16352, Tiona, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16352, Tiona, Pennsylvania is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.22 percent of the residents in 16352 has some form of health insurance. 38.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.83 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 16352 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 53 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16352. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 33 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 456 health care providers accessible to residents in 16352, Tiona, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Tiona (ZIP Code 16352)**

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning lung cancer care, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and their capacity to address lung cancer concerns within the context of Tiona, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16352). We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, identify any standout practices, assess the adoption of telemedicine, and evaluate the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of comprehensive lung cancer care.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management rests on early detection and consistent follow-up. This begins with the primary care physician. In a rural area like Tiona, the availability of PCPs is paramount. A low physician-to-patient ratio can significantly hinder access to care. A high ratio, conversely, may indicate a strained healthcare system, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and less time for detailed patient consultations, which are essential for discussing risk factors, screening options, and addressing patient concerns.

While precise physician-to-patient ratios are dynamic and difficult to pinpoint without proprietary data, publicly available resources like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Area Health Resource File (AHRF) can offer estimates. Further investigation might involve contacting local healthcare providers directly to determine the number of patients they serve within the 16352 ZIP code. This information is vital to understanding the capacity of the existing primary care infrastructure to manage the potential burden of lung cancer cases.

Identifying standout practices within the area is critical. This involves looking beyond the basic physician count. Practices demonstrating a commitment to proactive lung cancer screening, using evidence-based guidelines, and coordinating care with specialists deserve recognition. These practices often have robust systems for patient education, risk assessment, and referral management. They may also participate in clinical trials or utilize advanced diagnostic tools. Assessing practices' quality requires examining their patient satisfaction scores, reviewing their adherence to screening guidelines (e.g., for individuals at high risk), and evaluating their referral patterns to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in improving healthcare access, especially in geographically isolated areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to bridge the distance gap, enabling patients in Tiona to connect with specialists for consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring. The degree to which local practices have embraced telemedicine is an important indicator of their commitment to patient-centered care. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations, the use of remote patient monitoring technologies, and the integration of telemedicine platforms into the practice's workflow. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is a prerequisite for effective telemedicine implementation.

The mental health needs of lung cancer patients are often overlooked, but they are critically important. A lung cancer diagnosis can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is a key element of comprehensive care. Assessing the availability of these resources involves investigating whether primary care practices have integrated mental health services, whether they offer referrals to mental health professionals, and whether they provide information about support groups and other resources.

The integration of mental health services into primary care practices is a sign of a patient-centered approach. This might involve having a mental health professional on staff or establishing strong referral relationships with local mental health providers. The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, can also provide valuable emotional support and a sense of community for patients and their families.

The assessment of lung cancer care in Tiona (16352) requires a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape. This includes evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and evaluating the availability of mental health resources. By focusing on these key areas, we can gain a more complete picture of the accessibility and quality of care available to individuals in the community.

The data gathered for this analysis is dynamic. It's essential to acknowledge that physician availability, practice offerings, and the adoption of new technologies are constantly evolving. This assessment provides a snapshot in time and should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare environment.

The final analysis should incorporate all the aforementioned factors to arrive at a 'Lung Cancer Score' for the area. This score would represent a composite assessment of the accessibility and quality of lung cancer care. It would be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

In conclusion, understanding the healthcare landscape in Tiona is crucial for ensuring that individuals have access to the care they need, especially regarding a serious disease like lung cancer. The availability of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources all play a vital role in improving patient outcomes.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare resources available in Tiona (16352) and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a detailed geographic representation of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, helping you visualize the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions.