15759, Marion Center, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15759, Marion Center, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.72 percent of the residents in 15759 has some form of health insurance. 40.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.07 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 15759 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 658 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15759. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 533 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 376 health care providers accessible to residents in 15759, Marion Center, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score: Marion Center, PA (ZIP Code 15759) – An Analysis

This analysis delves into the availability of resources and the overall healthcare landscape within Marion Center, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15759), focusing specifically on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering the critical elements of primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all within the context of this rural community.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer strategy lies in early detection and consistent primary care. In Marion Center, the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a crucial factor. The "Lung Cancer Score" begins with an assessment of the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Data on the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 15759 is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from healthcare provider directories, is necessary to establish this baseline. A lower ratio would negatively impact the score, while a favorable ratio would boost it.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care practices are vital. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? Do they have a strong track record of preventative care, including regular screenings for lung cancer risk factors, such as smoking history? The "Lung Cancer Score" will consider the presence of these elements. Practices that actively promote preventative care and provide patient education will receive higher marks. Conversely, practices with limited availability or a lack of focus on preventative measures will negatively impact the score.

The analysis also considers the presence of standout practices within the community or nearby. These practices, often characterized by innovative approaches or specialized services, can significantly influence the overall quality of care. For example, a practice with a dedicated pulmonologist or a strong relationship with a cancer center would positively impact the score. The presence of a clinic offering low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screenings, a crucial tool for early lung cancer detection, would be a significant asset and boost the score considerably.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for expanding access to healthcare, especially in rural areas. The "Lung Cancer Score" will evaluate the adoption of telemedicine services by primary care practices and specialists in and around Marion Center. Does the community have access to telehealth consultations for initial assessments, follow-up appointments, or specialist referrals? The ability to connect with specialists remotely can be particularly beneficial for lung cancer patients, who may require consultations with oncologists, pulmonologists, and other healthcare professionals. Practices that offer telemedicine options will receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and access.

Mental health support is a critical, often overlooked, aspect of cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The "Lung Cancer Score" will assess the availability of mental health resources within the community. This includes the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, who specialize in oncology or have experience working with cancer patients. The availability of support groups, counseling services, and access to mental health medication are all crucial components. A community with robust mental health resources will receive a higher score, reflecting its commitment to providing comprehensive patient care. The absence of these resources will significantly diminish the score.

Beyond the immediate healthcare landscape, the "Lung Cancer Score" will consider the broader community environment. Does the community have resources to support smoking cessation programs? Are there public health initiatives aimed at raising awareness about lung cancer risks and prevention? The availability of these resources can positively influence the score, indicating a community-wide commitment to improving lung health. Conversely, a lack of community support will negatively impact the score.

To arrive at a final "Lung Cancer Score," a weighted scoring system will be employed. Each of the factors discussed above – physician-to-patient ratio, primary care quality, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and community support – will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The scores for each factor will be combined to generate an overall score, providing a comprehensive assessment of the lung cancer care landscape in Marion Center.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is intended to be a dynamic metric. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatments, and resources emerging. The score should be regularly updated to reflect these changes. Furthermore, the score should be used as a tool for improvement. By identifying areas where the community excels and areas where it needs improvement, the score can help guide efforts to enhance the quality of lung cancer care in Marion Center.

The specific data points needed to accurately calculate the "Lung Cancer Score" require diligent research. This includes accessing public health records, contacting local healthcare providers, and gathering information from community organizations. The final score will be a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and community leaders, providing a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the lung cancer care ecosystem in Marion Center, PA.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Marion Center, including physician locations, hospital access, and resource availability, explore the CartoChrome maps.