15722, Carrolltown, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15722, Carrolltown, Pennsylvania is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.47 percent of the residents in 15722 has some form of health insurance. 37.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.68 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 15722 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 501 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15722. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 477 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 123 health care providers accessible to residents in 15722, Carrolltown, Pennsylvania.

The following analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score (LCS) assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within ZIP code 15722, focusing on Carrolltown, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas. This score considers factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, early detection, and overall patient care, with particular emphasis on resource availability and accessibility. This evaluation is designed to be a snapshot of the current landscape and should not be considered a definitive endorsement or condemnation of any specific practice.

The LCS framework considers several key areas. First, the physician-to-patient ratio within the Carrolltown area is crucial. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can potentially limit access to timely appointments and preventative screenings. This analysis will consider publicly available data regarding physician counts and population demographics in the 15722 ZIP code to estimate this ratio. The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, within a reasonable travel distance is also factored in, as timely referrals are vital for effective lung cancer treatment.

Standout practices are identified based on their commitment to preventative care and patient education. This includes the proactive implementation of lung cancer screening programs, particularly for high-risk individuals (e.g., current and former smokers), as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Practices that demonstrate a strong focus on smoking cessation programs, offering counseling and pharmacological interventions, will be recognized. Additionally, the integration of patient education materials, both online and in-office, regarding lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, and screening guidelines is a key indicator of quality care.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in the LCS. The ability to offer virtual consultations and follow-up appointments can enhance access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Carrolltown, where travel distances can be a barrier. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, allowing for remote monitoring and management of chronic conditions, will receive a higher score. The availability of telehealth services for smoking cessation counseling also contributes positively to the overall assessment.

Mental health resources are another critical component of the LCS. Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging, and access to mental health support is vital for patients’ well-being. The availability of on-site or readily accessible mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, within the practices or through referral networks, is considered. Practices that actively screen for and address mental health concerns will be given a higher score. The integration of mental health professionals into the care team demonstrates a holistic approach to patient care.

The specific practices within 15722 are analyzed based on publicly available information, including practice websites, online reviews, and information from insurance providers. This analysis will consider the following: the number of physicians practicing at each location, the services offered (e.g., preventative screenings, smoking cessation programs, telemedicine), and the accessibility of care (e.g., appointment availability, insurance acceptance). It is important to note that data limitations may exist, and this analysis is not exhaustive.

The final LCS for each practice will be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of the factors described above. The weights assigned to each factor will be based on their relative importance in lung cancer prevention and care. For example, the availability of lung cancer screening programs will be weighted heavily, while the availability of online patient portals may be weighted less. The score will be presented as a numerical value, with higher scores indicating better performance.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Carrolltown, like many rural areas, is likely a challenge. While precise figures require detailed data analysis, the limited population density and potential for physician shortages necessitate careful attention to access to care. This impacts the timeliness of appointments and the ability to receive preventative screenings promptly.

Standout practices in the area are those that proactively implement USPSTF recommendations for lung cancer screening. This involves identifying and reaching out to high-risk patients, such as current and former smokers, and offering low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans. Practices that also provide comprehensive smoking cessation programs, including counseling and medication, are essential.

Telemedicine adoption in Carrolltown is a critical factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations and follow-up appointments can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who live in remote areas. Practices that have embraced telehealth platforms, allowing for remote monitoring and management of chronic conditions, will receive a higher score.

Mental health resources are also essential. The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can be emotionally challenging, and access to mental health support is vital for patients’ well-being. Practices that actively screen for and address mental health concerns will be given a higher score.

The overall LCS for practices in 15722 will be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of the factors described above. The weights assigned to each factor will be based on their relative importance in lung cancer prevention and care. For example, the availability of lung cancer screening programs will be weighted heavily, while the availability of online patient portals may be weighted less.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Carrolltown and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, service offerings, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a visual representation of healthcare data, allowing you to identify the best options for your individual needs.