15734, Dixonville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15734, Dixonville, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15734 has some form of health insurance. 67.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.99 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 15734 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 155 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15734. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 61 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,462 health care providers accessible to residents in 15734, Dixonville, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Dixonville, PA (ZIP Code 15734)

Dixonville, Pennsylvania, nestled within the 15734 ZIP code, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access, particularly concerning lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This analysis aims to assess the availability and quality of primary care services, a critical component in early detection and management of this disease, within the community. We will evaluate factors such as 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 providing a "Lung Cancer Score" perspective. This score will be an inferred assessment based on the available data, providing a general understanding of the healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of any robust lung cancer care system lies in accessible and quality primary care. Early detection through screening, risk assessment, and timely referrals are crucial for improving patient outcomes. A low physician-to-patient ratio can significantly hinder this process. While specific data on physician counts within the 15734 ZIP code is not readily available, we can infer based on regional trends. Rural areas often face challenges in attracting and retaining physicians, leading to potentially higher patient-to-physician ratios compared to more urban centers. This scarcity can translate into longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and, ultimately, delayed diagnosis of lung cancer.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate excellence in patient care, particularly in areas relevant to lung cancer. These practices may have implemented advanced screening protocols, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals, as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). They might also have established strong referral networks with pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists. Furthermore, practices that prioritize patient education and provide resources on smoking cessation and healthy lifestyle choices contribute significantly to lung cancer prevention. Identifying these standout practices requires a deeper dive into individual practice profiles, which is challenging without specific data.

Telemedicine offers a potential solution to the challenges of geographic isolation and physician shortages. The adoption of telemedicine within Dixonville's primary care practices can significantly improve access to care. Virtual consultations can facilitate initial assessments, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients, especially those with chronic conditions or those living in remote areas. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine depends on several factors, including the availability of reliable internet access, patient comfort with technology, and the integration of telemedicine platforms into existing workflows. The level of telemedicine adoption in 15734 requires a thorough assessment of individual practices and their technological infrastructure.

The emotional and psychological toll of a lung cancer diagnosis is substantial. Mental health resources are therefore an essential component of comprehensive cancer care. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, can help patients cope with anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges associated with the disease and its treatment. Integration of mental health services within primary care practices, or readily available referral pathways to mental health specialists, can significantly improve patient well-being and adherence to treatment plans. The availability of such resources in Dixonville requires a detailed examination of the healthcare infrastructure and the presence of mental health providers.

The Lung Cancer Score for Dixonville, PA (15734) is difficult to quantify precisely without granular data. However, based on general knowledge of rural healthcare challenges, we can infer a score that likely reflects areas for improvement. The score would likely be negatively impacted by potentially higher physician-to-patient ratios, the need for increased telemedicine adoption, and the importance of improved mental health resource access. The score would be positively influenced by the presence of practices that are proactive in screening, patient education, and establishing strong referral networks.

The overall assessment suggests that while primary care services are available in Dixonville, there is likely room for improvement in terms of accessibility, quality, and integration of supportive services. Addressing these gaps is crucial for improving lung cancer outcomes within the community. This requires a concerted effort from healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations to improve the healthcare landscape.

Further research is needed to provide a more precise and actionable analysis. This research should include a detailed assessment of physician availability, practice profiles, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources. This would provide a more accurate Lung Cancer Score.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Dixonville and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice specializations, and access to healthcare facilities, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps provide a visual representation of geographic data, which can be invaluable for identifying healthcare access challenges and opportunities.