15520, Acosta, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15520, Acosta, Pennsylvania is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.09 percent of the residents in 15520 has some form of health insurance. 37.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 91.93 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 15520 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 28 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15520. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 27 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 750 health care providers accessible to residents in 15520, Acosta, Pennsylvania.

The following analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for physicians practicing in ZIP Code 15520, encompassing Acosta, Pennsylvania, and evaluates primary care availability within the same area. This analysis considers factors crucial to lung cancer care, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and mental health support.

ZIP Code 15520, a rural area, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare. Access to specialized medical care, including pulmonology and oncology, can be limited compared to urban centers. Therefore, the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) become even more critical. PCPs serve as the initial point of contact for patients, often detecting early symptoms and initiating referrals for further diagnostic testing and treatment.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. In Acosta, the ratio of PCPs to the overall population is a key factor. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access, allowing for more timely interventions. Accurate data on this ratio necessitates a detailed analysis of the population size within the ZIP code and the number of practicing PCPs. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health can be utilized to determine this crucial metric.

Evaluating the quality of primary care practices involves assessing several factors. The presence of board-certified physicians, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), and the accreditation status of the practice are all indicators of quality. Practices utilizing EHRs can improve care coordination and communication among healthcare providers, which is essential for managing complex conditions like lung cancer. Accreditation by organizations like the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) or The Joint Commission signifies adherence to rigorous quality standards. Furthermore, the availability of on-site diagnostic services, such as X-ray or spirometry, can expedite the diagnostic process.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. For lung cancer patients, telemedicine can be used for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health counseling. The extent to which practices in 15520 have embraced telemedicine, including the types of services offered and the technology used, is a significant factor in the Lung Cancer Score. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care and improved access.

Mental health resources are an integral component of lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can have a significant emotional impact on patients and their families. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues are common. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, within the primary care setting or through referrals, is crucial. Practices that prioritize mental health support demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. Assessing the availability of these resources, including the types of services offered and the ease of access, is a vital part of the Lung Cancer Score.

Standout practices within 15520 would be those that excel in multiple areas. A practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio, a high percentage of board-certified physicians, a robust telemedicine program, and readily available mental health resources would receive a high score. These practices would be well-positioned to provide comprehensive and patient-centered care for individuals at risk for or diagnosed with lung cancer. Identifying these practices requires a comprehensive review of publicly available information, including practice websites, patient reviews, and data from healthcare organizations.

The Lung Cancer Score for physicians in 15520 would be a composite score based on the factors discussed above. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the presence of board-certified physicians might carry a higher weight than telemedicine adoption. The final score would reflect the overall quality and accessibility of lung cancer care in the area.

Primary care availability in Acosta is inextricably linked to the Lung Cancer Score. The more PCPs available, the better the access to early detection and referral services. The quality of these PCPs, as measured by the factors discussed earlier, also directly impacts the score. A community with a limited number of PCPs, none of whom have adopted telemedicine or offer mental health services, would receive a lower score than a community with a larger number of PCPs, all of whom are board-certified and offer comprehensive services.

The analysis of lung cancer care in 15520 also requires consideration of the local healthcare infrastructure. The proximity to hospitals and specialty care centers, the availability of transportation, and the socioeconomic characteristics of the population all play a role in determining the overall quality of care. Patients in rural areas may face significant barriers to accessing care, including long travel distances, limited public transportation, and financial constraints. Addressing these barriers is essential to improving the Lung Cancer Score.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in 15520 and to visualize the data discussed, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the distribution of physicians, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, providing a clear and concise overview of the area's healthcare resources. These maps can also be used to identify areas with limited access to care and to highlight areas where improvements are needed.