16746, Roulette, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16746, Roulette, Pennsylvania is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.69 percent of the residents in 16746 has some form of health insurance. 58.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.34 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 16746 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 207 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16746. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 256 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 73 health care providers accessible to residents in 16746, Roulette, Pennsylvania.

The following analysis evaluates the availability of lung cancer care resources and primary care access in Roulette, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16746), focusing on the physicians within the area. This analysis considers various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all of which contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape.

Roulette, a small rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare. The scarcity of specialized medical services, particularly in oncology, necessitates a careful examination of the available resources and their accessibility. A key aspect of this assessment is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact ratio in this specific ZIP code requires detailed data, but it is highly probable that Roulette experiences a lower ratio compared to urban centers. This means that the number of patients per physician is likely higher, potentially impacting appointment availability and the overall workload of primary care providers.

The absence of specialized oncologists within the immediate area necessitates a reliance on primary care physicians (PCPs) for initial screenings, referrals, and ongoing support for patients suspected of or diagnosed with lung cancer. The quality and accessibility of primary care, therefore, become paramount. This includes the availability of regular check-ups, timely referrals to specialists in neighboring towns or cities, and the ability to effectively manage the complex needs of patients undergoing treatment.

Identifying “standout practices” within the area is crucial. This involves evaluating the quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the adoption of best practices. Factors to consider include the use of electronic health records (EHRs), which facilitate better communication and coordination of care; the availability of comprehensive diagnostic tools, such as X-rays and potentially even CT scanners; and the practice's commitment to patient education and support. Due to the rural nature of the area, it is likely that practices are limited in size, potentially impacting the availability of specialized staff or advanced equipment.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who may have difficulty traveling long distances for appointments. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and providing support to patients and their families. The success of telemedicine implementation depends on several factors, including the availability of reliable internet access in the area, the willingness of physicians to embrace this technology, and the ability of patients to navigate the virtual platform.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, yet crucial, aspect of cancer care. A lung 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, is essential for providing emotional support and helping patients cope with the psychological effects of their illness. Ideally, these resources should be integrated into the primary care setting or easily accessible through referrals. The limited population of Roulette might mean that mental health services are scarce, requiring patients to travel outside of the immediate area for support.

The overall “Lung Cancer Score” for physicians in ZIP Code 16746 would be impacted by these factors. A high score would indicate readily available primary care, a reasonable physician-to-patient ratio, strong telemedicine adoption, integration of mental health resources, and the presence of practices committed to quality care. Conversely, a low score would reflect limited access to care, a high physician-to-patient ratio, a lack of telemedicine options, and insufficient mental health support.

The analysis of this area requires a multifaceted approach. It necessitates gathering data on the number of physicians practicing in the area, their specializations, their adoption of technology, and their affiliations with hospitals or cancer centers. It also requires assessing the availability of support services, such as patient navigation programs and support groups. Finally, it is important to consider the socioeconomic factors of the community, such as income levels and access to transportation, which can significantly impact a patient’s ability to access care.

The evaluation of the healthcare landscape in Roulette, Pennsylvania, reveals the challenges and opportunities faced by a rural community. The limited number of healthcare providers, the potential for a high physician-to-patient ratio, and the need for accessible telemedicine and mental health services highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach to healthcare delivery. The availability of primary care becomes the bedrock of the healthcare system, as it is the starting point for screening, diagnosis, and referral for complex conditions like lung cancer.

The "Lung Cancer Score" analysis must be viewed as a dynamic assessment, subject to change as healthcare practices evolve and new resources become available. The ongoing monitoring of these factors is critical for ensuring that residents of Roulette have access to the best possible care. The score can serve as a benchmark for evaluating the effectiveness of healthcare initiatives and identifying areas where improvements are needed.

For a more detailed, interactive, and data-driven understanding of the healthcare landscape in Roulette, Pennsylvania, including physician locations, practice details, and resource availability, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the resources available in your community.