16401, Albion, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16401, Albion, Pennsylvania is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.64 percent of the residents in 16401 has some form of health insurance. 47.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.75 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 16401 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 949 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16401. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 754 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 367 health care providers accessible to residents in 16401, Albion, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Albion, PA (ZIP Code 16401)**

This analysis evaluates the landscape of lung cancer care within the Albion, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16401) area, focusing on primary care physician availability, the adoption of modern healthcare practices, and the integration of mental health support. The goal is to provide an informed perspective on the accessibility and quality of care for individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. Early detection and management hinge on regular checkups, screenings, and prompt referrals to specialists. In Albion, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios reveals the potential for access challenges. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial diagnostic procedures. The analysis needs to consider the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code, the population size, and the average patient load each physician manages. This data provides a baseline for assessing the overall capacity of the primary care system to serve the community's needs.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care are paramount. This includes the adoption of evidence-based practices, such as adhering to lung cancer screening guidelines for high-risk individuals (e.g., current or former smokers). The analysis must examine the prevalence of screening programs, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management and communication, and the integration of patient education materials. Practices that actively promote preventative care, including smoking cessation programs, will score higher.

Standout practices in Albion will be those that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care. This involves not only providing medical expertise but also fostering a supportive and communicative environment. The analysis should identify practices that prioritize patient education, offer clear explanations of diagnoses and treatment options, and actively involve patients in their care decisions. Practices with multilingual staff or resources to accommodate diverse patient needs will be noted.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care, especially for individuals in rural areas like Albion. The analysis will assess the extent to which primary care physicians offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. The availability of telemedicine can significantly improve access to follow-up appointments, medication management, and specialist consultations, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

The integration of mental health resources is vital. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional and psychological well-being. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services within the primary care setting or through referral networks. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Practices that proactively screen for mental health issues and provide integrated care will be highly valued.

The analysis will also consider the availability of specialized care, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, within a reasonable distance from Albion. The proximity of these specialists is critical for timely diagnosis, staging, and treatment of lung cancer. The analysis will examine the referral patterns of primary care physicians and the average wait times for specialist appointments.

The overall 'Lung Cancer Score' will be a composite metric, taking into account all the factors discussed above. The score will reflect the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of lung cancer care in Albion. The analysis will aim to provide a clear and concise assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

In conclusion, the 'Lung Cancer Score' analysis for Albion, PA (ZIP Code 16401) provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape. It highlights the importance of primary care access, the adoption of modern healthcare practices, and the integration of mental health support. This information is critical for both patients and healthcare providers.

To further explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and gain deeper insights into the Albion healthcare landscape, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations of healthcare data, enabling you to identify areas with limited access to care and understand the relationships between various healthcare factors.