15922, Belsano, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15922, Belsano, Pennsylvania is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15922 has some form of health insurance. 93.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 22.32 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 15922 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 38 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15922. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 20 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,303 health care providers accessible to residents in 15922, Belsano, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score: An Analysis of Primary Care in Belsano, PA (ZIP Code 15922)

Evaluating the preparedness of a community to confront a disease like lung cancer necessitates a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on the primary care landscape within the Belsano, Pennsylvania area (ZIP code 15922), assessing factors critical to early detection, treatment access, and overall patient well-being. We’ll examine physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, culminating in a Lung Cancer Score assessment.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer strategy rests on robust primary care. Early detection, through screening and prompt referral, significantly improves patient outcomes. Therefore, the density of primary care physicians (PCPs) in relation to the population is a crucial indicator. Accurate physician-to-patient ratios are difficult to pinpoint with absolute precision due to data limitations and the dynamic nature of healthcare provider distribution. However, estimates suggest a potential challenge in Belsano. A relatively low density of PCPs, potentially exacerbated by an aging population and a possible trend of physicians leaving rural areas for more urban settings, could strain resources. This scarcity could lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses.

Within the 15922 ZIP code, identifying standout practices is essential. While specific practice names are difficult to ascertain without direct access to proprietary healthcare databases, the presence of larger, multi-specialty groups often indicates a greater capacity for comprehensive care. These groups frequently have the infrastructure to support advanced diagnostic equipment, such as low-dose CT scanners for lung cancer screening, and streamlined referral pathways to pulmonologists and oncologists. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement programs, track patient outcomes, and implement evidence-based guidelines are also highly desirable. Such practices are more likely to provide proactive and effective care, including smoking cessation programs and early screening recommendations.

Telemedicine's role in modern healthcare is undeniable, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption within Belsano is a critical factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with PCPs, specialists, and mental health professionals remotely. This is especially beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and addressing initial concerns that might warrant further investigation. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring capabilities, will receive higher marks in our Lung Cancer Score. The ability to access care remotely significantly enhances patient convenience and can improve adherence to treatment plans.

The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis, and indeed any serious illness, is substantial. The availability of mental health resources is therefore an integral part of our assessment. The 15922 area’s access to mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is a key component of the Lung Cancer Score. Practices that integrate mental health screenings into their routine care, offer on-site counseling, or have established referral networks to mental health professionals will be viewed favorably. Addressing the psychological impact of the disease, including anxiety, depression, and the challenges of coping with treatment, is crucial for overall patient well-being and can positively influence treatment adherence and outcomes.

The Lung Cancer Score, in essence, is a composite metric reflecting the overall preparedness of the primary care landscape within Belsano to address lung cancer. The score will be influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices with advanced diagnostic capabilities and proactive screening protocols, the adoption of telemedicine to enhance access to care, and the availability of mental health resources to support patients through the emotional challenges of the disease.

Based on this analysis, the Lung Cancer Score for the primary care environment in Belsano, Pennsylvania (15922) is likely to be moderate. The potential challenges related to physician density, the need to ascertain the prevalence of advanced screening technology, and the importance of verifying the extent of telemedicine integration and mental health support, all contribute to this assessment. While the area may have some strong practices, the overall picture suggests that improvements are possible and necessary to ensure optimal lung cancer care.

The lack of readily available, publicly accessible data concerning specific practice details, telemedicine adoption rates, and mental health resource availability makes it difficult to provide a definitive score. A comprehensive assessment would require access to proprietary healthcare databases, direct surveys of local practices, and analysis of public health data. However, the factors discussed above provide a framework for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care environment in relation to lung cancer.

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in Belsano and surrounding areas, including the specific locations of medical facilities, physician specialties, and access to care, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a visual representation of healthcare resources, allowing you to identify areas with high concentrations of providers, assess accessibility, and gain insights into the overall healthcare infrastructure.