15930, Dunlo, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15930, Dunlo, Pennsylvania is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15930 has some form of health insurance. 16.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 87.68 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 15930 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 27 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15930. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 29 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,236 health care providers accessible to residents in 15930, Dunlo, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on the quality of lung cancer care and primary care accessibility within the Dunlo, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15930) area. Evaluating healthcare quality involves a multifaceted approach, considering factors like physician availability, technological integration, and support resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview, culminating in a recommendation for further exploration using CartoChrome maps.

Assessing the landscape begins with understanding physician-to-patient ratios. In Dunlo, the availability of primary care physicians directly impacts the early detection and management of lung cancer. A higher ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to improved access to screenings, diagnostic tests, and timely interventions. Conversely, a low ratio can lead to delayed diagnoses and potentially poorer outcomes. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health will be crucial in determining the specific physician-to-patient ratio within the 15930 ZIP code. This data will be compared against state and national averages to gauge the relative adequacy of primary care resources.

Beyond simple physician numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several key elements. First, the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening is critical. This includes adherence to recommendations from organizations like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) regarding low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals. Practices that actively implement these guidelines, including patient education and proactive screening protocols, will be considered high-performing.

Second, the experience and expertise of the physicians are significant. Board certification in internal medicine or family medicine, along with specialized training in pulmonary medicine or oncology, can indicate a higher level of competence in managing lung cancer-related concerns. Reviewing physician credentials and professional affiliations will help identify practitioners with relevant expertise.

Third, patient satisfaction and outcomes are crucial indicators of quality. While obtaining specific outcome data for individual practices can be challenging due to privacy regulations, reviewing patient reviews and testimonials, when available, can provide insights into the patient experience. Practices with consistently positive feedback regarding communication, empathy, and care coordination are likely to be highly regarded.

The integration of technology, particularly telemedicine, plays a growing role in healthcare delivery. Telemedicine offers several potential benefits in the context of lung cancer care. It can improve access to specialists, especially for patients in rural areas like Dunlo, by facilitating virtual consultations with pulmonologists, oncologists, and other healthcare professionals. Telemedicine can also be used for remote monitoring of patients, providing timely interventions and reducing the need for frequent in-person visits.

The adoption of telemedicine within primary care practices in 15930 will be assessed by examining the availability of virtual appointment options, the use of remote monitoring devices, and the integration of telehealth platforms into the practice's workflow. Practices that embrace telemedicine are likely to offer more convenient and accessible care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, yet vital component of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health support services within the Dunlo area is a critical factor in evaluating healthcare quality.

This involves assessing the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, who are accessible to patients. The availability of counseling services, support groups, and psychiatric medication management is also important. Ideally, primary care practices should have established referral pathways to mental health providers, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate support. The integration of mental health services into the cancer care continuum can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

The assessment of primary care availability in Dunlo, Pennsylvania, will also consider the presence of ancillary services that support lung cancer care. This includes access to diagnostic imaging services, such as CT scans and PET scans, which are essential for early detection and staging of the disease. The availability of respiratory therapists and pulmonary rehabilitation programs is also important for managing the symptoms and complications of lung cancer.

Furthermore, the analysis will explore the availability of patient navigation services, which can help patients navigate the complex healthcare system and access resources such as financial assistance, transportation, and support groups. Practices that provide comprehensive support services are more likely to deliver patient-centered care and improve outcomes.

The overall ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for doctors in ZIP Code 15930 will be a composite measure, reflecting the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources and ancillary services. The score will be based on a weighted average of these factors, with each factor assigned a relative importance based on its impact on patient outcomes and access to care. Practices that demonstrate excellence in all areas will receive the highest scores, while those that fall short in one or more areas will receive lower scores.

This analysis provides a preliminary overview of the healthcare landscape in Dunlo, PA. For a more in-depth and visually informative exploration, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers the ability to visualize geographic data, allowing you to pinpoint the locations of healthcare providers, assess access to resources, and identify potential disparities in care. By using CartoChrome maps, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment in Dunlo and make informed decisions about your healthcare options.