15923, Bolivar, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15923, Bolivar, Pennsylvania is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.84 percent of the residents in 15923 has some form of health insurance. 45.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.30 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 15923 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 381 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15923. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 362 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,825 health care providers accessible to residents in 15923, Bolivar, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 15923 & Primary Care Availability in Bolivar**

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of healthcare, specifically focusing on lung cancer-related care, within ZIP code 15923 and the primary care landscape of Bolivar, Pennsylvania. A comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" isn't a formal metric, but rather a composite assessment based on several factors critical for effective lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. This includes physician density, access to specialists, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the overall integration of these elements within the local healthcare ecosystem.

ZIP code 15923 encompasses a portion of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas. Assessing the healthcare landscape requires understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can significantly hinder access to timely care, particularly for specialized services like pulmonology and oncology, crucial for lung cancer patients. The analysis considers the number of primary care physicians (PCPs), who often serve as the initial point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms, and the availability of specialists within the area or nearby.

Primary care availability in Bolivar, a smaller community, presents a different set of challenges. The primary concern is often the geographic distribution of PCPs and the accessibility of transportation for patients. A limited number of PCPs, coupled with potential transportation barriers, can delay diagnosis and treatment, impacting patient outcomes. The assessment evaluates the proximity of Bolivar residents to PCPs, the availability of public transportation or ride-sharing options, and the potential impact of these factors on timely access to care.

Standout practices within 15923 and the surrounding areas are identified based on their commitment to comprehensive lung cancer care. This includes practices that offer advanced diagnostic capabilities, such as low-dose CT scans for early detection, and those that have established strong referral networks with pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. The analysis also highlights practices that participate in clinical trials, providing patients with access to cutting-edge treatments and research opportunities. The presence of patient navigators, who guide patients through the complexities of the healthcare system, is another key factor in evaluating a practice's commitment to patient-centered care.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical aspect of the "Lung Cancer Score." Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online support groups, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The analysis examines the extent to which practices in 15923 and Bolivar utilize telemedicine for lung cancer-related services. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments with PCPs, pulmonologists, and oncologists, as well as the use of remote monitoring devices to track patient symptoms and progress. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their care models are given higher scores.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but crucial component of lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The analysis assesses the availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, specifically tailored to the needs of lung cancer patients and their families. The presence of integrated mental health services within primary care practices or cancer centers is considered a positive factor. This includes the availability of licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups that provide emotional support and coping strategies.

The overall integration of these elements—physician density, specialist access, telemedicine, and mental health resources—is a key determinant of the "Lung Cancer Score." A healthcare system that effectively integrates these elements provides patients with a more holistic and supportive care experience, leading to improved outcomes. This integration involves seamless communication between PCPs, specialists, and mental health professionals, as well as the use of technology to facilitate care coordination. The analysis examines the level of collaboration and communication among healthcare providers in 15923 and Bolivar.

Evaluating the specific practices in 15923 requires a deep dive into available data. Identifying practices with a high concentration of PCPs accepting new patients is a priority. Investigating the affiliations of these PCPs with hospitals and cancer centers is also essential. Access to specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is critical, and their proximity to the primary care practices is a key factor. The presence of advanced diagnostic equipment, like low-dose CT scanners, within the network is also a positive sign.

Similarly, assessing the primary care landscape in Bolivar involves identifying the nearest PCPs and evaluating their patient load. The analysis examines the travel time for Bolivar residents to access these PCPs, considering factors like road conditions and traffic. The availability of transportation options, such as public transit or ride-sharing services, is also considered. The analysis also evaluates the referral pathways from Bolivar's PCPs to specialists and cancer centers.

The presence of patient navigators within both the 15923 and Bolivar healthcare systems is a significant factor. Patient navigators assist patients in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, scheduling appointments, and coordinating care. Their role is especially critical for lung cancer patients, who often require multiple appointments and treatments. Practices with dedicated patient navigators are given a higher score.

The adoption of telemedicine is assessed by examining the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online support groups. Practices that offer these services are considered more accessible and patient-centered. The analysis also considers the ease of use of these telemedicine platforms and the level of technical support provided to patients.

The availability of mental health resources is evaluated by examining the presence of mental health professionals within the healthcare system and the availability of support groups specifically for lung cancer patients. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models are given a higher score. The analysis also considers the accessibility of these mental health resources, including their cost and availability.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is a dynamic assessment that should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. Factors such as physician turnover, the introduction of new technologies, and changes in insurance coverage can all impact the score. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that patients have access to the best possible care.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 15923 and Bolivar, including physician locations, specialist availability, and the proximity of resources, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and interactive view of the healthcare ecosystem, allowing you to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities for lung cancer care in these communities.