15929, Dilltown, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15929, Dilltown, Pennsylvania is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.31 percent of the residents in 15929 has some form of health insurance. 17.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.08 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 15929 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 49 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15929. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,171 health care providers accessible to residents in 15929, Dilltown, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score: Dilltown, PA (ZIP Code 15929) – An Analysis

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for the Dilltown, Pennsylvania area (ZIP Code 15929), focusing on primary care availability and related factors crucial for early detection and effective treatment of lung cancer. The goal is to gauge the accessibility and quality of healthcare resources relevant to this critical health concern. The score, though not a definitive numerical value, reflects an overall understanding based on available data and contextual considerations.

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer management lies in early detection, which is heavily reliant on accessible and proactive primary care. In Dilltown, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is the first critical area of examination. Physician-to-patient ratios provide a baseline understanding. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per physician, can strain resources and potentially limit the time PCPs can dedicate to individual patient needs, including preventative screenings and thorough examinations. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests better access. However, simply looking at the ratio is insufficient. The distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas is equally important. Are they concentrated in a single location, or are they spread out, making access easier for all residents, including those in more rural pockets?

Standout practices within the region play a significant role. Practices known for their commitment to preventative care, including regular check-ups and lung cancer screenings for at-risk individuals (smokers and former smokers), are crucial. The existence of these practices, coupled with their demonstrated adherence to national guidelines for screening, significantly impacts the overall score. We need to identify practices that actively promote and implement lung cancer screening protocols, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, for eligible patients. These practices often have dedicated staff and resources to facilitate the screening process, including patient education and follow-up care.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital factor. The ability to access healthcare services remotely can dramatically improve access, particularly for individuals in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Telemedicine can facilitate initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. The availability of telemedicine services, especially for primary care and potentially even for some aspects of cancer care, contributes positively to the score. Are local practices offering telemedicine options? Are these options readily accessible and user-friendly for the local population?

Beyond the purely medical aspects, the availability of mental health resources is also critical. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment journey can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Access to mental health professionals, including therapists and psychiatrists, is therefore essential. The presence of mental health services within the community, or easily accessible through referral networks, is a significant factor. Does the area have local mental health clinics or therapists? Are PCPs equipped to identify and refer patients to appropriate mental health support?

The quality of care is not solely determined by the presence of healthcare providers. The overall healthcare ecosystem, including access to specialized services, also matters. Access to pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists within a reasonable distance is crucial for patients diagnosed with lung cancer. The availability of these specialists, along with the presence of comprehensive cancer centers, significantly impacts the patient's ability to receive timely and effective treatment. Are there cancer centers nearby? What is the average wait time to see a specialist?

The Dilltown area, like many rural communities, may face challenges in healthcare access. The score reflects an understanding of these challenges and an assessment of the available resources to mitigate them. The score is not a static number but a reflection of the dynamic interplay of factors that impact patient outcomes.

The analysis also needs to consider the demographics of the population within ZIP code 15929. The prevalence of risk factors for lung cancer, such as smoking rates, is a crucial factor. A higher smoking rate would necessitate a more robust and accessible screening program. The age distribution of the population is another consideration, as lung cancer is more prevalent in older adults.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Dilltown (ZIP Code 15929) is likely to be moderate. While the area may have some primary care providers, the physician-to-patient ratio may be a concern. The availability of specialized services, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, might require travel to larger cities. Telemedicine adoption, if present, would be a positive factor, as would the availability of mental health resources. The score is ultimately a reflection of the balance between these factors and the community's ability to address the challenges of lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Further investigation, including a detailed assessment of the local healthcare landscape, would be needed to refine this assessment.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Dilltown and surrounding areas, including the location of primary care physicians, specialists, and cancer centers, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides detailed geographic visualizations of healthcare resources, allowing you to see the distribution of providers and assess access to care.