15484, Uledi, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15484, Uledi, Pennsylvania is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 59.52 percent of the residents in 15484 has some form of health insurance. 32.91 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 33.54 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 15484 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 209 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15484. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 40 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 236 health care providers accessible to residents in 15484, Uledi, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below provides a Lung Cancer Score (LCS) assessment for physicians practicing in ZIP Code 15484, Uledi, Pennsylvania, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. This score considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, ultimately aiming to provide insights for informed healthcare decisions.

Uledi, nestled within the broader ZIP code 15484, presents a unique healthcare landscape. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) forms the bedrock of effective lung cancer screening and early detection. A robust PCP network facilitates regular checkups, smoking cessation counseling, and the timely ordering of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible individuals. The LCS, therefore, begins with an assessment of PCP accessibility within Uledi.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility. The LCS considers the number of PCPs actively practicing in 15484, factoring in their specialties (e.g., internal medicine, family practice) and the estimated patient population within the ZIP code. This data is then compared against national benchmarks to gauge the relative accessibility of primary care.

Identifying standout practices within 15484 is also vital. The LCS evaluates practices based on several criteria. Does the practice actively participate in lung cancer screening programs, adhering to guidelines established by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)? Are they equipped with the necessary technology for LDCT scans or do they have established referral pathways to facilities that offer this service? Do they have dedicated staff trained in smoking cessation counseling? Practices excelling in these areas receive higher scores, contributing positively to the overall LCS.

Telemedicine adoption is another key component. Telemedicine, the practice of medicine remotely via video conferencing and other technologies, has gained significant importance, especially in rural areas. It enhances access to specialists, including pulmonologists and oncologists, who may not be readily available locally. The LCS assesses the extent to which physicians in 15484 utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education. Practices that embrace telemedicine are recognized for their commitment to patient convenience and access to care.

The mental health component is crucial. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The LCS evaluates the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting and the broader community. Does the practice have a dedicated mental health professional or established referral pathways to therapists and counselors? Are there support groups or other resources available for patients and their families? The presence of robust mental health support significantly improves the LCS.

In assessing the overall LCS, the analysis integrates these factors. The weighted scoring system assigns points based on the relative importance of each component. Primary care availability and physician-to-patient ratios carry significant weight, reflecting their fundamental role in early detection and access to care. Telemedicine adoption and mental health resources also contribute substantially, recognizing their impact on patient convenience and overall well-being.

The final LCS is presented as a numerical score, along with a narrative summary that highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in 15484. This summary provides actionable insights for patients and healthcare providers. For patients, it identifies practices that excel in lung cancer care and highlights potential areas for improvement. For providers, it offers a benchmark against which to measure their performance and identify opportunities to enhance their services.

The analysis also considers the potential impact of socioeconomic factors on healthcare access. Factors such as income levels, insurance coverage rates, and transportation availability can significantly affect a patient’s ability to access care. The LCS accounts for these factors, providing a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the community.

The analysis does not stop at a simple score. It also considers the broader healthcare ecosystem. The availability of specialized care, such as pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and oncologists, is assessed. The LCS evaluates the proximity of these specialists to 15484 and the ease with which patients can access their services. This includes an assessment of hospital affiliations and referral patterns.

Furthermore, the LCS incorporates data on lung cancer incidence and mortality rates within 15484. This information provides context for the analysis, allowing for a comparison of the healthcare landscape with the actual burden of lung cancer in the community. This helps to identify areas where healthcare resources may be insufficient or where targeted interventions are needed.

The analysis also looks at the availability of community resources. This includes support groups, educational programs, and smoking cessation programs. The LCS evaluates the accessibility and effectiveness of these resources, recognizing their important role in patient support and prevention.

The ultimate goal of the Lung Cancer Score analysis is to empower patients and healthcare providers. By providing a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in 15484, the analysis helps patients make informed decisions about their care and encourages providers to improve their services. It also provides a valuable tool for public health officials and policymakers, enabling them to identify areas where resources are needed and to develop targeted interventions to improve lung cancer outcomes.

This analysis, though comprehensive, is a snapshot in time. Healthcare landscapes are dynamic. The data used in the LCS is constantly updated to reflect changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and other relevant factors. This ensures that the analysis remains relevant and provides the most up-to-date information possible.

The information gathered and the analysis performed is intended to be used for educational purposes. It should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 15484, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps offer a dynamic and informative way to understand the complexities of healthcare access in your community.