15671, New Derry, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15671, New Derry, Pennsylvania is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15671 has some form of health insurance. 43.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.33 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 15671 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 157 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15671. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 103 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,183 health care providers accessible to residents in 15671, New Derry, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: New Derry, PA (ZIP Code 15671)**

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 15671 (New Derry, Pennsylvania), focusing on primary care physician availability, quality of care indicators, and supporting resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem, particularly regarding its capacity to address lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. This analysis does not provide medical advice.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests heavily on accessible and high-quality primary care. In New Derry, the physician-to-patient ratio plays a crucial role. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and early interventions. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests greater accessibility, allowing for more proactive patient management and timely referrals to specialists. Publicly available data from sources such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, when combined, can provide an estimated physician-to-patient ratio for the area. This ratio is a key component of the Lung Cancer Score.

Primary care practices in the area exhibit varying levels of quality. Evaluating these practices requires considering several factors. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is a fundamental indicator. EHRs streamline patient information, improving care coordination and facilitating data analysis for population health management. Practices actively participating in initiatives like the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model, which emphasizes coordinated, patient-focused care, often demonstrate a higher quality of service. Furthermore, the use of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, such as those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), is critical. Practices adhering to these guidelines are more likely to identify lung cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.

Standout practices within the 15671 ZIP code are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive patient care. These practices likely exhibit a combination of the factors mentioned above: a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, robust EHR systems, PCMH certification, and adherence to screening guidelines. Identifying these practices requires a deeper dive into publicly available data, patient reviews, and potentially, direct outreach to local healthcare providers. A high Lung Cancer Score would be associated with these practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, allowing for greater convenience and potentially reducing the burden on patients and the healthcare system. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine for lung cancer screening discussions, smoking cessation counseling, and post-treatment follow-up contribute positively to the Lung Cancer Score.

The mental health of patients undergoing lung cancer treatment is paramount. Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. Access to mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential for patients' well-being and can positively impact their treatment outcomes. Assessing the availability of these resources within the New Derry area is a critical component of the Lung Cancer Score. This involves identifying local mental health providers, support groups, and partnerships between primary care practices and mental health professionals.

The Lung Cancer Score is not a static number. It is a dynamic assessment reflecting the current state of healthcare resources and practices. It is designed to be a tool that can be used to assess the effectiveness of healthcare systems and provide insights into areas that need improvement.

The Lung Cancer Score methodology utilizes a weighted scoring system, assigning points based on the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio receives a significant weight, reflecting its importance in access to care. EHR adoption, PCMH certification, and adherence to screening guidelines also receive substantial weight, reflecting their impact on the quality of care. Telemedicine adoption and the availability of mental health resources are assigned weights based on their contribution to patient support and overall well-being.

The final Lung Cancer Score is a composite score, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of lung cancer care within the 15671 ZIP code. A higher score indicates a more favorable healthcare environment for lung cancer patients, with greater access to primary care, high-quality practices, and supportive resources.

The analysis of the 15671 ZIP code will provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare ecosystem, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. The analysis will pinpoint areas where healthcare providers are excelling and areas that require improvement.

This detailed analysis of the healthcare landscape in New Derry, PA (ZIP Code 15671) provides a starting point for understanding the local resources available for lung cancer patients. The assessment of physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources offers a comprehensive overview of the healthcare environment.

To visualize this data geographically and gain further insights into the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing you to identify areas with high and low Lung Cancer Scores, and to understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources.