15533, Breezewood, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15533, Breezewood, Pennsylvania is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.83 percent of the residents in 15533 has some form of health insurance. 56.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.65 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 15533 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 347 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15533. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 155 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 392 health care providers accessible to residents in 15533, Breezewood, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Breezewood, PA (ZIP Code 15533)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in Breezewood, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15533), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care, specifically addressing physician availability, primary care access, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. The goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of the resources available to residents, ultimately contributing to informed healthcare decisions.

Breezewood, a small community in Bedford County, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The rural nature of the area, coupled with potential limitations in infrastructure, shapes the healthcare landscape. A significant consideration is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, especially those with expertise in pulmonology and oncology.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Availability:**

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Data regarding the specific physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 15533 is essential. Publicly available data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state-level health departments can offer insights. If specific data for 15533 is unavailable, analysis should include data for Bedford County, providing a regional perspective.

The availability of primary care physicians is the cornerstone of preventative care and early detection. PCPs play a vital role in screening for lung cancer risk factors, such as smoking history, and can order initial diagnostic tests. The analysis should identify the number of PCPs practicing in the area, their specialties, and their patient load. Furthermore, the analysis needs to assess the proximity of primary care practices to residents, considering transportation challenges that may exist in a rural setting.

**Standout Practices and Their Contributions:**

Identifying standout practices is crucial for understanding the quality of care available. This involves evaluating practices based on several factors, including physician experience, patient reviews, and the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment. The analysis should investigate practices offering comprehensive services, including smoking cessation programs, which are critical for preventing lung cancer and supporting patients who are trying to quit.

Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education and community outreach should be highlighted. This could involve offering educational seminars on lung cancer prevention and early detection, participating in community health fairs, or collaborating with local organizations to raise awareness. The analysis should also consider the availability of specialized services, such as pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy, and access to oncologists and radiation oncologists, which are vital for diagnosis and treatment.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine holds significant potential for improving healthcare access in rural areas like Breezewood. It can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists without traveling long distances. The analysis needs to assess the extent of telemedicine adoption among local practices.

This includes identifying practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. The analysis should examine the types of telemedicine services offered, such as virtual check-ups, follow-up appointments, and consultations with specialists. It is also important to assess the availability of necessary technology, such as reliable internet access, for patients to participate in telemedicine appointments. The analysis should also consider the integration of telemedicine with existing healthcare systems and the ability of practices to provide technical support to patients.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Importance:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges are common. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive care.

The analysis should identify mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, practicing in the area. It should assess the availability of mental health services, including individual therapy, group therapy, and support groups. The analysis should also investigate the integration of mental health services with primary care and oncology practices, ensuring that patients have access to coordinated care. Furthermore, the analysis should consider the availability of resources for managing stress, coping with the emotional impact of cancer, and addressing other mental health concerns.

**Specific Considerations for Breezewood:**

Given the rural nature of Breezewood, the analysis should consider the specific challenges faced by residents. Transportation limitations, lack of public transportation, and potential financial constraints can impact access to healthcare. The analysis should identify any initiatives aimed at addressing these challenges, such as transportation assistance programs or financial aid for medical expenses.

The analysis should also consider the demographics of the community, including age, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of risk factors for lung cancer, such as smoking. This information can help to tailor healthcare services to the specific needs of the population. The analysis should also consider the presence of any local advocacy groups or support organizations that provide assistance to lung cancer patients and their families.

**Overall Assessment and Conclusion:**

This Lung Cancer Score analysis provides a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape in Breezewood, PA. It is crucial to acknowledge the limitations of this type of analysis, which relies on publicly available data and may not capture the full complexity of the healthcare system. However, by systematically evaluating key factors, this analysis aims to offer a valuable resource for residents seeking information about lung cancer care.

This analysis highlights the importance of a proactive approach to healthcare. Early detection, access to quality care, and comprehensive support services are essential for improving outcomes for lung cancer patients. The availability of primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources are all critical factors in creating a supportive healthcare environment.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a deeper, more visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Breezewood, PA, and explore the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to utilize **CartoChrome maps**. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations of healthcare data, allowing you to explore physician locations, practice locations, and other relevant information in a user-friendly format. Explore CartoChrome maps to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.