15678, Rillton, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15678, Rillton, Pennsylvania is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.14 percent of the residents in 15678 has some form of health insurance. 41.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.71 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 15678 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 145 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15678. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 87 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,186 health care providers accessible to residents in 15678, Rillton, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Rillton, PA (ZIP Code 15678)

Analyzing the landscape of lung cancer care within Rillton, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15678) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers various factors, including the availability and quality of primary care, the presence of specialists, the adoption of innovative technologies, and the integration of mental health support. A comprehensive ‘Lung Cancer Score’ cannot be assigned definitively without a detailed, on-the-ground assessment, but this analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem in this specific area.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on strong primary care. Early detection is paramount, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. In Rillton, assessing primary care availability involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio. A high ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, could lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a low ratio suggests better access. Investigating the specific number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code, and their patient load, is crucial. Furthermore, the presence of practices accepting new patients is a key indicator of accessibility.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is critical. This includes the PCPs' awareness of lung cancer risk factors, their willingness to order appropriate screenings (e.g., low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals), and their ability to effectively communicate with patients about their concerns. Assessing this requires evaluating the practices' adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer screening and prevention. The implementation of patient education programs and the availability of resources to help patients quit smoking are also important considerations.

Specialist availability is another critical factor. Lung cancer treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, requiring the expertise of pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists. The presence of these specialists within or near Rillton significantly impacts patient outcomes. Travel time to see these specialists can be a barrier to care, so proximity is a key consideration. The number of specialists, their board certifications, and their experience treating lung cancer patients are all important metrics. Furthermore, the availability of specialized diagnostic equipment, such as advanced imaging technologies, is essential for accurate diagnosis and staging.

Telemedicine adoption is a growing trend in healthcare, and its impact on lung cancer care is significant. Telemedicine can improve access to specialists, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. It can facilitate remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and even virtual support groups. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of practices in Rillton involves determining whether they offer virtual appointments, the types of services offered via telehealth, and the ease of use of their telemedicine platforms. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially provide better access to care for patients in this area.

Mental health support is a crucial, often overlooked, aspect of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources within the healthcare system is vital. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Assessing the integration of mental health services involves examining whether practices offer on-site counseling, have partnerships with mental health providers, or provide referrals to mental health resources in the community. Practices that prioritize mental health support are better equipped to provide comprehensive care.

Identifying standout practices within Rillton requires a deeper dive into individual practice profiles. This involves looking at patient reviews, physician ratings, and the practice's commitment to patient-centered care. Practices that demonstrate a strong focus on communication, patient education, and shared decision-making are likely to provide a higher quality of care. Furthermore, practices that participate in clinical trials or research studies may offer patients access to cutting-edge treatments and technologies. Evaluating these factors can help identify practices that are leaders in lung cancer care within the area.

Regarding the primary care availability in Rillton, specifically, several aspects require thorough investigation. The geographic distribution of primary care practices within the ZIP code is important. Are practices concentrated in one area, leaving other areas underserved? The acceptance of various insurance plans is another critical factor. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans are more accessible to a diverse patient population. The availability of evening and weekend appointments can also improve access to care, particularly for working individuals.

In the context of lung cancer, the overall health of the community is also a factor. High smoking rates, environmental factors, and other health disparities can increase the risk of lung cancer. Addressing these broader community health issues requires collaboration between healthcare providers, public health agencies, and community organizations. Initiatives to promote smoking cessation, reduce exposure to environmental pollutants, and improve access to healthy food options can contribute to reducing the burden of lung cancer in the community.

The final ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for doctors in ZIP code 15678 would be a composite measure. This score would integrate data points from the various factors discussed above, providing a holistic view of the healthcare landscape. The score would reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the system, highlighting areas where improvements are needed. However, as stated earlier, this score is not possible without a comprehensive, on-the-ground investigation.

To further understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and potential disparities in access to care within Rillton and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing for a more in-depth analysis of the healthcare ecosystem.