15698, Yukon, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15698, Yukon, Pennsylvania is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15698 has some form of health insurance. 57.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 93.24 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 15698 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 28 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15698. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 226 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,974 health care providers accessible to residents in 15698, Yukon, Pennsylvania.

The analysis that follows provides a nuanced assessment of lung cancer care potential within ZIP Code 15698, specifically focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Yukon, Pennsylvania, and their preparedness to address lung cancer screening and early detection. This evaluation considers factors critical to patient outcomes, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all within the context of lung cancer care. The goal is to provide a comprehensive “Lung Cancer Score” analysis, offering insights that can inform both patients and healthcare providers.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in robust primary care. The availability of PCPs in Yukon is a critical first step. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio is essential. A higher ratio, meaning more patients per physician, can strain resources and potentially limit the time a PCP can dedicate to each patient, including crucial preventative screenings like low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for individuals at high risk of lung cancer. A low ratio, conversely, suggests greater access to care and the potential for more personalized attention. Data on the current ratio within 15698, compared to state and national averages, is a starting point. This data should be regularly updated to reflect changes in population and physician availability.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality of care provided by PCPs is paramount. Identifying standout practices within Yukon is crucial. This involves evaluating several factors. Do these practices actively promote lung cancer screening for eligible patients, following the guidelines established by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)? Do they have established protocols for referring patients with suspicious findings to pulmonologists and other specialists? Practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to preventative care and efficient referral pathways deserve recognition. This analysis should incorporate patient reviews, if available, to gauge patient satisfaction and perceived quality of care.

The adoption of telemedicine presents another critical aspect of the Lung Cancer Score. Telemedicine offers the potential to expand access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Does Yukon have PCPs who offer telehealth consultations? Are these consultations available for discussing lung cancer risk factors, screening eligibility, and follow-up care? Telemedicine can also facilitate communication between PCPs and specialists, improving coordination of care and potentially reducing wait times for appointments. The availability of telehealth, and its integration into existing care pathways, is a significant factor in the overall score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in cancer care, but they are undeniably important. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health support is critical for patients’ well-being and overall health outcomes. The analysis must investigate the availability of mental health services within the Yukon area. Are there mental health professionals integrated into the primary care practices, or readily accessible through referral networks? Are there support groups or other resources available for patients and their families? The presence and accessibility of these resources directly impact the quality of care and should be factored into the Lung Cancer Score.

The Lung Cancer Score should also consider the availability of specialized care. While the primary focus is on PCPs, the proximity and accessibility of pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons are vital. The analysis should map the location of these specialists relative to Yukon and assess the ease with which patients can access their services. This includes evaluating referral pathways, wait times for appointments, and the availability of specialized diagnostic and treatment facilities. The presence of a comprehensive cancer center within a reasonable distance would significantly improve the score.

Data sources for this analysis would include publicly available information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and professional organizations such as the American Medical Association (AMA). Patient reviews, where available, should be incorporated to offer a more holistic view. The analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact access to care, such as insurance coverage and transportation availability.

The final Lung Cancer Score should be presented in a clear and concise format, summarizing the key findings and highlighting areas of strength and weakness. This score should be dynamic, reflecting changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The score should be transparent, with the methodology and data sources clearly documented. This ensures that the score is reliable and can be used to inform decision-making by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The analysis should also consider the specific challenges faced by the Yukon community. Rural communities often face unique barriers to healthcare access, including limited transportation options and a shortage of healthcare providers. The Lung Cancer Score should take these factors into account and identify strategies to address these challenges. This could include promoting telemedicine, supporting the recruitment of healthcare professionals, and improving transportation options for patients.

The ultimate goal of this analysis is to empower patients and healthcare providers to make informed decisions about lung cancer care. By providing a comprehensive assessment of the resources available in Yukon, the Lung Cancer Score can help to identify areas where improvements are needed and to promote the development of a more effective and accessible healthcare system. The score should not be a static measure but a living document that is regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Yukon and surrounding areas, consider exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their mapping platform allows for the visualization of physician locations, specialist availability, and other relevant data points, providing a valuable tool for both patients and healthcare professionals.