15728, Clymer, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15728, Clymer, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.02 percent of the residents in 15728 has some form of health insurance. 51.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.09 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 15728 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,113 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15728. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 586 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,416 health care providers accessible to residents in 15728, Clymer, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Clymer, PA (ZIP Code 15728)

This analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 15728 (Clymer, Pennsylvania), focusing on factors crucial for lung cancer detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being. The analysis considers physician availability, resource accessibility, and the integration of innovative healthcare practices. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement within the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on early detection. This is heavily influenced by the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) who can identify at-risk patients and facilitate necessary screenings. In Clymer, the primary care landscape is a critical element. The analysis begins by evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio within the specified ZIP code. This ratio provides a baseline understanding of the accessibility of PCPs. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians relative to the population, can significantly hinder timely access to care, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and relevant healthcare databases will be analyzed to determine the current physician-to-patient ratio within 15728.

Beyond raw numbers, the analysis examines the distribution of PCPs within Clymer. Are physicians concentrated in specific areas, creating healthcare deserts for certain segments of the population? Are there any underserved populations, such as the elderly or those with limited transportation options, who face additional barriers to accessing care? This geographic analysis is crucial to understanding the true accessibility of primary care services.

The quality of primary care is also paramount. This involves assessing the availability of comprehensive services, including preventive care, chronic disease management, and mental health support. The analysis will investigate whether local PCPs offer lung cancer screening services, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, for eligible patients. The presence of dedicated smoking cessation programs, which are critical for preventing lung cancer, will also be assessed.

A key component of the analysis is the identification of standout practices within the Clymer area. This involves recognizing practices that demonstrate excellence in patient care, particularly in the context of lung cancer prevention and management. This could include practices with a strong track record of early detection, patient education, and effective communication. The analysis will consider patient reviews, physician ratings, and the adoption of best practices in lung cancer screening and treatment.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers the potential to expand access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Clymer. The analysis will evaluate the extent to which local PCPs utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients who face transportation challenges or have mobility limitations.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but crucial aspect of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services within Clymer, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices is a particularly important factor, as it can facilitate early identification and treatment of mental health issues.

The analysis will also explore the availability of specialized care, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, within a reasonable distance of Clymer. While primary care physicians play a critical role in early detection and referral, access to specialized care is essential for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of lung cancer. The analysis will consider the travel time and accessibility of specialized care providers.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be a composite metric, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of lung cancer-related healthcare services within 15728. The score will be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above, including physician-to-patient ratios, the availability of screening services, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and the accessibility of specialized care. The score will provide a clear and concise assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The analysis will also consider the socioeconomic factors that can influence lung cancer outcomes. These factors include income levels, education levels, and access to health insurance. Disparities in these areas can exacerbate health inequities and impact a patient's ability to access timely and effective care.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" will be presented with a clear explanation of the methodology used and the factors considered. The score will be accompanied by specific recommendations for improvement, focusing on areas where the local healthcare ecosystem can be strengthened. These recommendations may include suggestions for increasing the number of PCPs, expanding access to screening services, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, and improving the integration of mental health services.

The analysis will also identify potential partnerships and collaborations that could enhance lung cancer care in Clymer. This could include collaborations between primary care practices, hospitals, and community organizations. The goal is to create a more coordinated and patient-centered approach to lung cancer prevention and management.

The analysis is not merely a static assessment; it is a dynamic tool that can be used to track progress over time. By regularly updating the "Lung Cancer Score," healthcare providers and policymakers can monitor the effectiveness of their efforts and make adjustments as needed.

This comprehensive analysis is designed to empower patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers in Clymer to make informed decisions and work together to improve lung cancer outcomes. The ultimate goal is to create a healthcare environment where all residents have access to the resources and support they need to prevent, detect, and effectively manage lung cancer.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Clymer, including physician locations, access to services, and demographic data, we encourage you to explore the power of geospatial analysis.
**Click here to explore the healthcare landscape in Clymer with CartoChrome maps and gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing lung cancer care.**