16407, Corry, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16407, Corry, Pennsylvania is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.49 percent of the residents in 16407 has some form of health insurance. 44.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.21 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 16407 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,492 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16407. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,395 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 164 health care providers accessible to residents in 16407, Corry, Pennsylvania.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Corry, PA (ZIP Code 16407)**

This analysis evaluates the healthcare landscape in Corry, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16407), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and patient support. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment for individuals at risk or diagnosed with lung cancer in this specific geographical area.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and robust primary care. Early detection is paramount, and primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the initial point of contact. The availability of PCPs in Corry is a critical factor in this assessment. We need to ascertain the number of practicing PCPs within the 16407 ZIP code and the surrounding areas that serve the Corry community. This includes identifying the types of practices (e.g., solo, group, hospital-affiliated) and their patient load.

A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. Conversely, a higher ratio may indicate better access. However, this metric alone doesn't paint the complete picture. It's crucial to investigate the average wait times for appointments, both for routine check-ups and for referrals to specialists, such as pulmonologists or oncologists.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is essential. We need to evaluate the PCPs' familiarity with lung cancer screening guidelines, their willingness to order low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients, and their ability to effectively communicate risk factors and prevention strategies. The presence of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability with other healthcare providers are also important.

Standout practices within Corry can significantly influence the overall Lung Cancer Score. These practices may excel in several areas. For example, a practice might have a dedicated care coordinator who assists patients throughout the diagnostic and treatment process. Another might have a strong focus on patient education and support groups. Identifying these standout practices and their specific strengths is crucial.

Telemedicine has become increasingly relevant, especially in rural areas like Corry. The adoption of telemedicine by PCPs and specialists can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and enhance patient convenience. We need to assess the availability of telehealth appointments for both routine check-ups and follow-up consultations. This includes evaluating the types of telemedicine platforms used, the ease of use for patients, and the integration of telehealth services into the overall care model.

Mental health support is a crucial, often overlooked, aspect of cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources within Corry is a key factor in this assessment. This includes identifying mental health professionals (e.g., therapists, counselors, psychiatrists) and their accessibility to patients.

Furthermore, we need to determine whether PCPs and specialists are equipped to screen for mental health issues and provide referrals to appropriate resources. The presence of support groups, both in-person and online, can also significantly benefit patients. The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan is a sign of a patient-centered approach.

The presence of specialized lung cancer care, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, is vital. While Corry may not have these specialists directly within the 16407 ZIP code, we need to assess the proximity to these specialists in surrounding areas, such as Erie, PA. This includes evaluating the ease of access to these specialists, the availability of appointments, and the coordination of care between PCPs and specialists.

The availability of diagnostic services, such as CT scans and biopsies, is also critical. We need to identify the locations where these services are available and the average wait times for appointments. The presence of a comprehensive cancer center or affiliation with a larger healthcare system can also improve access to advanced treatments and clinical trials.

The overall Lung Cancer Score will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weighting of each factor will be based on its relative importance in the context of lung cancer care. For example, primary care availability and the availability of specialists will likely receive higher weights than telemedicine adoption.

The final score will provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Corry, PA, and will highlight areas of strength and weakness. This analysis will not be a definitive ranking, but rather an assessment designed to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

For a deeper dive into the healthcare landscape of Corry, PA, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including the locations of PCPs, specialists, and diagnostic services, we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data analyzed in this report, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment.