16373, Emlenton, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16373, Emlenton, Pennsylvania is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.71 percent of the residents in 16373 has some form of health insurance. 34.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.36 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 16373 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 639 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16373. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 630 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 726 health care providers accessible to residents in 16373, Emlenton, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Emlenton, PA (ZIP Code 16373)

Emlenton, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of rural Clarion County, presents a unique challenge when considering healthcare accessibility, particularly concerning lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. This analysis delves into the landscape of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources within ZIP Code 16373, ultimately aiming to construct a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the region's preparedness for this critical health concern. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the healthcare ecosystem and identify areas for improvement.

The very nature of rural healthcare delivery influences the overall Lung Cancer Score. Limited resources, geographical isolation, and an aging population often create hurdles. The primary care physician (PCP) acts as the gateway to specialized care, including pulmonology and oncology. Therefore, the availability and accessibility of PCPs are paramount.

**Primary Care Availability in Emlenton**

The primary care landscape in Emlenton is characterized by a degree of scarcity. While the exact number of PCPs practicing directly within ZIP Code 16373 requires thorough investigation, the surrounding areas of Clarion and Butler counties are more likely to offer a broader range of primary care options. This immediately impacts the Lung Cancer Score negatively. Patients may face travel time and logistical challenges to access even basic primary care, which is the initial step in screening and diagnosis.

The density of primary care practices within a reasonable radius of Emlenton directly affects the score. A higher concentration of practices, with shorter wait times for appointments, would contribute to a better score. Conversely, a limited number of PCPs, coupled with long wait times, would significantly lower the score, reflecting the potential delays in early detection and intervention for lung cancer.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A higher ratio (fewer physicians per capita) suggests a greater burden on each physician, potentially impacting the time they can dedicate to individual patient care, including thorough examinations and discussions about lung cancer risk factors, screening options, and diagnostic processes. This can directly affect the quality of care and the speed with which patients receive necessary interventions.

Researching the physician-to-patient ratio in Clarion County, and specifically within a 20-mile radius of Emlenton, is essential. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and local hospital systems would be necessary to determine the current ratio and its impact on the Lung Cancer Score.

**Standout Practices**

Identifying standout practices involves looking for those that demonstrate excellence in several key areas. This includes practices with a proactive approach to preventative care, including lung cancer screening for eligible patients. These practices would likely have established protocols for identifying high-risk individuals, offering low-dose CT scans, and providing timely referrals to specialists.

Another crucial aspect is the integration of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs streamline information sharing between primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals, which is essential for coordinated care, especially in complex cases like lung cancer. Practices that actively use EHRs to track patient data, manage referrals, and communicate with patients would receive a higher score.

**Telemedicine Adoption**

Telemedicine has the potential to bridge the geographical gap in rural areas. Its successful implementation can improve access to specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in and around Emlenton is a significant factor.

Practices that offer telemedicine services, especially for follow-up appointments or consultations with pulmonologists or oncologists, would receive a higher score. This would indicate a commitment to providing accessible care, even when in-person visits are challenging. The availability of reliable internet access in the area is also a crucial factor, as it directly impacts the feasibility of telemedicine.

**Mental Health Resources**

The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges are common. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a vital component of the Lung Cancer Score.

Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals would receive a higher score. This demonstrates a holistic approach to patient care, recognizing the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of the disease. The presence of support groups or other community resources for cancer patients and their families would also positively influence the score.

**Constructing the Lung Cancer Score**

The Lung Cancer Score for Emlenton, PA (ZIP Code 16373) would be a composite score, based on weighted factors: primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, primary care availability and physician-to-patient ratios would likely carry significant weight, reflecting their fundamental role in accessing care.

The score would be determined by gathering data from various sources, including healthcare providers, local hospitals, government agencies, and patient advocacy groups. The final score would reflect the overall preparedness of the region to address the challenges of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.

**Conclusion**

The healthcare landscape in Emlenton, PA, presents both challenges and opportunities. The Lung Cancer Score, once calculated, will serve as a valuable tool for identifying areas of strength and weakness. This will assist healthcare providers and policymakers in developing strategies to improve access to care, enhance the quality of services, and ultimately, improve patient outcomes. The score will also provide a benchmark for tracking progress over time.

The complexities of rural healthcare demand a comprehensive understanding of the local environment. To gain a visual and geographically-informed perspective on the healthcare resources available in Emlenton and the surrounding areas, we recommend exploring the region using CartoChrome maps. Their mapping tools can provide a detailed visual representation of physician locations, hospital facilities, and other relevant data points, which can be invaluable in understanding the healthcare landscape.