15936, Hooversville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15936, Hooversville, Pennsylvania is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.79 percent of the residents in 15936 has some form of health insurance. 45.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.65 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 15936 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 206 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15936. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 405 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,756 health care providers accessible to residents in 15936, Hooversville, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Hooversville, PA (ZIP Code 15936)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of healthcare resources within the Hooversville, PA (ZIP Code 15936) area, specifically focusing on factors pertinent to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support. The aim is to provide a “Lung Cancer Score” perspective, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. The evaluation considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the presence of specialized practices.

Hooversville, a small community, presents unique challenges in healthcare access. Its rural setting often translates to a lower density of healthcare providers compared to urban centers. The success of lung cancer treatment hinges on early detection and timely access to specialists. This analysis seeks to understand how well the existing infrastructure supports these critical needs.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the gatekeepers to early detection. They are crucial for screening, patient education, and referrals. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator of access. A higher ratio (more patients per doctor) can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Data regarding the exact physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 15936 is difficult to obtain with precision. However, publicly available data from the US Department of Health and Human Services and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, coupled with information from the American Medical Association, can provide estimates.

The analysis considers the proximity of primary care practices to Hooversville. Practices located in neighboring towns like Johnstown and Somerset, while not directly within the ZIP code, are vital to the overall access picture. The geographic distribution of these practices, combined with the estimated patient population of Hooversville, will provide a preliminary assessment of the physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio would indicate better access to primary care and, consequently, a higher “Lung Cancer Score” component.

**Standout Practices and Specialization:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating their services and expertise. This includes assessing the presence of physicians with specializations relevant to lung cancer, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. It also involves looking at the availability of diagnostic equipment like low-dose CT scanners, which are crucial for early detection.

Furthermore, the analysis examines the practice's commitment to patient education and support. Practices that offer smoking cessation programs, patient navigators, and support groups contribute significantly to improved patient outcomes. These elements will be considered when evaluating individual practices and their contribution to the overall "Lung Cancer Score."

The evaluation also includes a review of hospital affiliations. Access to a hospital with a comprehensive cancer center is essential for advanced treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The proximity and quality of these facilities will be a significant factor in the overall assessment.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine offers a valuable solution to overcome geographical barriers in rural areas. It enables patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for long-distance travel. The analysis assesses the adoption of telemedicine by local healthcare providers. This includes examining the availability of virtual consultations for primary care, pulmonology, and oncology.

The analysis evaluates the types of telemedicine platforms used (e.g., video conferencing, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients. Practices that offer readily accessible telemedicine options will receive a higher score, as they demonstrate a commitment to improving patient access and convenience. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health support, all of which are crucial for lung cancer patients.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources is, therefore, a critical component of comprehensive care. The analysis assesses the availability of mental health services within the Hooversville area and the surrounding communities.

This includes evaluating the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. It also considers the availability of support groups specifically for cancer patients and their families. The analysis examines whether mental health services are integrated into the overall cancer care plan, and if referrals are readily available from primary care physicians and oncologists. Practices that prioritize mental health support will receive a higher score.

**Overall “Lung Cancer Score” Perspective:**

The final “Lung Cancer Score” for Hooversville (ZIP Code 15936) will be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its importance in influencing patient outcomes. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of specialized care will likely receive a higher weight than the availability of support groups.

The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure. This will provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to identify areas for improvement.

**Conclusion:**

The “Lung Cancer Score” analysis for Hooversville, PA, is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare resources available to residents. By examining primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, specialized practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, the analysis aims to identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement. This information can be used to inform patient care decisions, guide healthcare policy, and ultimately, improve outcomes for individuals affected by lung cancer.

For a more detailed and visually informative understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hooversville, PA, and surrounding areas, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, hospital affiliations, and other relevant data points, allowing for a deeper understanding of access to care.