16262, Worthington, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16262, Worthington, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.31 percent of the residents in 16262 has some form of health insurance. 36.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.31 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 16262 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 484 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16262. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 589 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 272 health care providers accessible to residents in 16262, Worthington, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Worthington, PA (ZIP Code 16262)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score (LCS) assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 16262 ZIP code, focusing on factors critical to early detection and management of lung cancer. The evaluation considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources, all vital components of a comprehensive approach to lung cancer care. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Worthington, PA, enabling informed decision-making for residents and healthcare providers alike.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer screening and treatment program rests on accessible and competent primary care. In Worthington, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial starting point. Determining the exact ratio requires data beyond the scope of this analysis, but estimates can be derived from publicly available sources, such as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and state health departments. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians serving a larger population, can strain resources and potentially limit access to timely screenings and referrals. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access.

Beyond the raw numbers, the characteristics of individual practices are essential. The presence of board-certified PCPs specializing in internal medicine or family medicine is a positive indicator. These specialists typically possess the breadth of knowledge and experience necessary to identify early warning signs of lung cancer, such as persistent coughs, unexplained weight loss, and shortness of breath. Practices that routinely conduct preventative screenings, including discussions about smoking cessation and eligibility for low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals, are also highly valued.

Standout practices in Worthington, if any, would be those demonstrating proactive patient care. This includes a commitment to evidence-based medicine, adherence to national guidelines for lung cancer screening, and a robust patient education program. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, allowing for efficient tracking of patient risk factors, screening results, and follow-up appointments, are also likely to perform well. These practices often have streamlined workflows and a better capacity to coordinate care across different specialties.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Worthington. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care by reducing travel time and costs, particularly for follow-up appointments, consultations, and patient education. Practices that offer telehealth services for routine check-ups, medication management, and even mental health support can significantly enhance patient convenience and improve adherence to treatment plans. The ability to conduct virtual consultations with specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, can also expedite diagnosis and treatment.

The integration of mental health resources is a critical, often overlooked, aspect of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis, and the subsequent treatment, can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges are common among cancer patients. Practices that recognize this and provide access to mental health professionals, either through in-house counselors or referrals to external providers, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This can include offering support groups, individual therapy, and medication management.

The availability of mental health resources within the Worthington area is a significant factor in the overall LCS. Assessing this requires understanding the presence of licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals. Access to these services should be relatively easy, with minimal wait times and reasonable costs. Practices that actively screen patients for mental health concerns and provide appropriate referrals are likely to score higher.

The overall LCS is a composite score, reflecting the sum of these factors. Practices with a higher score demonstrate a greater capacity to provide comprehensive and effective lung cancer care. This score can be used to compare practices within the 16262 ZIP code and identify areas for improvement. A lower score may indicate a need for increased investment in resources, training, and technology.

For example, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine adoption, and a lack of mental health resources would likely receive a lower LCS. Conversely, a practice with a reasonable physician-to-patient ratio, robust telemedicine capabilities, and integrated mental health services would likely receive a higher score. The presence of a dedicated lung cancer screening program, adherence to national guidelines, and proactive patient education would further enhance the score.

The success of any lung cancer care program depends on collaboration and communication. PCPs, pulmonologists, oncologists, and other healthcare professionals must work together to provide seamless and coordinated care. Practices that actively participate in multidisciplinary tumor boards and other collaborative initiatives are likely to achieve better patient outcomes.

The final LCS is not simply a number; it represents a complex interplay of factors that contribute to the quality and accessibility of lung cancer care. It is a dynamic measure that can be used to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately, improve patient outcomes. The analysis should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape, including new technologies, treatment options, and best practices.

Understanding the healthcare landscape in Worthington, PA, requires visualizing these data points. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing the distribution of healthcare resources, physician availability, and other relevant factors. By using CartoChrome maps, you can gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your community and make informed decisions about your health.