15478, Smithfield, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15478, Smithfield, Pennsylvania is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.73 percent of the residents in 15478 has some form of health insurance. 40.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.29 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 15478 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,105 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15478. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 978 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 247 health care providers accessible to residents in 15478, Smithfield, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Smithfield, PA (ZIP Code 15478)

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within Smithfield, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15478), focusing on primary care availability and the resources available to patients. The aim is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem, identifying strengths and weaknesses to inform patient decision-making and highlight areas for improvement. The analysis considers factors crucial for early detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. In Smithfield, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical determinant of patient outcomes. Access to PCPs directly impacts the likelihood of timely screenings, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals, as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). A limited number of PCPs, coupled with a large population, can lead to delayed diagnoses and reduced chances of successful treatment. This analysis will explore the physician-to-patient ratio, examining the number of PCPs per 1,000 residents within the ZIP code and surrounding areas.

Further, the analysis will investigate the presence of standout primary care practices. These practices are evaluated based on several criteria. The practices will be examined for their adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, their utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate patient data management and care coordination, and their commitment to patient education and shared decision-making. Practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs and offer comprehensive risk assessments are particularly valuable. The availability of extended hours, weekend appointments, and same-day appointments will also be considered as factors that enhance patient access to care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant tool in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. This analysis will evaluate the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Smithfield. Telemedicine can improve access to care by reducing travel burdens, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote locations. The analysis will explore the types of telemedicine services offered, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up appointments. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans.

Beyond the clinical aspects of lung cancer care, the availability of mental health resources is crucial. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional and psychological well-being. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services, including counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, within the Smithfield community. The presence of integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices is particularly beneficial, as it can facilitate seamless coordination of care and reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health support. The analysis will consider the accessibility of these resources, including the availability of appointments and the acceptance of various insurance plans.

The analysis will also delve into the specific practices within Smithfield, focusing on their individual strengths and areas for improvement. This may involve identifying practices that excel in patient communication, those that have implemented innovative screening programs, and those that have established strong referral networks with specialists. The analysis will also highlight any gaps in care, such as a lack of specialized services or limited access to support groups.

The assessment of physician-to-patient ratios will be conducted by examining publicly available data from sources such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and state medical boards. This data will be used to calculate the number of PCPs per 1,000 residents within the ZIP code and surrounding areas. The results will be compared to national averages to determine whether Smithfield has adequate primary care resources.

The evaluation of standout practices will involve a combination of methods. Publicly available information, such as online reviews and patient testimonials, will be considered. In addition, the analysis will examine the practices' websites and social media presence to assess their commitment to patient education and outreach. The analysis may also involve contacting the practices directly to gather information about their services and screening programs.

The assessment of telemedicine adoption will involve reviewing the practices' websites and contacting them to inquire about their telemedicine capabilities. The analysis will also consider the availability of telehealth platforms and the ease of use of these platforms for both patients and providers.

The evaluation of mental health resources will involve identifying the mental health providers and support groups available in the Smithfield community. The analysis will consider the types of services offered, the accessibility of these services, and the availability of insurance coverage.

The analysis will synthesize all the gathered information to create a comprehensive Lung Cancer Score for Smithfield. This score will reflect the overall quality and accessibility of lung cancer care in the community. The score will be based on a weighted system, with each factor assigned a specific value based on its importance. The analysis will provide a clear and concise overview of the healthcare landscape in Smithfield, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the system.

The ultimate goal of this analysis is to empower patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare. It also aims to identify areas where improvements can be made to enhance the quality of lung cancer care in Smithfield. This includes advocating for increased access to primary care, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, and ensuring the availability of comprehensive mental health resources.

This analysis provides a snapshot of the current healthcare environment in Smithfield, Pennsylvania. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Factors such as changes in insurance coverage, technological advancements, and evolving medical guidelines can impact the availability and quality of care. It is essential to regularly update this information to reflect these changes and ensure that patients have access to the most current and accurate information.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in Smithfield and surrounding areas, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and support services, we encourage you to explore interactive maps. These maps can visualize the data, allowing you to easily identify providers and resources within your community.

**For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Smithfield, Pennsylvania, and to explore the geographic distribution of resources, we encourage you to visit CartoChrome maps. Explore the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions about your health.
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