16426, Mc Kean, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16426, Mc Kean, Pennsylvania is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.31 percent of the residents in 16426 has some form of health insurance. 43.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.83 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 16426 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 596 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16426. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 844 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 635 health care providers accessible to residents in 16426, Mc Kean, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16426 and Primary Care Availability in McKean County

Evaluating the landscape of healthcare, particularly concerning lung cancer care and primary care access, necessitates a nuanced approach. This analysis focuses on doctors practicing within the 16426 ZIP code and the broader primary care availability within McKean County, Pennsylvania. The objective is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score," a composite assessment reflecting factors crucial for timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and supportive care. This score will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical components in the fight against lung cancer.

The 16426 ZIP code, representing a specific geographic area, serves as the initial point of focus. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio within this area is paramount. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, could potentially hinder access to timely screenings, diagnostic procedures, and follow-up care. Researching the precise number of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists actively practicing within this ZIP code is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and professional medical directories will be instrumental in gathering this information. This data forms the foundation of the score, directly impacting the accessibility dimension.

Beyond raw numbers, the presence of "standout practices" significantly influences the Lung Cancer Score. These practices are characterized by several key attributes. They might be affiliated with larger hospital systems, offering access to advanced diagnostic equipment like low-dose CT scanners, crucial for early lung cancer detection. They could also have established multidisciplinary teams, including pulmonologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and nurses specializing in oncology. These teams facilitate a coordinated approach to patient care, improving treatment outcomes. Additionally, practices with a demonstrated commitment to clinical trials and research, providing patients with access to cutting-edge therapies, would be considered highly favorable. Identifying these standout practices requires a review of practice websites, patient testimonials, and peer reviews.

The rapid evolution of healthcare technology, particularly telemedicine, plays a crucial role in modern healthcare delivery. Its impact on the Lung Cancer Score is substantial. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel, especially beneficial for those residing in rural areas like McKean County. It also facilitates access to specialists who might not be physically present within the 16426 ZIP code. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption within local practices is essential. This involves investigating whether practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and online patient portals. The more widespread the adoption, the higher the score will be, reflecting improved access and convenience.

The emotional toll of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is undeniable. The availability of mental health resources directly impacts the patient's overall well-being and treatment adherence. The Lung Cancer Score must consider the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, who specialize in oncology or provide support to cancer patients. These resources can be located within the primary care practices, the local hospital system, or through external referral networks. Evaluating the accessibility of these resources, including wait times and insurance coverage, is crucial. The more readily available and integrated these services are, the higher the score will be.

Extending the analysis to primary care availability within McKean County provides a broader perspective. Primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for patients, playing a critical role in early detection through screening and referrals. The physician-to-patient ratio across the county is crucial. A shortage of primary care physicians could delay diagnosis, potentially leading to more advanced-stage lung cancer at the time of detection. Analyzing the distribution of primary care practices throughout the county is also important. Are there underserved areas with limited access? Addressing these disparities is vital for improving the overall Lung Cancer Score for the region.

The Lung Cancer Score for doctors in 16426 and primary care availability in McKean County is not a static number. It's a dynamic assessment reflecting the complex interplay of various factors. The final score would be a composite, weighted based on the relative importance of each component. The physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources all contribute to the final score. This score provides a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape, highlighting areas of strength and weakness.

To further enhance this analysis and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in the region, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps provide a visual representation of healthcare resources, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of physician distribution, practice locations, and the availability of specialized services. They can also be used to identify areas with limited access to care, facilitating targeted interventions and improvements.