15748, Homer City, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15748, Homer City, Pennsylvania is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.14 percent of the residents in 15748 has some form of health insurance. 42.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.88 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 15748 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,373 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15748. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,361 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,528 health care providers accessible to residents in 15748, Homer City, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Homer City, PA (ZIP Code 15748)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) and the overall healthcare landscape within Homer City, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15748). The goal is to evaluate the accessibility, quality, and resources available for lung cancer prevention, early detection, and patient support within this specific geographic area. The analysis considers various factors, including physician availability, technological adoption, and mental health support, all crucial elements in navigating the complexities of lung cancer.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on a strong primary care network. In Homer City, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. An inadequate ratio can lead to delayed diagnoses, missed opportunities for preventative screenings, and reduced access to ongoing care. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio within the 15748 ZIP code is essential. This involves analyzing the number of practicing PCPs, including internal medicine specialists, family practitioners, and general practitioners, against the total population of Homer City. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau can be utilized. A low ratio could indicate a shortage of primary care providers, potentially hindering timely access to care.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. Evaluating practices requires examining several key indicators. First, the availability of preventative screenings, particularly low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals, is critical. This requires identifying practices that offer these services or readily refer patients to facilities that do. Second, the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and management is crucial. Practices should adhere to guidelines established by organizations like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This involves assessing if practices proactively identify and counsel patients at high risk for lung cancer, based on factors like smoking history and age.

Identifying standout practices within Homer City is also vital. This involves looking for practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, including comprehensive screening programs, robust patient education, and efficient referral processes. These practices often prioritize patient communication, ensuring patients understand their risks, screening options, and treatment pathways. Assessing patient reviews and feedback, where available, can provide valuable insights into patient experiences.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor in the Lung Cancer Score. The ability to access care remotely, particularly for follow-up appointments, consultations, and patient education, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in geographically isolated areas. Evaluating the extent to which practices in Homer City utilize telemedicine platforms, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, is crucial. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce the burden on patients and the healthcare system.

The emotional and psychological toll of a lung cancer diagnosis is substantial. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an essential component of a comprehensive Lung Cancer Score. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the 15748 ZIP code is crucial. This involves identifying practices that offer on-site mental health services or readily refer patients to mental health providers. Furthermore, evaluating the availability of support groups, counseling services, and other resources that address the emotional and psychological needs of lung cancer patients and their families is necessary.

In addition to the core factors, other considerations can influence the Lung Cancer Score. These include the availability of smoking cessation programs, access to specialized cancer care facilities, and the overall health of the community. Access to smoking cessation programs, whether offered by primary care practices or through community resources, is essential for preventing lung cancer. The presence of nearby cancer centers or hospitals with specialized lung cancer care teams, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists, is also a positive indicator. Furthermore, the overall health of the community, including factors like air quality and socioeconomic status, can influence lung cancer risk and outcomes.

To calculate a comprehensive Lung Cancer Score, a weighted approach is recommended. Each factor, such as physician-to-patient ratio, preventative screening availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, should be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The score for each factor can then be determined based on the specific data collected. For example, a practice with readily available LDCT scans and a strong patient education program would receive a higher score for preventative screening availability. The overall Lung Cancer Score would be the sum of the weighted scores for each factor.

The analysis of the healthcare landscape in Homer City, PA (15748) reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the system. By analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, the availability of preventative services, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, a comprehensive Lung Cancer Score can be calculated. This score provides a valuable assessment of the accessibility and quality of lung cancer care in the area.

Understanding the spatial distribution of these resources is also critical. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful way to visualize the data. By mapping the location of primary care practices, cancer centers, and mental health providers, along with demographic data, CartoChrome maps can reveal patterns and disparities in access to care. This visual representation can help identify areas where resources are lacking and guide efforts to improve lung cancer care in Homer City.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Homer City, PA (15748), and to visualize the data using powerful mapping tools, explore the possibilities with CartoChrome maps.