16365, Warren, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16365, Warren, Pennsylvania is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.49 percent of the residents in 16365 has some form of health insurance. 43.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.37 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 16365 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,350 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16365. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,898 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 522 health care providers accessible to residents in 16365, Warren, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Warren, PA (ZIP Code 16365)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for medical resources within Warren, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16365), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care, including primary care availability and access to related services. The goal is to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape to inform residents and healthcare providers.

Warren County, Pennsylvania, faces unique challenges in healthcare delivery, including a relatively rural population distribution and potential limitations in specialist access. The analysis considers these factors when evaluating the availability and quality of care.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

A cornerstone of effective lung cancer care is readily accessible primary care. Early detection and appropriate referrals are critical. Assessing primary care availability begins with understanding the physician-to-patient ratio within the designated ZIP code and the broader Warren area. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could signal potential access issues. Researching the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within 16365 and the surrounding areas, coupled with population data, yields a preliminary understanding of access.

Further investigation involves evaluating the types of primary care practices available. Are there solo practitioners, group practices, or affiliations with larger healthcare systems? Group practices often offer advantages, such as broader coverage and potential for integrated care. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers is also significant, as these often serve vulnerable populations and offer sliding-scale fees.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout primary care practices involves assessing their commitment to preventative care, including lung cancer screening protocols. Do practices actively promote and facilitate lung cancer screening for eligible patients, following guidelines from organizations like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)? This involves reviewing their patient outreach strategies, the availability of screening tools (e.g., low-dose CT scans), and their referral processes to pulmonologists and oncologists.

Another crucial aspect is the practice's technological adoption. Do they utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively? EHRs streamline communication, improve care coordination, and allow for better tracking of patient health information, including screening results and treatment plans. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education and shared decision-making, providing clear information about lung cancer risks, symptoms, and treatment options, are also highly valued.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Role:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a crucial tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Assessing telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in Warren is essential. Do practices offer virtual consultations for routine follow-ups, medication management, or initial consultations? Telemedicine can reduce travel burdens, improve patient convenience, and facilitate timely access to care.

The availability of telemedicine services for specialized care, such as pulmonology and oncology, is also important. Access to specialists via telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and ensure patients receive expert advice and guidance. Evaluating the types of telemedicine platforms used, their ease of use, and the availability of technical support for patients are also critical considerations.

**Mental Health Resources and their Integration:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Integrating mental health services into primary care is increasingly recognized as essential. Evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referral networks is crucial.

Do practices offer mental health screenings as part of their routine care? Are there established protocols for addressing anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns? The availability of support groups, counseling services, and access to palliative care specialists also contributes to a comprehensive approach to patient care. The integration of mental health services helps address the psychological and emotional challenges associated with lung cancer.

**Specific Considerations for Warren, PA:**

Given the rural nature of Warren County, transportation challenges are likely. Assessing the availability of transportation assistance programs for patients traveling to appointments, including screening and treatment, is important. This could involve partnerships with local organizations or volunteer driver programs.

Furthermore, the presence of community health initiatives focused on lung cancer awareness and prevention is a positive indicator. These initiatives might include educational programs, smoking cessation support groups, and collaborations with local hospitals and healthcare providers.

**Conclusion and Call to Action:**

Evaluating the healthcare landscape in Warren, PA, requires a comprehensive understanding of primary care availability, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This analysis provides a starting point for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the system in relation to lung cancer care. The goal is to identify areas for improvement and ensure that residents have access to the best possible care.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Warren, PA, and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you visualize physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data points. This can provide a more in-depth understanding of the accessibility of care in your community.