15744, Hamilton, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15744, Hamilton, Pennsylvania is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15744 has some form of health insurance. 36.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.78 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 15744 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15744. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 440 health care providers accessible to residents in 15744, Hamilton, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Hamilton, PA (ZIP Code 15744)

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of healthcare resources within ZIP code 15744, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment. We will assess primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. This information will provide a preliminary “Lung Cancer Score” assessment, offering insights into the healthcare landscape for residents of Hamilton, Pennsylvania.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and high-quality primary care. Early detection is crucial, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients exhibiting symptoms or those at high risk due to smoking history or other factors. Assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of PCPs practicing within the 15744 ZIP code and the surrounding areas, considering the population size to determine the physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio, indicating more PCPs per capita, generally suggests better access to care. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and other sources, such as the U.S. Census Bureau, will be examined to estimate these ratios. Furthermore, the analysis will investigate the types of primary care practices available, including family medicine, internal medicine, and general practice, as well as the acceptance of new patients.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is critical. This involves evaluating the practices' adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, such as those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This includes assessing the availability of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients, the implementation of smoking cessation programs, and the documentation of patient risk factors. We will investigate the use of electronic health records (EHRs), which facilitate information sharing and coordination of care. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively and participate in quality improvement initiatives are generally better equipped to provide comprehensive care.

Identifying "standout practices" involves recognizing those that demonstrate exceptional performance in lung cancer-related care. This may include practices with a high rate of LDCT screening for eligible patients, those with robust smoking cessation programs, or those that actively participate in clinical trials. Researching online patient reviews, examining practice websites, and consulting with local healthcare professionals will help identify these practices. The presence of multidisciplinary teams, including PCPs, pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists, is also an important factor.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to care by allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving convenience. The analysis will investigate the availability of telemedicine services offered by practices within the 15744 ZIP code, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflows are likely to provide more accessible and convenient care.

The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be significant. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources is crucial. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services within the community, including access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. We will investigate whether primary care practices offer on-site mental health services or have established referral networks with mental health professionals. The presence of support groups and other resources for cancer patients and their families is also an important consideration.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare accessibility. A shortage of physicians can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnosis. This analysis will attempt to calculate the physician-to-patient ratio for PCPs, pulmonologists, and oncologists within the 15744 ZIP code and surrounding areas. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of State, the American Medical Association, and other sources will be used to estimate these ratios. A lower ratio for specialists, in particular, can indicate potential bottlenecks in the diagnostic and treatment pathways.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" will be a qualitative assessment based on the factors discussed above. It will not be a precise numerical score but rather a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare resources available to residents of Hamilton. This score will consider the availability of primary care, the quality of care provided, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The score will provide a general indication of the community's preparedness to address lung cancer.

This analysis is a preliminary assessment and is limited by the availability of publicly accessible data. A more comprehensive evaluation would involve direct interviews with healthcare providers, patient surveys, and a deeper dive into practice-specific data. However, this analysis provides a valuable starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape in Hamilton, PA, and its implications for lung cancer care.

The findings of this analysis will be used to inform recommendations for improving lung cancer care in the community. These recommendations may include strategies for increasing access to primary care, promoting early detection through LDCT screening, improving the integration of mental health services, and encouraging the adoption of telemedicine.

For a visual representation of healthcare resources in the 15744 ZIP code and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive maps that can help you visualize the healthcare landscape and identify areas of need.