15730, Coolspring, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15730, Coolspring, Pennsylvania is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.70 percent of the residents in 15730 has some form of health insurance. 34.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.56 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 15730 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 52 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15730. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 13 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 251 health care providers accessible to residents in 15730, Coolspring, Pennsylvania.

The following analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for physicians within the 15730 ZIP code, focusing on primary care availability in Coolspring, Pennsylvania. This score considers factors relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support, offering insights into the local healthcare landscape. The analysis is designed to be informative, not exhaustive, and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.

The core of lung cancer care begins with accessible and effective primary care. Coolspring, a small community within the 15730 ZIP code, requires a careful evaluation of its primary care physician (PCP) availability. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per patient, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced opportunities for preventative care, including lung cancer screenings. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater access to care. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and local hospital systems, such as Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC), should be examined to determine the current PCP-to-patient ratio in Coolspring.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. The Lung Cancer Score considers the adoption of evidence-based practices. This includes the proactive use of lung cancer screening guidelines, particularly for individuals at high risk (smokers, former smokers, and those with a family history). Practices that actively implement these screenings, utilizing low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, score higher. This requires a review of patient records, if available, and interviews with local physicians to gauge the frequency of these screenings and their adherence to national guidelines from organizations like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

Another critical factor is the speed and accuracy of diagnosis. A high-quality primary care practice will have established referral pathways to pulmonologists and oncologists. The Lung Cancer Score evaluates the efficiency of these referral processes. This includes the time it takes to schedule a specialist appointment, the communication protocols between PCPs and specialists, and the availability of diagnostic tools like bronchoscopy and biopsy within a reasonable distance. Close proximity to IRMC, which likely offers these services, is a positive factor, but the speed of access is key.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important. It can enhance access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Coolspring. The Lung Cancer Score assesses the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations in certain cases. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and potentially improve access for those with mobility issues or transportation challenges. This requires an examination of practice websites and patient surveys to gauge telemedicine availability and patient satisfaction.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The Lung Cancer Score evaluates the availability of mental health support within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referrals. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Ideally, practices will have integrated mental health services or established partnerships with local mental health providers.

Standout practices within the 15730 ZIP code deserve recognition. These practices demonstrate a commitment to excellence in lung cancer care, exceeding the baseline standards. This involves identifying practices that score highly across multiple categories, including physician-to-patient ratios, screening rates, referral efficiency, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. These practices often serve as models for others to emulate. Identifying these practices requires a combination of data analysis, patient feedback, and peer reviews.

The Lung Cancer Score also considers the broader healthcare infrastructure. This includes the availability of specialized cancer treatment centers, radiation therapy facilities, and palliative care services within a reasonable distance. Proximity to IRMC is again a significant factor, as it likely offers these services. The score evaluates the accessibility of these resources, considering factors like travel time, insurance coverage, and patient satisfaction.

Furthermore, the score considers the availability of patient education and support programs. Lung cancer patients and their families benefit from access to educational materials, support groups, and resources that help them navigate the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Practices that actively provide or promote these resources score higher. This requires an examination of practice websites, patient brochures, and community outreach efforts.

Analyzing the availability of palliative care services is also important. Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses like lung cancer. This includes managing pain and other symptoms, providing emotional support, and assisting with advance care planning. The Lung Cancer Score evaluates the availability of palliative care services within the local healthcare system. This involves assessing the presence of palliative care specialists, the integration of palliative care into the treatment plan, and the patient's access to these services.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for doctors in the 15730 ZIP code and primary care availability in Coolspring is determined by a complex interplay of factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of evidence-based practices, the efficiency of referral pathways, the embrace of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the overall healthcare infrastructure all contribute to the score. While this analysis provides a general overview, it is essential to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in the 15730 ZIP code, including the location of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a valuable visual tool for understanding the distribution of healthcare services and identifying areas with potential access challenges.