15636, Harrison City, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15636, Harrison City, Pennsylvania is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.26 percent of the residents in 15636 has some form of health insurance. 15.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 90.35 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 15636 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 988 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15636. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 461 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 9,319 health care providers accessible to residents in 15636, Harrison City, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Harrison City, PA (ZIP Code 15636)**

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of lung cancer care resources within the Harrison City, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15636) area. It assesses the availability and quality of healthcare services, focusing on primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, and the integration of modern technologies like telemedicine. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape for individuals seeking lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Harrison City, the availability of PCPs is a critical factor. A sufficient number of PCPs is essential for early detection through screening programs and for managing the complex needs of patients undergoing treatment. The analysis will consider the physician-to-patient ratio within the specified ZIP code. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to preventative care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests a more readily available healthcare system. This ratio will be compared to regional and national averages to establish a benchmark.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care matters. This involves examining the practices’ adherence to established guidelines for lung cancer screening, such as those recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Are local practices actively promoting screening for high-risk individuals, including those with a history of smoking or exposure to other carcinogens? The practices' adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is also a key consideration. EHRs facilitate better communication between healthcare providers, improve care coordination, and enable the sharing of patient information.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of modern healthcare delivery. Telemedicine offers several benefits, including increased access to specialists, particularly for those in rural areas or with mobility limitations. The analysis will assess the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual support groups. Telemedicine can be particularly valuable for lung cancer patients, who may require frequent follow-up appointments and support throughout their treatment journey.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, yet critical, component of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. The analysis will examine the availability of mental health services within the Harrison City area. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. Do local practices have integrated mental health services or readily available referrals to mental health professionals? The integration of mental health support is essential for helping patients cope with the stress, anxiety, and depression that can accompany a cancer diagnosis.

Identifying standout practices is a key objective of this analysis. This involves looking for practices that demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. These practices may have achieved recognition for their clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction scores, or innovative approaches to care delivery. The analysis will highlight any practices that are actively involved in community outreach programs, such as lung cancer awareness campaigns or smoking cessation programs. The practices’ commitment to educating patients about lung cancer risk factors and prevention strategies will also be evaluated.

Specialty care is essential for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The analysis will assess the availability of pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons within a reasonable distance of Harrison City. The proximity of these specialists is crucial for ensuring timely access to diagnostic procedures, such as bronchoscopies and biopsies, and for providing expert treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. The analysis will also consider the availability of advanced diagnostic imaging technologies, such as CT scans and PET scans.

The analysis will consider the practices’ affiliations with larger healthcare systems or hospitals. Affiliations can provide access to a wider range of resources, including specialized equipment, research opportunities, and multidisciplinary care teams. The presence of a dedicated cancer center or oncology unit within a local hospital can significantly improve the quality of care for lung cancer patients.

The analysis will also consider the practices’ use of patient navigation services. Patient navigators can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, coordinating appointments, providing emotional support, and assisting with financial and social service needs. Patient navigation can be particularly beneficial for lung cancer patients, who may face numerous challenges throughout their treatment journey.

The impact of socioeconomic factors on lung cancer care will also be considered. The analysis will examine the demographics of the Harrison City area, including income levels, insurance coverage rates, and access to transportation. Socioeconomic disparities can significantly affect access to healthcare and the quality of care received. The analysis will identify any practices that are actively working to address these disparities, such as offering financial assistance programs or providing transportation services.

The overall goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive and objective assessment of the lung cancer care landscape in Harrison City, Pennsylvania. The findings will be presented in a clear and concise manner, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This information can be used by individuals seeking care, healthcare providers, and policymakers to improve the quality and accessibility of lung cancer care in the area. The final 'Lung Cancer Score' will be a composite measure, reflecting the various factors discussed above.

The availability of primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and the quality of specialty care will all be weighed in the final score. The analysis will also consider the practices' commitment to patient education, community outreach, and addressing socioeconomic disparities. The resulting score will provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the overall quality of lung cancer care in Harrison City.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Harrison City, and to explore the locations of physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. Their platform offers a detailed and dynamic view of the healthcare resources in your area.