16254, Shippenville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16254, Shippenville, Pennsylvania is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.77 percent of the residents in 16254 has some form of health insurance. 40.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.49 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 16254 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 831 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16254. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 671 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 515 health care providers accessible to residents in 16254, Shippenville, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Shippenville, PA (ZIP Code 16254)

Analyzing the landscape of lung cancer care within Shippenville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16254) requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to assess the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the presence of specialized oncological services, and the broader support infrastructure crucial for patients battling this devastating disease. This analysis aims to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering various factors that impact patient outcomes and access to care.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management rests on robust primary care. Early detection is paramount, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. In Shippenville, evaluating the availability of PCPs is critical. We must consider the physician-to-patient ratio within the 16254 ZIP code. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau provides population estimates and physician counts. This data, combined with information from local healthcare providers, allows us to calculate a preliminary physician-to-patient ratio. A score can be assigned based on how this ratio compares to state and national averages.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is equally important. This includes the PCPs' awareness of lung cancer screening guidelines, their ability to effectively communicate risk factors, and their willingness to order appropriate diagnostic tests, such as low-dose CT scans, for eligible patients. Assessing this requires looking at the practices' adherence to national guidelines, which can be gleaned from quality reports, patient surveys, and physician profiles. These profiles often highlight specializations and continuing medical education (CME) in areas relevant to lung cancer screening and diagnosis.

The presence of specialized oncological services is another vital component. While Shippenville may not have a dedicated cancer center within its immediate vicinity, the proximity to larger healthcare facilities with oncology departments is crucial. The "Lung Cancer Score" must account for the travel time to these facilities, as well as the availability of specialists such as pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. Information on these specialists can be found through hospital websites, professional directories, and insurance provider networks.

Standout practices within the broader healthcare ecosystem surrounding Shippenville deserve recognition. These practices may demonstrate exceptional patient care, innovative approaches to treatment, or a commitment to community outreach. Identifying these practices involves examining patient reviews, awards and accolades, and the implementation of evidence-based practices. For example, practices that actively participate in clinical trials or offer comprehensive support services, such as patient navigators, would receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Shippenville. Telemedicine can improve access to specialists, facilitate follow-up appointments, and provide support for patients who may have difficulty traveling. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine involves examining the availability of telehealth services offered by local healthcare providers and their integration into the overall care plan. Practices with robust telemedicine programs that offer consultations, remote monitoring, and educational resources will receive higher scores.

Mental health resources are often overlooked, but they are crucial for patients battling lung cancer. The emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and the associated physical symptoms can be immense. Assessing the availability of mental health support involves evaluating the presence of counselors, therapists, and support groups in the community. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, such as on-site counseling or referrals to mental health professionals, will receive higher scores.

Furthermore, access to supportive services, such as smoking cessation programs, is essential. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and cessation programs play a vital role in prevention and treatment. The "Lung Cancer Score" must consider the availability and accessibility of these programs in the Shippenville area.

Overall, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Shippenville (ZIP code 16254) would be a composite score, reflecting the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care, the proximity to specialized oncological services, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and access to supportive services. Each factor would be weighted based on its importance to patient outcomes.

This analysis will be dynamic, as healthcare landscapes change. The "Lung Cancer Score" should be regularly updated to reflect these changes. It is a snapshot in time, and continuous monitoring and evaluation are crucial for ensuring that patients in Shippenville have access to the best possible care.

For a visual representation of this data, and to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in Shippenville and surrounding areas, we encourage you to use CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a detailed, interactive view of physician locations, hospital facilities, and other relevant data points, allowing for a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape.