15736, Elderton, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15736, Elderton, Pennsylvania is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.11 percent of the residents in 15736 has some form of health insurance. 51.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.82 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 15736 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 43 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15736. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 115 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,391 health care providers accessible to residents in 15736, Elderton, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Elderton, PA (ZIP Code 15736)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians and healthcare resources available in Elderton, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15736), focusing on factors relevant to early detection, diagnosis, and support for individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer. The goal is to evaluate the accessibility and quality of care, considering physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources.

The foundation of a strong Lung Cancer Score begins with robust primary care access. In Elderton, the availability of primary care physicians is a crucial factor. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is essential. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to easier access for appointments, screenings, and follow-up care. Data from various sources, including the Pennsylvania Department of Health and national databases, should be consulted to determine the current physician-to-patient ratio within the 15736 ZIP code. This data point serves as a baseline for evaluating the overall accessibility of primary care services.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. The analysis should identify standout practices within Elderton and the surrounding areas that serve the 15736 ZIP code. These practices should be evaluated based on several criteria. Firstly, the adoption of evidence-based screening protocols for lung cancer is critical. This includes the proactive use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients, particularly those with a history of smoking or other risk factors. Secondly, the practices' commitment to patient education and preventative care should be assessed. This involves providing information about risk factors, smoking cessation programs, and the importance of early detection.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding healthcare access, especially in rural areas like Elderton. The analysis should investigate the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care physicians in the area. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring services, and the use of telehealth platforms for follow-up appointments and patient education. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care for patients who may face geographical barriers or transportation challenges. Furthermore, it can facilitate communication between patients and specialists, leading to more efficient and coordinated care.

The emotional and psychological toll of a lung cancer diagnosis can be significant. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources is a crucial component of a comprehensive Lung Cancer Score. The analysis should examine the availability of mental health services within Elderton and the surrounding areas. This includes assessing the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and support groups. It is essential to evaluate whether primary care practices are actively screening for mental health issues and referring patients to appropriate resources. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is vital to ensure that patients receive the holistic care they need.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the availability of specialized care, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, within a reasonable distance of Elderton. Lung cancer treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving specialists in various fields. The proximity and accessibility of these specialists are critical factors in determining the overall quality of care. The analysis should assess the referral pathways between primary care physicians and specialists, ensuring that patients have timely access to the necessary expertise.

Another crucial aspect of the Lung Cancer Score is the integration of patient support services. This includes access to smoking cessation programs, financial assistance resources, and support groups for patients and their families. The analysis should investigate the availability of these services within the Elderton community and assess the extent to which primary care practices are promoting and facilitating access to them.

The analysis should also consider the availability of diagnostic imaging services, such as CT scanners, within the Elderton area. Timely access to diagnostic imaging is essential for early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer. The analysis should assess the waiting times for imaging appointments and the availability of advanced imaging technologies.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Elderton will be determined by weighting the various factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of evidence-based screening protocols, the integration of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, the proximity of specialists, and the availability of patient support services will all be considered. The score will reflect the overall accessibility and quality of care for individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer in the 15736 ZIP code.

The analysis should also consider the demographic characteristics of the population served by the primary care practices in Elderton. Factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and smoking prevalence can influence the risk of lung cancer and the need for healthcare services. The analysis should take these factors into account when evaluating the Lung Cancer Score.

Finally, the analysis should provide specific recommendations for improving the Lung Cancer Score in Elderton. This may include suggestions for increasing physician availability, expanding telemedicine services, integrating mental health resources, and promoting patient education and support services. The goal is to identify areas for improvement and to provide actionable insights for healthcare providers and community stakeholders.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Elderton, including physician locations, primary care availability, and resource locations, consider exploring the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps can provide valuable insights into the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and help to identify areas where access to care may be limited.