16745, Rixford, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16745, Rixford, Pennsylvania is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.94 percent of the residents in 16745 has some form of health insurance. 45.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.42 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 16745 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 144 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16745. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 235 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 397 health care providers accessible to residents in 16745, Rixford, Pennsylvania.

The analysis will focus on the availability and quality of lung cancer care within the specified geographic parameters.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16745 & Primary Care in Rixford**

Evaluating the landscape of lung cancer care in and around ZIP code 16745, which encompasses the town of Rixford, requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider not only the direct availability of specialists, but also the supporting infrastructure, including primary care, mental health resources, and technological advancements like telemedicine. The goal is to assess the overall "Lung Cancer Score," a composite measure reflecting the ease of access to quality care and the likelihood of positive patient outcomes.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on the strength of the primary care network. Rixford, as a smaller community within the broader ZIP code, likely experiences challenges common to rural areas. These include potential shortages of primary care physicians, leading to higher patient-to-physician ratios. A high ratio can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. This directly impacts the Lung Cancer Score, as early detection is crucial for successful treatment.

Furthermore, the geographic isolation of Rixford may necessitate travel for specialized care. The distance to oncologists, pulmonologists, and other specialists involved in lung cancer treatment can be a significant barrier for patients. This travel burden includes not only the physical strain but also the financial implications of transportation, lodging, and time off work. The Lung Cancer Score must account for these accessibility factors.

Within ZIP code 16745, identifying standout practices is essential. This involves evaluating the quality of care provided by individual physicians and clinics. Factors to consider include the experience and training of the physicians, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools (such as low-dose CT scans), and the utilization of evidence-based treatment protocols. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials and offer comprehensive support services, such as smoking cessation programs and patient navigation, would likely receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve the Lung Cancer Score in this area. Telemedicine can bridge the gap between patients and specialists, reducing the need for extensive travel. This includes virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, remote monitoring of patients' conditions, and access to educational resources. The degree to which local practices have embraced telemedicine will be a key indicator of their commitment to patient-centered care and their ability to overcome geographic barriers.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in oncology is vital. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have established referral networks will be better equipped to support the emotional well-being of their patients, thereby positively influencing the Lung Cancer Score.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental metric. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can provide insights into the number of primary care physicians per capita in the ZIP code and surrounding areas. A low ratio (meaning fewer doctors per patient) would negatively impact the Lung Cancer Score. This data needs to be analyzed alongside the availability of specialists. Even if the ratio of primary care physicians is acceptable, a shortage of oncologists or pulmonologists would still significantly lower the score.

Analyzing standout practices involves a deeper dive. This requires gathering information on individual physicians and clinics. This includes reviewing online patient reviews, assessing the use of advanced technologies, and determining the availability of ancillary services. Practices that have earned accreditation from organizations like the Commission on Cancer (CoC) often demonstrate a commitment to quality and comprehensive care, leading to a higher Lung Cancer Score. Furthermore, the adoption of patient navigation programs, which help patients navigate the complex healthcare system, is a positive indicator.

The integration of telemedicine is critical. This includes the availability of virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and access to educational resources. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine technologies will likely receive a higher Lung Cancer Score. This is especially important in rural areas, where travel distances can be a significant barrier to care. The ability to connect patients with specialists remotely can improve access to care and reduce the burden of travel.

Mental health resources are crucial. Cancer treatment can be incredibly stressful, and access to mental health professionals is essential. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, or have established referral networks, will be better equipped to support the emotional well-being of their patients. This will positively impact the Lung Cancer Score. The availability of support groups and other resources for patients and their families is also a positive indicator.

In conclusion, assessing the Lung Cancer Score for doctors in ZIP code 16745 and primary care availability in Rixford requires a holistic approach. It necessitates evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices based on quality of care and resources, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health support. This comprehensive evaluation will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and provide insights into areas for improvement.

To visualize the data and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 16745, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial analysis.

**Click here to explore a map of the area and visualize the data on CartoChrome maps.**