15931, Ebensburg, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15931, Ebensburg, Pennsylvania is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.20 percent of the residents in 15931 has some form of health insurance. 35.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.72 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 15931 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,766 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15931. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,250 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,227 health care providers accessible to residents in 15931, Ebensburg, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Ebensburg, PA (ZIP Code 15931)

This analysis evaluates the landscape of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and support within Ebensburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15931). The focus is on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources, all crucial factors influencing the patient experience and outcomes in the fight against lung cancer. This analysis culminates in a call to action to utilize CartoChrome maps for further exploration.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management rests on accessible and high-quality primary care. Early detection, through screening programs and timely referrals, is paramount. In Ebensburg, primary care availability is a critical element. Assessing this requires analyzing the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 15931 ZIP code and the surrounding areas, and comparing it to the population size. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. The availability of after-hours care and weekend appointments also significantly impacts accessibility. Further investigation into the types of primary care practices, such as family medicine, internal medicine, and geriatric medicine, is important to determine the breadth of services offered.

Physician-to-patient ratios provide a quantitative measure of access. A favorable ratio, meaning a higher number of physicians per capita, generally indicates better access to care. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau can be used to determine the population of Ebensburg and the surrounding Cambria County. Cross-referencing this data with physician directories and healthcare databases will help establish the PCP-to-population ratio. A ratio significantly below the national average might indicate a shortage of primary care providers, potentially hindering early detection efforts.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. These practices may demonstrate excellence in areas like patient communication, preventative care, and care coordination. Researching local hospitals, clinics, and private practices is key. Evaluating patient reviews, analyzing the services offered (e.g., on-site diagnostic imaging), and examining the practice's commitment to evidence-based medicine can help identify those that excel. Moreover, understanding if these practices participate in lung cancer screening programs, adhering to guidelines established by organizations like the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), is critical.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Ebensburg. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to specialists, provide remote monitoring for patients undergoing treatment, and facilitate follow-up appointments. Assessing the prevalence of telemedicine services among primary care practices and specialists in the area is necessary. Investigating whether practices offer virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and access to electronic health records is essential. The availability of these services can greatly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of lung cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the 15931 ZIP code and surrounding areas is important. Assessing the availability of support groups, counseling services, and psychiatric care is also essential. The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan is vital for supporting patients' emotional well-being throughout their cancer journey.

The quality of care is also impacted by access to specialists. The availability of pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists in the Ebensburg area or within a reasonable travel distance is critical. Assessing the number of specialists, their experience, and their affiliations with hospitals and cancer centers can provide insights into the level of specialized care available. Examining the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, such as PET scans, radiation therapy, and minimally invasive surgical techniques, is also crucial.

Furthermore, the presence of support services like oncology nurses, social workers, and patient navigators can significantly improve the patient experience. These professionals can provide emotional support, assist with navigating the healthcare system, and coordinate care between different specialists. Determining the availability of these support services and their integration into the cancer care pathway is a key element of the overall assessment.

The presence of local hospitals and cancer centers is a significant factor in determining the quality of lung cancer care. Evaluating the facilities in and around Ebensburg is important. Assessing the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, the experience of the medical staff, and the hospital's accreditation status can provide insights into the quality of care provided. Cancer centers often offer comprehensive services, including multidisciplinary teams, clinical trials, and supportive care programs.

In conclusion, a comprehensive evaluation of lung cancer care in Ebensburg, PA (15931) requires a multi-faceted approach. Assessing primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources is vital. Understanding the availability of specialists, support services, and the capabilities of local hospitals and cancer centers is also crucial. This information will help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Ebensburg and surrounding areas, including the locations of primary care practices, specialists, hospitals, and mental health resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and interactive way to visualize healthcare data, allowing you to identify areas with high and low access to care, understand the distribution of healthcare resources, and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs. Utilize CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Ebensburg and empower yourself with the knowledge you need to navigate the complexities of lung cancer care.