The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15904, Johnstown, Pennsylvania is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 95.57 percent of the residents in 15904 has some form of health insurance. 36.51 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.46 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 15904 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 2,916 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15904. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,072 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,046 health care providers accessible to residents in 15904, Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 15904, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Lung Cancer Score | 65 |
---|---|
People Score | 33 |
Provider Score | 78 |
Hospital Score | 46 |
Travel Score | 57 |
15904 | Johnstown | Pennsylvania | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Johnstown, PA (ZIP Code 15904)
This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support within Johnstown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15904). The evaluation considers factors impacting access to care, physician availability, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. The ultimate goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of care for individuals facing this disease in the specified geographic area.
The foundation of this assessment lies in understanding the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Primary care serves as the initial point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms suggestive of lung cancer. The physician-to-patient ratio in Johnstown is a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. Researching the current PCP-to-patient ratio for 15904 is paramount. This data, ideally sourced from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or similar regulatory bodies, forms the bedrock of the accessibility score.
Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are practices clustered in specific areas, leaving other parts of Johnstown underserved? Geographic disparities in access need consideration. The analysis will pinpoint the locations of primary care practices within the ZIP code, identifying any "healthcare deserts" where residents face significant travel distances to access care. This spatial analysis is crucial for a complete picture of access.
The quality of primary care is equally important. The analysis will evaluate the practices’ adherence to evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening and referral. Do practices routinely screen high-risk patients using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, a critical tool for early detection? Are patients with suspicious findings promptly referred to pulmonologists or oncologists? The analysis will investigate the practices' protocols for these crucial steps.
Specialist availability, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, is a critical factor in the Lung Cancer Score. Johnstown's proximity to larger medical centers, such as those in Pittsburgh, will influence the score. The analysis will determine the number of pulmonologists and oncologists practicing within 15904 and in the surrounding areas. Travel time to these specialists, and the availability of appointments, will be factored in. The analysis will also consider the presence of comprehensive cancer centers, which offer multidisciplinary care, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
The adoption of telemedicine represents a modern approach to healthcare delivery, potentially improving access for patients in Johnstown. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments and consultations for patients living far from specialist centers. The analysis will investigate the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices and specialist providers in the area. Are virtual appointments readily available? Are patients able to access remote monitoring tools?
Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but essential component of cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. Access to mental health services, including counseling and support groups, is crucial for managing anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health providers within 15904 and the surrounding areas. Are mental health services integrated into the care provided by primary care practices and cancer specialists?
Specific practices and healthcare systems within Johnstown will be evaluated. The analysis will identify standout practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive lung cancer care. This could include practices that have implemented robust screening programs, offer convenient appointment scheduling, or provide excellent patient support services. The analysis will consider patient reviews and feedback to identify practices that are highly regarded by the community.
The availability of support services is another key factor. Does Johnstown offer support groups for lung cancer patients and their families? Are there resources for financial assistance, such as help with medication costs or transportation to appointments? The analysis will evaluate the presence and accessibility of these vital support systems.
The Lung Cancer Score for Johnstown (15904) will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weighting of each factor will be based on its relative importance in impacting patient outcomes and access to care. For instance, the availability of specialists will likely carry a higher weight than the availability of support groups, although both are crucial.
The final score will be presented as a numerical value, along with a descriptive narrative summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Johnstown. The analysis will identify areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the PCP-to-patient ratio, expanding telemedicine adoption, or enhancing mental health support services.
The analysis also will highlight the potential impact of external factors, such as changes in healthcare policy or the emergence of new treatment options. These factors can significantly influence the quality and accessibility of lung cancer care.
The Lung Cancer Score for Johnstown will be a dynamic measure, subject to change as healthcare practices evolve. Regular updates and revisions will be essential to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the assessment.
The analysis concludes with a call to action. Understanding the healthcare landscape is the first step. To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and support services, explore the power of geographic data visualization.
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