16345, Russell, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16345, Russell, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.56 percent of the residents in 16345 has some form of health insurance. 33.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.47 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 16345 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 662 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16345. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 846 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 516 health care providers accessible to residents in 16345, Russell, Pennsylvania.

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP Code 16345, focusing on primary care physician (PCP) availability in Russell, Pennsylvania, and related factors impacting patient outcomes. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to individuals facing this challenging disease.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in early detection and prompt referral. This necessitates a robust primary care infrastructure. Within Russell, the availability of PCPs is a critical determinant of access to care. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key metric. A higher ratio (more patients per physician) can indicate potential challenges in scheduling appointments, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility. This analysis considers the current PCP landscape in Russell, evaluating the number of practicing PCPs, their patient load, and the overall accessibility of appointments. Information regarding the number of PCPs and their patient load is gathered from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and local healthcare directories.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes the ability of PCPs to recognize potential lung cancer symptoms, order appropriate screening tests (such as low-dose CT scans for eligible individuals), and facilitate timely referrals to specialists. The analysis examines the diagnostic practices of PCPs in Russell, assessing their adherence to established screening guidelines and their referral patterns. This involves evaluating the practices’ familiarity with the latest lung cancer screening recommendations and their willingness to advocate for their patients.

Standout practices within the area are identified based on their commitment to patient-centered care, their proactive approach to lung cancer screening, and their integration of technology to improve patient outcomes. These practices may be distinguished by their emphasis on patient education, their use of electronic health records (EHRs) to streamline care coordination, and their participation in quality improvement initiatives. This may also include practices that have a dedicated patient navigator who helps patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. The identification of these practices is based on public information, patient reviews, and data collected from healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption is an increasingly important factor in healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. The analysis evaluates the extent to which PCPs in Russell utilize telemedicine to provide care. Telemedicine can be used for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education, reducing the need for in-person visits and improving convenience for patients. The analysis assesses the availability of telemedicine services, the types of services offered, and the patient experience with telemedicine. This information is collected through surveys, interviews, and online research.

The emotional and psychological toll of a lung cancer diagnosis is significant. Access to mental health resources is therefore a crucial component of comprehensive care. The analysis investigates the availability of mental health services for lung cancer patients in Russell. This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices, the availability of referrals to mental health specialists, and the accessibility of support groups and other resources. This is determined by assessing the presence of mental health professionals and their integration into the care model.

The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, is a crucial factor in lung cancer treatment. The analysis examines the proximity of these specialists to Russell, assessing the travel time and accessibility of their services. This includes identifying the hospitals and clinics that offer specialized lung cancer care and evaluating their capacity to serve the needs of patients in the area. This is gathered from hospital directories and regional healthcare networks.

The overall ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for the area is a composite metric, reflecting the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of care. It considers the physician-to-patient ratio, the diagnostic practices of PCPs, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the proximity of specialists. The score is not a simple average but a nuanced assessment, weighting each factor based on its relative importance to patient outcomes. The score is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape.

The analysis also considers the impact of socioeconomic factors on lung cancer outcomes. Factors such as income, education, and access to transportation can significantly influence a patient's ability to access care and adhere to treatment plans. The analysis examines these factors and their potential impact on lung cancer care in Russell. This is gathered from the US Census Bureau and local community organizations.

The information gathered is compiled to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 16345. This analysis is designed to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the strengths and weaknesses of the current system. This promotes the development of strategies to improve lung cancer care in the area. The analysis is designed to be an evolving resource, updated periodically to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

This analysis is not intended to be a definitive ranking of physicians or practices. It is a snapshot of the current healthcare environment, based on available data. The information provided is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Patients should always consult with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their care. The analysis is designed to be a starting point for further investigation and discussion.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in detail, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and demographic data, explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. CartoChrome offers a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your area.