16134, Jamestown, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16134, Jamestown, Pennsylvania is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.17 percent of the residents in 16134 has some form of health insurance. 51.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.78 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 16134 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 787 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16134. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,079 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,458 health care providers accessible to residents in 16134, Jamestown, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of lung cancer care quality in Jamestown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16134) and the surrounding area, focusing on primary care availability and related resources, requires a multi-faceted approach. This evaluation, a "Lung Cancer Score" analysis, considers factors beyond just the presence of physicians. It delves into the intricacies of care, access, and the overall support system available to patients navigating this challenging diagnosis. The objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately, empowering patients with knowledge.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical starting point. A high ratio of primary care physicians (PCPs) to the population generally indicates better access to preventative care and early detection, crucial for lung cancer outcomes. In Jamestown, data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and local hospital systems would be analyzed to determine the current PCP-to-patient ratio. This ratio is then benchmarked against state and national averages. A significantly lower ratio could signal potential challenges in securing timely appointments for screenings, diagnosis, and ongoing management.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are physicians concentrated in specific areas of Jamestown, leaving underserved pockets? Geographic information system (GIS) analysis, leveraging data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and local health departments, can map physician locations and identify areas with limited access. This spatial analysis is vital for understanding the true accessibility of primary care services for all residents.

The quality of care extends beyond just seeing a doctor. The "Lung Cancer Score" analysis examines the adoption of evidence-based practices, like adherence to screening guidelines for high-risk individuals (e.g., current or former smokers). This involves evaluating the availability of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, the gold standard for early lung cancer detection, within the local healthcare system. Data from hospitals, imaging centers, and physician practices is collected to determine the availability and utilization of LDCT screening.

Standout practices within the area are also identified. These are practices that demonstrate excellence in various aspects of lung cancer care. This includes those with a strong focus on preventative care, early detection, and patient education. The analysis considers factors like patient satisfaction scores, the availability of patient navigators to guide patients through the complex healthcare system, and participation in quality improvement initiatives. Practices with a multidisciplinary approach, involving PCPs, pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists, are given higher consideration.

Telemedicine adoption is a growing factor in healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Jamestown. The "Lung Cancer Score" analysis assesses the availability of telehealth services for primary care and specialist consultations. Telemedicine can improve access to care for patients who may face transportation barriers or live far from medical facilities. The evaluation considers the types of telehealth services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), the ease of access, and the integration of telehealth into the overall care process.

The emotional and psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is significant. The "Lung Cancer Score" analysis evaluates the availability of mental health resources for patients. This includes access to therapists, counselors, support groups, and psychiatric services. The analysis considers whether primary care practices offer integrated behavioral health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers. The availability of resources that address the emotional and psychological needs of patients is a crucial component of comprehensive care.

The analysis further examines the availability of smoking cessation programs, which are essential for lung cancer prevention and improving outcomes for those diagnosed. The evaluation assesses the availability of evidence-based cessation programs, including counseling, medication, and support groups. The analysis considers the accessibility of these programs, their cost, and their integration into the overall healthcare system.

The presence of palliative care services is another important factor. Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, including lung cancer. This involves managing pain and other symptoms, providing emotional support, and helping patients and their families navigate the complexities of their illness. The "Lung Cancer Score" analysis evaluates the availability of palliative care services, including the presence of specialized palliative care teams and the integration of palliative care into the overall care process.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a static metric. It is a dynamic assessment that reflects the evolving healthcare landscape. The analysis is updated regularly to reflect changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the availability of new resources. This ensures that the information provided remains accurate and relevant.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" for Jamestown (ZIP Code 16134) is a composite score derived from all the factors discussed. The score is presented in a clear and concise format, along with a detailed explanation of the methodology and the underlying data. The score provides a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to assess the quality of lung cancer care in the area. It identifies areas of strength and weakness, and it can be used to inform efforts to improve access to care and patient outcomes.

For a visual representation of the physician landscape, including practice locations, primary care availability, and other relevant data, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a powerful way to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Jamestown and the surrounding area.