and oncologists, also impacts the score. The closer the collaboration between primary care providers and specialists, the higher the score.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout practices within 15472 is essential. These practices often demonstrate best practices in patient care, preventative screening, and chronic disease management. The analysis will evaluate practices based on their adherence to lung cancer screening guidelines, utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) for patient data tracking, and their commitment to patient education.

Practices with robust screening programs, including the use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients, will receive higher scores. The analysis will also assess the practices' ability to effectively communicate with patients about their risk factors, the benefits of screening, and the potential risks involved. Practices that actively engage in community outreach and education programs will also be recognized.

**Telemedicine Adoption: Bridging the Gap:**

Telemedicine plays a critical role in improving healthcare access, especially in rural areas like Oliver. Its adoption by primary care physicians within 15472 is a key factor in the Lung Cancer Score. The analysis will assess the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the ease with which patients can access these services.

Practices that have embraced telemedicine can provide timely consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients with chronic conditions, including those at risk for or diagnosed with lung cancer. Telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists, reducing the need for travel and improving the efficiency of care. The analysis will investigate the types of telemedicine platforms used, their integration with EHR systems, and the training provided to both physicians and patients.

**Mental Health Resources: An Integral Component:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges are common. The availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referral networks is a crucial component of the Lung Cancer Score.

The analysis will evaluate the practices' approach to addressing mental health needs. Do they have on-site mental health professionals, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health specialists? Do they screen patients for depression and anxiety? Do they provide resources for coping with the emotional challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment? Practices that prioritize mental health support will receive higher scores.

**Specific Considerations within 15472:**

The analysis will delve into specific nuances within the 15472 ZIP code. It will investigate the demographics of the population, including age, smoking prevalence, and socioeconomic factors. These factors influence lung cancer risk and the healthcare needs of the community. The analysis will consider the availability of support groups, smoking cessation programs, and other community resources that can contribute to a patient's overall well-being.

The analysis will also examine the local healthcare infrastructure, including the presence of hospitals, cancer centers, and other healthcare facilities. The proximity of these facilities and the level of collaboration between primary care physicians and specialists will significantly impact the Lung Cancer Score.

**Conclusion:**

The Lung Cancer Score provides a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare environment within 15472, focusing on the ability of primary care physicians to address the risks and needs of patients in Oliver. By evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, the analysis aims to identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement. This information can be used to inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members about the quality of care available and the steps needed to improve patient outcomes.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and other relevant data within ZIP code 15472, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a powerful tool for understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying opportunities for improvement.