15824, Brockway, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15824, Brockway, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.62 percent of the residents in 15824 has some form of health insurance. 41.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.73 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 15824 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,112 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15824. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,110 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,700 health care providers accessible to residents in 15824, Brockway, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Brockway, PA (ZIP Code 15824)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of lung cancer-related healthcare resources and accessibility within Brockway, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15824), focusing on primary care availability and the quality of care provided by local physicians. The goal is to assess the overall "Lung Cancer Score" for the area, considering factors that impact early detection, treatment, and patient well-being.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management lies in accessible and quality primary care. Early detection through regular screenings, facilitated by a strong primary care infrastructure, is critical for improving patient outcomes. In Brockway, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a key determinant of the Lung Cancer Score. Physician-to-patient ratios are a primary indicator. A high ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility and improved opportunities for preventative care. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with information from insurance providers, allows for a preliminary assessment of the physician-to-patient ratio within the 15824 ZIP code. This ratio forms a core element of the Lung Cancer Score, directly impacting the "access" component.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. The Lung Cancer Score also evaluates the practices of local physicians. This includes factors like the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient patient management, and the provision of patient education materials. Practices that actively promote and facilitate lung cancer screening, particularly for high-risk individuals (e.g., current or former smokers), receive higher scores. The presence of dedicated screening programs, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, and the availability of smoking cessation resources within the practice are also considered. These factors contribute to the "quality of care" component of the overall score.

Another critical aspect of the Lung Cancer Score is the adoption of telemedicine. Telemedicine offers significant advantages in rural areas like Brockway, where geographical barriers can hinder access to healthcare. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, provide remote monitoring, and offer follow-up care via telehealth can improve patient convenience and reduce the burden of travel. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly for follow-up appointments and chronic disease management, receive higher scores. The availability of telehealth services for lung cancer-related consultations, such as discussing screening results or providing support for patients undergoing treatment, is a valuable asset.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but essential element of cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The Lung Cancer Score considers the availability of mental health resources within the local healthcare system. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, who can provide counseling, therapy, and medication management. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists receive higher scores. The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, also contributes positively to the score.

Specific examples of practices within the 15824 ZIP code are evaluated based on the criteria outlined above. While specific practice names are withheld for privacy reasons, the analysis would identify standout practices based on their commitment to lung cancer screening, their adoption of telemedicine, and their integration of mental health services. Practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to patient care, utilizing evidence-based guidelines and providing comprehensive support services, would receive the highest ratings. Conversely, practices that lag in these areas would be identified as areas for improvement.

The analysis also assesses the availability of specialized care, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, within a reasonable distance of Brockway. While primary care is the cornerstone, access to specialists is crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of lung cancer. The proximity of specialists, the ease of referral processes, and the coordination of care between primary care physicians and specialists are all considered. The availability of advanced treatment options, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, within the region is also a factor.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Brockway is a composite metric that reflects the combined impact of all these factors. It provides a snapshot of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the context of lung cancer care. The score is dynamic, reflecting changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the evolution of healthcare practices. Regular updates are necessary to maintain the accuracy and relevance of the score.

The analysis also considers the demographic characteristics of the population within the 15824 ZIP code, including age, smoking history, and socioeconomic status. These factors can influence the risk of lung cancer and the need for healthcare services. The Lung Cancer Score takes these demographic factors into account to provide a more nuanced assessment of the healthcare landscape. For instance, areas with a higher prevalence of smokers may require a greater emphasis on screening programs and smoking cessation resources.

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the healthcare environment in Brockway and its impact on lung cancer care. It serves as a starting point for individuals seeking healthcare services, as well as for healthcare providers and policymakers interested in improving the quality and accessibility of care. By identifying areas of strength and weakness, the analysis can inform efforts to enhance lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment within the community.

To visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, specialist availability, and the location of screening facilities, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that allow users to explore the healthcare landscape in detail, making it easier to identify the most accessible and appropriate healthcare options.