15688, Tarrs, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15688, Tarrs, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.81 percent of the residents in 15688 has some form of health insurance. 29.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.82 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 15688 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 15688. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 221 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,610 health care providers accessible to residents in 15688, Tarrs, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Tarrs, PA (ZIP Code 15688)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for physicians and primary care availability within the Tarrs, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15688) area. It considers several factors crucial for early detection, treatment access, and overall patient well-being, ultimately impacting survival rates. The assessment focuses on physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical elements in navigating a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment journey.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer care system rests on accessible primary care. In Tarrs, evaluating primary care availability begins with understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a larger number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access. Precise data on the exact physician-to-patient ratio in 15688 requires a detailed analysis of local physician directories, population demographics, and practice sizes. Publicly available data from the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from physician search engines, can provide the necessary insights. This information is crucial for understanding the baseline accessibility of primary care.

Identifying standout practices is equally important. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, including proactive lung cancer screening. Look for practices that actively utilize the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for lung cancer screening, recommending low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible individuals. These practices often have robust systems for identifying high-risk patients (smokers, former smokers, those with a family history) and ensuring they receive appropriate screening recommendations. Furthermore, practices with a multidisciplinary approach, involving primary care physicians, pulmonologists, radiologists, and oncologists, often provide more comprehensive and coordinated care. This collaborative approach streamlines the diagnostic and treatment process, leading to better patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical factor, particularly in rural areas like Tarrs. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists, follow-up appointments, and even mental health support without requiring patients to travel long distances. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, are likely to provide more convenient and accessible care. The ability to receive timely information and support remotely can significantly improve the patient experience and contribute to better adherence to treatment plans. Assessing the prevalence of telemedicine within local practices involves reviewing practice websites, checking insurance coverage for telehealth services, and directly contacting practices to inquire about their telemedicine capabilities.

The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is significant. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of a comprehensive care model. Practices that offer on-site counseling services, referrals to mental health professionals, or partnerships with support groups demonstrate a commitment to addressing the psychological needs of their patients. This support is vital for managing anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges associated with the disease. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources involves examining practice websites, inquiring about referral networks, and researching local mental health providers. The presence of these resources can significantly improve the patient's quality of life throughout their treatment journey.

Beyond the individual practices, assessing the overall healthcare infrastructure in the area is essential. This includes evaluating the proximity of hospitals with specialized lung cancer treatment centers, the availability of radiation therapy and chemotherapy services, and the presence of support services like palliative care and rehabilitation. Access to these resources is critical for providing comprehensive care and ensuring patients receive the best possible treatment options. Data from hospital websites, cancer center directories, and local health organizations can provide insights into the availability of these resources.

Ultimately, the Lung Cancer Score for the Tarrs area is a composite measure, reflecting the interplay of all these factors. A high score indicates excellent access to primary care, proactive screening practices, robust telemedicine adoption, readily available mental health resources, and a well-developed healthcare infrastructure. A low score suggests potential challenges in accessing timely diagnosis, treatment, and support. The score can be used to identify areas for improvement and to guide efforts to enhance lung cancer care in the community.

This assessment is not a definitive ranking but rather a framework for evaluating the quality of care in the 15688 ZIP code. It underscores the importance of access to primary care, proactive screening, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support in improving lung cancer outcomes. The data collection and analysis process should be ongoing, as healthcare practices and resources are constantly evolving. A dynamic approach is necessary to ensure the assessment remains relevant and reflects the current state of lung cancer care in the area.

The information gathered in this analysis, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, can be effectively visualized and analyzed using mapping tools. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful platform for visualizing this data, allowing for a geographical representation of healthcare access and resource distribution. This visual approach can reveal patterns and identify areas of need, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning for improving lung cancer care in the Tarrs area.