16510, Erie, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16510, Erie, Pennsylvania is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.01 percent of the residents in 16510 has some form of health insurance. 43.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.50 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 16510 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,663 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16510. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,416 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,023 health care providers accessible to residents in 16510, Erie, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score: Erie, PA (ZIP Code 16510) & Primary Care Analysis

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 16510 ZIP code, focusing on factors crucial for early detection and comprehensive patient care. The evaluation considers physician availability, resource accessibility, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. The goal is to provide a snapshot of the landscape and highlight areas for potential improvement in the context of lung cancer prevention and management.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible primary care. Within the 16510 ZIP code, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A high ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced screening opportunities, and diminished patient-physician interaction. This can significantly impact the timely detection of lung cancer, where early intervention is paramount. While precise, real-time ratios fluctuate, publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) offer valuable insights into physician distribution and potential underserved populations within Erie County. The analysis will leverage these resources to estimate the average patient load per PCP in the area.

Primary care practices in Erie demonstrate varying levels of integration with specialized oncology services. The Lung Cancer Score considers the degree of collaboration between PCPs and pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists. Practices with established referral pathways, shared electronic medical records (EMRs), and regular multidisciplinary team meetings receive higher scores. This collaborative approach streamlines patient care, ensuring seamless transitions between primary and specialized services. The score also evaluates the availability of on-site or readily accessible diagnostic tools, such as low-dose CT scanners, crucial for lung cancer screening.

Standout practices within the 16510 ZIP code are those that actively promote lung cancer screening, particularly for high-risk individuals. These practices identify patients eligible for screening based on age, smoking history, and other risk factors, as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The Lung Cancer Score rewards practices that proactively reach out to these patients, schedule screenings, and provide comprehensive counseling on the benefits and risks of the procedure. This proactive approach is essential for catching lung cancer in its early stages, when treatment is most effective.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor in the Lung Cancer Score. The ability to offer virtual consultations and follow-up appointments enhances patient access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or residing in geographically remote areas. Practices that utilize telemedicine platforms for routine check-ups, medication management, and post-treatment monitoring receive higher scores. Telemedicine also facilitates remote monitoring of symptoms and allows for quicker responses to patient concerns, potentially preventing unnecessary hospitalizations.

Beyond medical care, the Lung Cancer Score assesses the availability of mental health resources. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound emotional impact on patients and their families. Practices that provide access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, or have established referral systems to mental health services, are highly valued. This holistic approach to care recognizes the importance of addressing the psychological and emotional needs of patients throughout their cancer journey. The availability of support groups and patient education materials also contributes to a higher score.

The analysis also considers the practices’ commitment to patient education. Practices that provide patients with clear, concise information about lung cancer risk factors, prevention strategies, and treatment options receive higher scores. This includes providing materials on smoking cessation, healthy lifestyle choices, and the importance of early detection. The Lung Cancer Score reflects the practices' dedication to empowering patients to take an active role in their own healthcare.

The Lung Cancer Score also evaluates the integration of data analytics and quality improvement initiatives. Practices that track key performance indicators (KPIs), such as screening rates, time to diagnosis, and patient outcomes, demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement. The score rewards practices that use data to identify areas for improvement and implement evidence-based strategies to enhance the quality of care. This includes participating in quality improvement programs and adhering to established clinical guidelines.

Furthermore, the score considers the practices’ commitment to addressing health disparities. Lung cancer disproportionately affects certain populations, including those with lower socioeconomic status and specific racial and ethnic groups. Practices that actively work to address these disparities, such as providing culturally sensitive care and outreach programs to underserved communities, receive higher scores. This includes offering language services and ensuring equitable access to screening and treatment.

The Lung Cancer Score is not just a ranking; it is a tool for identifying areas of strength and weakness within the primary care landscape of the 16510 ZIP code. It highlights the importance of accessible care, collaborative partnerships, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment that can be used to improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of lung cancer care in Erie.

The analysis will leverage publicly available data from healthcare providers, insurance companies, and government agencies to compile the Lung Cancer Score. The data will be anonymized and aggregated to protect patient privacy. The score will be calculated based on a weighted scoring system, with each factor assigned a specific weight based on its importance in lung cancer prevention and management. The final score will be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing for easy comparison of different practices.

The Lung Cancer Score is intended to be a dynamic tool, updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. The analysis will be conducted periodically to track progress and identify areas for ongoing improvement. The goal is to provide a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers in Erie, PA, and to contribute to the fight against lung cancer.

If you want to visualize the geographic distribution of primary care physicians, lung cancer prevalence, and related healthcare resources in Erie, PA, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. Their platform can help you understand the spatial relationships between healthcare access and health outcomes, allowing you to gain deeper insights into the challenges and opportunities within the community.