15717, Blairsville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15717, Blairsville, Pennsylvania is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.71 percent of the residents in 15717 has some form of health insurance. 42.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.16 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 15717 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,595 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15717. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,366 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,739 health care providers accessible to residents in 15717, Blairsville, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on evaluating lung cancer care quality and primary care accessibility within the Blairsville, Pennsylvania, ZIP code 15717. This assessment considers several factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive care for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis or seeking preventative measures.

Blairsville, a small town in Indiana County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The geographical isolation and the potential for a higher proportion of older adults, a demographic more susceptible to lung cancer, necessitate a careful examination of the local healthcare landscape.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and a strain on existing healthcare resources. Accurate data on the physician-to-patient ratio in 15717 requires a comprehensive survey of all practicing physicians within the ZIP code, including primary care physicians, pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists. Publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health can provide some insights, but a granular analysis often necessitates local surveys and collaborations with healthcare providers. A scarcity of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, would significantly impact the Lung Cancer Score.

Identifying standout medical practices is critical. These practices often demonstrate excellence in patient care, employ advanced diagnostic and treatment methods, and have a strong commitment to community health. Evaluating practices involves assessing their accreditation status (e.g., Joint Commission), patient satisfaction scores (often found through online reviews or patient surveys), and the availability of specialized services. A practice with a dedicated lung cancer screening program, advanced imaging capabilities (like low-dose CT scans), and a multidisciplinary team (including pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, and radiation oncologists) would be highly valued. Furthermore, the practice's participation in clinical trials and its commitment to patient education are also important indicators of quality.

Telemedicine adoption is rapidly changing healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, improving access to specialists and providing convenient follow-up care. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices in 15717 offer telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of use for patients. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow, particularly for lung cancer follow-up appointments or consultations with specialists located outside of Blairsville, would receive a higher score. The availability of telehealth services for mental health support is especially relevant, as a lung cancer diagnosis often has a significant emotional impact.

The availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Evaluating mental health resources involves identifying the presence of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) in the area, the availability of support groups for cancer patients and their families, and the integration of mental health services within medical practices. Practices that actively screen patients for mental health concerns, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health providers would be prioritized. The proximity and accessibility of these resources are also key considerations.

The Lung Cancer Score is not a simple numerical value but a holistic assessment based on the factors discussed. It requires a thorough investigation of the healthcare landscape in 15717. The score would be influenced by the availability of specialists, the quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health resources.

Primary care availability is closely linked to the Lung Cancer Score. Early detection of lung cancer is crucial, and primary care physicians play a vital role in screening, risk assessment, and patient education. A strong primary care system with a high physician-to-patient ratio, easy appointment access, and a commitment to preventative care would positively influence the score. Practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs, offer lung cancer screenings, and have established referral pathways to specialists are particularly important. The availability of after-hours care and urgent care facilities also contributes to the overall accessibility of primary care.

The assessment of primary care availability should also consider the socioeconomic factors of the Blairsville community. Low-income populations and those with limited access to transportation may face additional barriers to healthcare. Practices that offer financial assistance, provide transportation support, or have bilingual staff would receive additional consideration.

The Lung Cancer Score would ideally incorporate data on lung cancer incidence and mortality rates in 15717. This data, often available from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the National Cancer Institute, provides a benchmark for evaluating the effectiveness of local healthcare services. A higher incidence or mortality rate, coupled with limited access to care, would negatively impact the score.

The integration of patient feedback is also crucial. Patient satisfaction surveys, online reviews, and focus groups can provide valuable insights into the patient experience, highlighting areas of strength and weakness in the local healthcare system. This feedback can inform improvements in service delivery and ensure that healthcare providers are meeting the needs of the community.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for doctors in ZIP Code 15717 and the primary care availability in Blairsville is a complex evaluation. It necessitates a comprehensive analysis of physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The score is influenced by the quality of primary care, the socioeconomic factors of the community, and lung cancer incidence and mortality rates.

For a visual representation of this data, including maps that pinpoint healthcare providers, illustrate physician-to-patient ratios, and display the accessibility of mental health resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps.