16259, Templeton, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16259, Templeton, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.45 percent of the residents in 16259 has some form of health insurance. 43.51 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.27 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 16259 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 435 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16259. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 395 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 409 health care providers accessible to residents in 16259, Templeton, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Templeton, PA (ZIP Code 16259)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of healthcare resources within the Templeton, PA (ZIP code 16259) area, focusing on factors pertinent to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient well-being. The goal is to establish a "Lung Cancer Score" by evaluating the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the accessibility of specialists, the integration of telemedicine, and the provision of mental health support, all crucial elements in managing this complex disease.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon a strong primary care infrastructure. In Templeton, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts early detection and intervention. A higher physician-to-patient ratio generally translates to more accessible care, facilitating routine screenings and timely referrals. However, simply counting physicians is insufficient. The quality of care, including experience with lung cancer screening protocols and the ability to coordinate care with specialists, is equally critical. We must consider the training and expertise of the PCPs in the area.

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in 16259 requires examining data from various sources, including state medical boards, insurance provider networks, and publicly available healthcare directories. This data, however, is often fragmented and may not reflect the true picture of access. Rural areas like Templeton often face challenges in attracting and retaining healthcare professionals, potentially leading to a lower physician-to-patient ratio compared to urban centers. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is crucial. Even with a seemingly adequate overall ratio, if physicians are concentrated in one area, access for residents in more remote parts of the community could be limited.

Beyond the raw numbers, we must evaluate the performance of standout practices. Identifying practices with a proven track record in preventive care, particularly lung cancer screening, is essential. These practices likely have implemented best practices, such as the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient risk factors, automated reminders for screenings, and established referral pathways to pulmonologists and oncologists. A practice that actively participates in community outreach programs to educate residents about lung cancer risks and screening options would also receive a higher score.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor in the "Lung Cancer Score." Telemedicine offers significant advantages in rural areas, mitigating the challenges of geographic isolation. Virtual consultations with PCPs, pulmonologists, and oncologists can reduce travel time and improve access to specialized expertise. The availability of remote monitoring technologies, such as devices that track vital signs and symptoms, can enable proactive management of patients' conditions. The extent to which local practices have embraced telemedicine, including the use of secure video conferencing platforms and patient portals, will significantly impact the score.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but vital component of 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 resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is crucial. Practices that integrate mental health screenings into their routine care, provide referrals to mental health professionals, and offer access to support groups will score higher. This includes the availability of resources specifically tailored to the unique needs of cancer patients and their families.

The "Lung Cancer Score" also considers the accessibility of specialists. Timely access to pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists is paramount for effective diagnosis and treatment. The distance patients must travel to see these specialists, the availability of appointments, and the efficiency of referral processes all influence the score. Practices that have established strong relationships with specialists and facilitate seamless communication between providers will contribute to a higher score.

Furthermore, the integration of palliative care services is a critical element. Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses, including lung cancer. This includes managing pain and other symptoms, providing emotional support, and assisting patients with navigating the complexities of their treatment. The availability of palliative care services, either within the local practices or through referrals to specialized programs, will significantly impact the overall score.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for Templeton (ZIP code 16259) is a complex metric derived from a multitude of factors. The score would be determined by weighting each factor based on its relative importance to lung cancer care. The final score would reflect the overall quality and accessibility of healthcare resources within the area. This includes the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the accessibility of specialists and palliative care.

To obtain a comprehensive, visual representation of healthcare resources in Templeton, PA (ZIP code 16259), including physician locations, specialist availability, and access to mental health services, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome's interactive mapping platform allows you to visualize and analyze healthcare data, providing a detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in your community.