15482, Star Junction, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15482, Star Junction, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.86 percent of the residents in 15482 has some form of health insurance. 54.89 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.93 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 15482 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 23 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15482. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 103 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 229 health care providers accessible to residents in 15482, Star Junction, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Star Junction, PA (ZIP Code 15482)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer care within ZIP code 15482 (Star Junction, PA), focusing on primary care availability and the quality of medical professionals. The goal is to understand the local landscape and identify potential strengths and weaknesses in the context of lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. This analysis will incorporate physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and high-quality primary care. Early detection is crucial, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact. In Star Junction, determining the physician-to-patient ratio is the initial step. This involves analyzing the number of practicing PCPs within the 15482 ZIP code and comparing it to the estimated population. A low ratio (few doctors per capita) can indicate potential access challenges, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better accessibility. This ratio needs to be coupled with information on insurance acceptance, as a high physician-to-patient ratio is useless if the physicians do not accept the insurance plans of the local population.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating factors like patient reviews, accreditations (e.g., NCQA recognition), and the adoption of evidence-based practices. Practices that actively promote preventative care, including lung cancer screening for eligible individuals (based on age and smoking history), are particularly valuable. These practices would ideally have clear protocols for referring patients with suspicious findings to pulmonologists and oncologists for further evaluation and treatment.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial factor. Telemedicine offers significant advantages, especially in rural areas like Star Junction. It can improve access to specialists, facilitate follow-up appointments, and provide remote monitoring capabilities. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially overcome geographical barriers and provide more convenient care. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the technology used is essential.

The availability of mental health resources is often overlooked but is critical in lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) within the community and their willingness to work with cancer patients is vital. The presence of support groups, counseling services, and access to palliative care are also important indicators of a supportive healthcare environment.

The analysis should also consider the proximity of specialized cancer care. This includes the presence of pulmonologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and specialized cancer centers within a reasonable driving distance. The availability of advanced diagnostic tools (e.g., CT scans, PET scans) and treatment options (e.g., surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy) is critical. The absence of these resources can force patients to travel long distances for care, adding to the stress and burden of the disease. The quality of these facilities should also be considered, including patient outcomes, research activity, and accreditations.

Specific examples of practices within the 15482 ZIP code that demonstrate excellence in primary care should be highlighted. These practices may have implemented innovative programs, such as smoking cessation counseling, to help reduce the risk of lung cancer. They may also have strong relationships with specialists and cancer centers, ensuring seamless referrals and coordinated care. These practices would ideally be actively involved in community outreach and education, raising awareness about lung cancer prevention and early detection.

The analysis must also consider the socioeconomic factors of the Star Junction population. Factors such as income levels, educational attainment, and access to transportation can significantly impact healthcare access and outcomes. Understanding these factors is crucial for tailoring healthcare services to meet the specific needs of the community.

The analysis should also consider the availability of palliative care services. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. For lung cancer patients, palliative care can significantly improve quality of life by managing pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. The presence of palliative care specialists, hospice care, and other supportive services is a positive indicator of a patient-centered approach to care.

Finally, the analysis must assess the overall coordination of care. This includes the effectiveness of communication between primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) and other technologies can facilitate communication and ensure that all providers have access to the patient's medical history and treatment plan. A well-coordinated care system can improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of medical errors.

To summarize, this Lung Cancer Score analysis for Star Junction (15482) requires a multi-faceted approach. It needs to assess physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices based on quality metrics, evaluate telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources, specialized cancer care, and palliative care. The analysis should also consider socioeconomic factors and the overall coordination of care.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Star Junction, including the locations of physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, and to explore this data in a dynamic and interactive map, we encourage you to visit CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the data, identify potential gaps in care, and make informed decisions about your healthcare.