15909, Johnstown, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15909, Johnstown, Pennsylvania is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.37 percent of the residents in 15909 has some form of health insurance. 45.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.62 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 15909 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 938 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15909. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,131 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,090 health care providers accessible to residents in 15909, Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Johnstown, PA (ZIP Code 15909)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for physicians practicing within ZIP code 15909, encompassing Johnstown, Pennsylvania, while also evaluating primary care accessibility within the broader Johnstown area. The goal is to gauge the region's preparedness to address lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. This assessment considers various factors, including physician availability, technological integration, and ancillary services crucial for comprehensive cancer care.

The foundation of a strong lung cancer response lies in accessible primary care. Johnstown's primary care landscape is complex. While the city boasts a regional medical center, the distribution of primary care physicians (PCPs) across the area is uneven. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator. Areas with higher ratios (fewer physicians per capita) face potential challenges in timely access to appointments, crucial for early screening and diagnosis. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with local surveys, is needed to determine the precise PCP-to-patient ratio within 15909 and the surrounding areas. This data will inform the initial score.

The quality of primary care directly impacts lung cancer outcomes. A proactive PCP is essential for promoting screening, particularly for individuals at high risk due to smoking history or family predisposition. The Lung Cancer Score will evaluate the prevalence of practices that actively encourage and facilitate lung cancer screening. This includes assessing the availability of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, the recommended screening method for high-risk individuals, and the ease with which patients can be referred for these scans. The score will also reflect the degree to which PCPs are utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient risk factors and manage screening protocols.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to specialists, particularly pulmonologists and oncologists, who may be geographically limited in a region like Johnstown. The Lung Cancer Score will assess the extent to which physicians in 15909 are using telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education. The availability of telehealth platforms that are user-friendly and accessible to patients, especially those with limited technological literacy or transportation challenges, will be factored into the scoring.

Mental health resources are a frequently overlooked but vital component of cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally taxing, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The Lung Cancer Score will evaluate the availability of mental health services within the medical practices and the broader community. This includes assessing the presence of on-site counselors or therapists, partnerships with mental health providers, and referrals to support groups. The integration of mental health screening into routine care will also be considered.

Standout practices within 15909 will be identified and highlighted. These practices will be those demonstrating a strong commitment to comprehensive lung cancer care. This includes practices with a high rate of LDCT screening, robust telemedicine capabilities, integrated mental health services, and a patient-centered approach to care. These practices will serve as benchmarks for other providers in the region. Specific examples will be sought through local surveys and public data.

The score will also consider the availability of specialized lung cancer treatment options within Johnstown. While the region may not have all the resources of a major metropolitan area, the presence of oncologists, radiation oncologists, and access to chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments is essential. The Lung Cancer Score will assess the proximity of these services to patients within 15909 and the efficiency of the referral process. The score will also evaluate the availability of clinical trials, which can provide access to cutting-edge treatments.

The overall Lung Cancer Score will be a composite of these factors. Each element, from physician-to-patient ratios to mental health support, will be weighted based on its impact on patient outcomes. The score will provide a snapshot of the region's preparedness to address lung cancer. It will also identify areas for improvement, such as increasing primary care access, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and strengthening mental health support services. This information will be invaluable for healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients seeking to navigate the complexities of lung cancer care in Johnstown.

The final score will be presented on a scale, with a clear explanation of the methodology and the meaning of the score. This will allow for easy interpretation and comparison. The score will be updated periodically to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

To gain a deeper understanding of the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and patient demographics within Johnstown and the surrounding areas, consider exploring the power of interactive mapping. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic way to visualize this data, revealing patterns and insights that are difficult to discern from static reports.