16240, Mayport, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16240, Mayport, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.66 percent of the residents in 16240 has some form of health insurance. 40.18 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.81 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 16240 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 473 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16240. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 230 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 460 health care providers accessible to residents in 16240, Mayport, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Mayport, PA (ZIP Code 16240)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support within the Mayport, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16240) area. The primary focus is on primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, and the adoption of technologies like telemedicine, alongside the availability of mental health resources. A comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" is not a simple metric, but rather a nuanced evaluation based on the factors discussed below.

Mayport, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare access. The rural nature of the area often translates to lower population density, which can affect the availability of specialized medical services, including those directly related to lung cancer. This analysis will consider these geographical realities.

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

The foundation of effective lung cancer care begins with accessible primary care. Early detection through regular screenings and prompt referral to specialists are crucial. Assessing the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is therefore paramount. Researching the number of practicing PCPs within the 16240 ZIP code, or within a reasonable radius (e.g., 15-20 miles) encompassing nearby towns like Punxsutawney or Brookville, is the first step.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. This ratio reflects the number of patients served by each PCP. A high ratio can indicate a strained healthcare system, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with patients, and diminished opportunities for proactive screening and preventative care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and private insurance provider networks would be essential to determine this ratio accurately.

The analysis must also consider the types of primary care practices available. Are there solo practitioners, group practices, or larger healthcare systems? Group practices often offer advantages, such as shared resources, on-call coverage, and a broader range of services. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) is also significant, as these facilities are designed to serve underserved populations and often provide comprehensive care, including assistance with navigating the healthcare system and accessing financial aid.

**Standout Practices and Their Contributions:**

Identifying standout primary care practices involves evaluating several factors. Reputation, patient reviews (from sources like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews), and accreditations (e.g., from the National Committee for Quality Assurance – NCQA) are important indicators. Practices that prioritize preventative care, offer comprehensive services, and demonstrate a commitment to patient education are particularly valuable.

Furthermore, exploring the practice's approach to lung cancer screening is crucial. Do they actively encourage screening for eligible patients (e.g., those with a history of smoking)? Do they have established protocols for ordering and interpreting low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, the primary screening tool for lung cancer? Are they connected to local pulmonologists and oncologists for prompt referrals? Practices that proactively address these aspects demonstrate a higher level of commitment to lung cancer prevention and early detection.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant force in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Its ability to connect patients with specialists remotely can overcome geographical barriers and improve access to care. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in the 16240 area is therefore critical.

The analysis should investigate whether practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, or other telehealth services. The availability of these technologies can significantly enhance access to specialists like pulmonologists and oncologists, who may not be readily available locally. Telemedicine can also facilitate access to genetic counseling and other specialized services relevant to lung cancer care.

The assessment must also consider the technological infrastructure available in the area. Reliable internet access is essential for telemedicine to function effectively. Investigating the availability of high-speed internet and the digital literacy of the patient population is therefore necessary.

**Mental Health Resources: An Undervalued Component:**

The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Addressing these needs is an integral part of comprehensive care. The analysis must therefore evaluate the availability of mental health resources within the 16240 area.

This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists. Are these professionals accepting new patients? Do they have experience working with patients facing cancer diagnoses? The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, is also important. Support groups provide a valuable forum for patients to share experiences, receive emotional support, and learn coping strategies.

Furthermore, the analysis should investigate the integration of mental health services within the primary care setting. Does the practice have a behavioral health specialist on staff or a referral network for mental health services? Integrated care models, where mental and physical healthcare are coordinated, have been shown to improve patient outcomes.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" – A Holistic View:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a single number but a synthesis of the factors discussed above. It is a qualitative assessment of the overall healthcare landscape in the 16240 area, specifically as it relates to lung cancer. A high score would indicate:

* Excellent primary care access with a low physician-to-patient ratio.
* Proactive primary care practices that prioritize lung cancer screening and early detection.
* Widespread adoption of telemedicine to facilitate access to specialists.
* Readily available mental health resources and integrated care models.

A low score would indicate the opposite: limited primary care access, a lack of proactive screening efforts, limited telemedicine adoption, and a scarcity of mental health resources.

**Conclusion and Call to Action:**

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape in Mayport, PA, and its impact on lung cancer care. Access to quality primary care, proactive screening practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources are all crucial factors.

To further explore the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and hospitals, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of these resources, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare access within the 16240 ZIP code and surrounding areas.