15949, Robinson, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15949, Robinson, Pennsylvania is 82 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.54 percent of the residents in 15949 has some form of health insurance. 58.66 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.59 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 15949 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 65 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15949. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 156 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,831 health care providers accessible to residents in 15949, Robinson, Pennsylvania.

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 15949, focusing on primary care availability in Robinson, Pennsylvania. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to patients, from physician access to mental health support, ultimately aiming to empower informed healthcare decisions. We will evaluate the quality of care based on factors influencing early detection and treatment.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. In Robinson, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical indicator. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per patient, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility. Publicly available data, such as that from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, can be used to estimate these ratios. We need to determine the number of PCPs actively practicing within the specified area and compare this to the population of Robinson.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves assessing the adoption of evidence-based practices, including adherence to screening guidelines for individuals at high risk of lung cancer. This includes factors like smoking history and age. Practices that proactively screen patients, counsel on smoking cessation, and provide referrals to specialists demonstrate a commitment to early detection and intervention. We would look for documentation of these practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers numerous advantages, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. It can improve access to specialists, facilitate follow-up appointments, and provide convenient access to mental health services. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms for patient consultations, especially for follow-up appointments after a lung cancer diagnosis or for smoking cessation counseling, are indicative of a progressive and patient-centered approach.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but essential component of comprehensive lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within the primary care setting or through referral networks, is crucial. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model demonstrate a holistic approach to patient well-being.

Standout practices within the 15949 ZIP code, if any, would be identified based on the criteria mentioned above. These would be practices demonstrating excellence in physician-to-patient ratios, adherence to screening guidelines, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health services. These practices would serve as models for other providers in the area, highlighting best practices and areas for improvement. Identifying these practices would be a key part of the analysis.

The analysis will also consider the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. The proximity of these specialists to primary care practices is a significant factor in patient care. Easy access to specialists for consultation, diagnosis, and treatment is essential for effective lung cancer management. The analysis will assess the referral patterns between primary care practices and specialist providers.

The presence of support groups and patient resources is another important consideration. Lung cancer support groups, both in-person and online, provide patients with valuable emotional support, information, and a sense of community. Practices that actively refer patients to these resources demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care.

The analysis will also examine the availability of smoking cessation programs. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and effective smoking cessation programs are crucial for prevention and improving patient outcomes. Practices that offer or refer patients to evidence-based smoking cessation programs are contributing to the fight against lung cancer.

The evaluation of ‘doctors in ZIP Code 15949’ and ‘primary care availability in Robinson’ involves gathering and analyzing data from various sources. Publicly available data, such as physician directories and healthcare databases, will be used to identify physicians and assess physician-to-patient ratios. Practice websites and patient reviews will be examined to gather information on telemedicine adoption, screening practices, and mental health resources. Interviews with healthcare providers and patients, if feasible, would provide valuable insights into the quality of care and patient experiences.

The data will be synthesized to create a ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for each practice or provider. This score will be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above, including physician-to-patient ratios, adherence to screening guidelines, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the availability of specialists and support groups. The score will provide a comparative assessment of the quality of care available in the area.

The final report will provide a clear and concise summary of the findings, including the ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for each practice or provider, as well as recommendations for improvement. The report will also highlight any standout practices and identify areas where the healthcare system in Robinson could be strengthened to better serve patients with or at risk of lung cancer.

This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the lung cancer care landscape in Robinson, Pennsylvania. It will serve as a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, empowering them to make informed decisions and improve the quality of care.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential gaps in care, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the location of primary care physicians, specialists, and support services, providing a powerful tool for understanding the healthcare landscape in your area.