15473, Perryopolis, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15473, Perryopolis, Pennsylvania is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.29 percent of the residents in 15473 has some form of health insurance. 46.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.45 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 15473 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 480 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15473. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,007 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 717 health care providers accessible to residents in 15473, Perryopolis, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Perryopolis, PA (ZIP Code 15473)

The assessment of lung cancer care within Perryopolis, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15473) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), crucial for early detection and ongoing management, alongside the broader healthcare landscape. We will evaluate physician-to-patient ratios, identify potential standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and assess the accessibility of mental health resources, all crucial components influencing the quality of lung cancer care.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care begins with robust primary care. Early detection through screening, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, is paramount. This necessitates a sufficient number of PCPs to serve the population. In Perryopolis, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced screening rates, and ultimately, poorer outcomes for individuals at risk. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and national databases like the American Medical Association (AMA) should be consulted to establish an accurate physician-to-patient ratio for this specific ZIP code. This data should be analyzed alongside the age demographics of the population, as older populations typically require more frequent medical attention, thereby increasing the demand on primary care resources.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices within Perryopolis significantly impacts lung cancer care. Assessing the practices' commitment to preventive care is crucial. Do they actively promote and facilitate lung cancer screening for eligible patients? Do they have established protocols for identifying and referring patients with suspicious findings to pulmonologists and oncologists? Practices that prioritize preventive care, implement evidence-based guidelines, and offer patient education are more likely to contribute to early detection and improved patient outcomes. Researching individual practice websites, patient reviews, and publicly available performance data can help identify standout practices.

Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, offers a potential solution to access challenges in rural areas like Perryopolis. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, provide access to educational resources, and offer remote monitoring of patients. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and specialists in this area is a key factor. Practices that embrace telemedicine can expand their reach, improve patient convenience, and potentially reduce the burden on the healthcare system. Evaluating the availability of telehealth services, the types of services offered, and patient satisfaction with these services will inform the overall score.

The emotional and psychological toll of a lung cancer diagnosis is substantial. Mental health resources are an integral component of comprehensive cancer care. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the Perryopolis area is a crucial factor. Assessing the proximity of mental health providers, the acceptance of insurance plans, and the availability of support groups specifically for cancer patients are essential. Practices with integrated mental health services or strong referral networks to mental health providers contribute to a more holistic approach to patient care.

The presence of specialized lung cancer care, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is another vital component. The availability of these specialists within a reasonable distance from Perryopolis is critical. Analyzing the number of pulmonologists and oncologists serving the area, their experience, and their affiliations with hospitals and cancer centers will provide a comprehensive view of the specialized care available. The presence of multidisciplinary cancer care teams, including surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other specialists, is also a positive indicator of the quality of care.

Furthermore, access to advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities is essential. The availability of state-of-the-art imaging equipment, such as PET scans, and advanced treatment modalities, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies, can significantly impact patient outcomes. Evaluating the proximity of hospitals and cancer centers offering these services is crucial.

The overall ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for Perryopolis will be a composite score reflecting the factors discussed above. It is a relative assessment, not an absolute one. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for lung cancer care. This score will be based on the availability of PCPs, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the accessibility of mental health resources, the availability of specialists, and access to advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities. The weighting of each factor will depend on its relative importance in influencing patient outcomes.

To further refine this analysis and gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Perryopolis, consider utilizing advanced mapping tools. Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to visualize physician density, specialist locations, and the proximity of healthcare facilities. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of the healthcare resources available in your area, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities in lung cancer care.