15856, Rockton, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15856, Rockton, Pennsylvania is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.71 percent of the residents in 15856 has some form of health insurance. 47.27 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.53 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 15856 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 127 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15856. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 205 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 242 health care providers accessible to residents in 15856, Rockton, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Rockton, PA (ZIP Code 15856)**

This analysis delves into the healthcare landscape of Rockton, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15856), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. We will evaluate primary care physician availability, assess the quality of care, and examine resources crucial for navigating this challenging disease. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment within this specific geographic area.

**Primary Care Physician Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer care lies in early detection, which is often facilitated by accessible primary care physicians (PCPs). Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio in Rockton is therefore critical. While precise, real-time data on physician distribution can fluctuate, publicly available resources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards provide valuable insights. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a higher concentration of physicians per capita, generally suggests better access to care. Conversely, a high ratio may signal potential challenges in securing timely appointments and comprehensive preventative services, including lung cancer screenings.

Data should be gathered from these sources to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio in the area. This data is crucial for understanding the general accessibility of primary care. Furthermore, we need to consider the age distribution of the population in Rockton, as older demographics are at higher risk of lung cancer and require more frequent medical attention.

**Assessing the Quality of Care and Standout Practices**

Beyond mere availability, the quality of care provided by local physicians is paramount. This includes factors such as the experience of the physicians, their adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and treatment, and their ability to effectively communicate with patients.

Identifying standout practices requires a multi-faceted approach. Online patient reviews, while often subjective, can provide valuable insights into patient experiences. Accreditation by organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) can also indicate a commitment to quality and patient-centered care. Examining the types of services offered, such as smoking cessation programs, is also essential.

In addition, we must investigate the presence of specialized services within or near Rockton. The availability of pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons is crucial for comprehensive lung cancer care. Proximity to major medical centers with advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities is a significant advantage.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Rockton. Examining the adoption rate of telemedicine among local physicians is essential. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and access to specialists who may not be readily available in the immediate area.

The ability to conduct virtual follow-up appointments, discuss test results, and receive support from the comfort of one’s home can significantly improve patient convenience and adherence to treatment plans. Assessing the technological infrastructure available to support telemedicine, such as reliable internet access, is also crucial.

**Mental Health Resources and Patient Support**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources is therefore an integral part of comprehensive care.

Evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, in the Rockton area is vital. The presence of support groups specifically for lung cancer patients and their families is also a significant indicator of a supportive healthcare environment. These groups provide a platform for sharing experiences, coping strategies, and emotional support.

Additionally, the availability of social work services, which can assist patients with navigating the complexities of insurance, financial assistance, and other practical needs, is crucial. Assessing whether local practices offer integrated behavioral health services, where mental health professionals are embedded within the primary care setting, is also important.

**Specific Considerations for Rockton**

Given the rural nature of Rockton, transportation can be a significant barrier to accessing healthcare. The availability of transportation assistance programs for medical appointments is a factor to consider. The presence of community health centers or other organizations that provide transportation services can improve access to care for patients who may not have their own means of transportation.

Furthermore, the socioeconomic factors of the community should be examined. Patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may face additional challenges in accessing healthcare, such as lack of health insurance or limited financial resources. Identifying programs that provide financial assistance or free or low-cost care can help to mitigate these disparities.

**Conclusion: A Comprehensive Score and the Power of Mapping**

A comprehensive Lung Cancer Score for Rockton, PA (ZIP code 15856) would integrate all the factors discussed above. The score would reflect the accessibility of primary care, the quality of care provided by local physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of patient support services.

This score would provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare environment for lung cancer patients in this specific area. However, the true power of this data lies in its visualization.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Rockton, PA (ZIP code 15856) and surrounding areas, including physician locations, resource availability, and patient demographics, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can transform complex data into actionable insights, empowering individuals and healthcare providers to make informed decisions and improve patient outcomes.