15490, White, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15490, White, Pennsylvania is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15490 has some form of health insurance. 43.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.59 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 15490 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 86 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15490. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 90 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 469 health care providers accessible to residents in 15490, White, Pennsylvania.

The task requires an analysis of healthcare resources within ZIP code 15490, focusing on lung cancer care and primary care access for the White population, while adhering to specific criteria.

Understanding the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 15490, a rural area, requires a multi-faceted approach. Assessing lung cancer care necessitates evaluating the availability of specialized physicians, diagnostic tools, and treatment options. Simultaneously, examining primary care access for the White population involves considering physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of established practices, and the utilization of telemedicine. Furthermore, the availability of mental health resources is critical, given the psychological toll of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios provides a fundamental understanding of healthcare access. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment availability, and potentially compromised care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. Data on the number of primary care physicians and specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, within the 15490 ZIP code, coupled with the population demographics, is essential to calculate these ratios accurately. This data can be obtained from sources like the US Census Bureau and state medical boards.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is crucial. These practices often demonstrate superior patient care, innovative treatment approaches, and a commitment to community health. Researching local hospitals, clinics, and private practices to determine their lung cancer care services is important. Examining their accreditations, patient satisfaction scores, and the availability of specialized equipment like CT scanners and PET scanners, is also important. Furthermore, the presence of multidisciplinary teams, including pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and nurses, is a key indicator of comprehensive care.

The adoption of telemedicine is a significant factor in healthcare accessibility, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely, receive follow-up care, and participate in support groups. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of practices in 15490 involves determining the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring services, and the use of telehealth platforms. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on patients who may face travel challenges.

Mental health resources are an integral part of lung cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can be emotionally taxing, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Evaluating the availability of mental health services within 15490 involves identifying mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, who specialize in oncology care. Assessing the presence of support groups, counseling services, and mental health integration within the local healthcare system is also important.

Focusing on the White population's access to primary care requires a deeper dive into demographics. While overall physician-to-patient ratios are important, understanding the specific distribution of healthcare resources within the White population is essential. This involves analyzing the availability of primary care physicians in areas with a high concentration of White residents and identifying any potential disparities in access. This analysis can also include examining the availability of culturally competent care and the presence of language services, if applicable.

The availability of lung cancer screening programs in 15490 is another crucial factor. Early detection significantly improves survival rates. Assessing the availability of low-dose CT scans, the primary screening method for high-risk individuals, is crucial. Examining the eligibility criteria for screening programs, the accessibility of screening centers, and the outreach efforts to educate the public about lung cancer screening are important. Practices that actively promote and facilitate lung cancer screening demonstrate a commitment to preventative care.

The quality of care is not only defined by the availability of resources but also by patient outcomes. Analyzing data on lung cancer survival rates, treatment success rates, and patient satisfaction scores can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of care within 15490. This requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the National Cancer Institute and state health departments. These data points can help identify areas of strength and weakness in the local healthcare system.

The analysis should also consider the presence of community resources and support services. These resources can play a vital role in supporting patients and their families throughout their cancer journey. Identifying local cancer support groups, patient advocacy organizations, and financial assistance programs can help assess the holistic care available within the ZIP code. The availability of these resources can significantly impact patient well-being and quality of life.

Finally, the analysis should address the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the healthcare landscape of 15490. This includes identifying potential areas for improvement, such as expanding access to specialists, increasing the adoption of telemedicine, and enhancing mental health services. It also involves recognizing the strengths of the local healthcare system and highlighting successful initiatives that can be replicated or expanded. This holistic assessment provides a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment.

The analysis of healthcare resources in ZIP code 15490, particularly in relation to lung cancer care and primary care access for the White population, is a complex undertaking. However, by focusing on key indicators such as physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, lung cancer screening programs, and patient outcomes, a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape can be achieved. This detailed analysis provides a foundation for informed decision-making and strategic planning to improve healthcare access and quality within the community.

For a visual representation of this data and to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in 15490, including physician locations, hospital locations, and areas with high concentrations of the White population, we invite you to explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, helping to identify areas of need and opportunities for improvement.