17002, Allensville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17002, Allensville, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 75.96 percent of the residents in 17002 has some form of health insurance. 34.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.46 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 17002 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 152 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17002. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 70 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 896 health care providers accessible to residents in 17002, Allensville, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score: A Deep Dive into Healthcare Access in Allensville and Beyond

This analysis assesses the healthcare landscape within and surrounding ZIP Code 17002 (Allensville, PA) focusing on factors crucial for effective lung cancer care, specifically examining primary care availability and related resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Lung Cancer Score" based on physician access, support services, and technological integration. This score isn't a single number but a composite view, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement in the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and robust primary care. Early detection through screening programs, timely referrals to specialists, and ongoing management of comorbidities are all primarily the domain of primary care physicians. In Allensville, evaluating this critical aspect involves considering the physician-to-patient ratio, the distribution of practices, and the accessibility of appointments. While publicly available data provides some insight, a comprehensive assessment requires deeper investigation into appointment wait times, insurance acceptance, and the availability of after-hours care. A low physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with readily available appointments, would positively influence the Lung Cancer Score. Conversely, a shortage of primary care physicians or lengthy wait times would significantly detract from the score, potentially delaying crucial interventions.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality and integration of primary care are essential. Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, including proactive lung cancer screening programs for at-risk individuals. This includes offering or coordinating low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for eligible patients, educating patients on risk factors (smoking history, exposure to radon, etc.), and establishing clear referral pathways to pulmonologists and oncologists. Practices that embrace electronic health records (EHRs) and data analytics can also enhance their performance, enabling them to track patient populations, identify high-risk individuals, and monitor the effectiveness of interventions.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in improving access to care, especially in rural areas like Allensville. Telemedicine offers several advantages in the context of lung cancer care. It can facilitate remote consultations with specialists, allowing patients to receive expert opinions without extensive travel. It can also be used for follow-up appointments, medication management, and providing educational resources. The Lung Cancer Score considers the availability of telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine and integrate it seamlessly into their workflows would receive a higher score.

Mental health resources are a critical, often overlooked, component of comprehensive lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis, and its treatment, can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Access to mental health support, including therapy, counseling, and support groups, is essential for patients' well-being and their ability to adhere to treatment plans. The Lung Cancer Score evaluates the availability of mental health services within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referrals. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues, provide on-site counseling, or have strong partnerships with mental health professionals will be viewed favorably. The integration of mental health services is not merely an add-on; it's a fundamental aspect of holistic care.

Furthermore, the Lung Cancer Score considers the availability of other supportive services. This includes access to smoking cessation programs, which are crucial for patients who continue to smoke. It also includes access to palliative care services, which can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The availability of these services, and their integration with primary care, contributes to a higher score. The existence of patient navigators or care coordinators, who can help patients navigate the complex healthcare system, is also a positive factor.

In the context of Allensville, a specific analysis would involve identifying the primary care practices within and immediately surrounding the ZIP Code. This would include assessing their patient load, appointment availability, and the services they offer. Researching the extent of telemedicine adoption, the presence of mental health services, and the availability of supportive resources would be crucial. The analysis would also consider the proximity of specialists (pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists) and the ease of referral.

For example, if a primary care practice in Allensville demonstrates a low physician-to-patient ratio, offers same-day appointments, actively screens for lung cancer risk factors, provides on-site counseling, and utilizes telemedicine for follow-up appointments, it would receive a high Lung Cancer Score. Conversely, a practice with a high patient load, long wait times, limited access to specialists, and no mental health services would receive a lower score. The overall Lung Cancer Score for Allensville would be a composite of the scores of the available primary care practices, weighted by their patient volume and geographical accessibility.

This analysis would also extend beyond Allensville to consider the broader healthcare landscape. Patients may seek care in neighboring towns or cities. Therefore, assessing the accessibility of specialists, hospitals, and support services in the surrounding areas is essential. This includes evaluating the availability of specialized lung cancer treatment centers, clinical trials, and support groups. The Lung Cancer Score would reflect the overall accessibility of these resources, regardless of their specific location.

Ultimately, the Lung Cancer Score is designed to be a dynamic tool. It should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes tracking new practices, changes in service offerings, and the adoption of new technologies. The goal is to provide a clear and concise assessment of the healthcare resources available to individuals at risk for or affected by lung cancer. This information can then be used to inform healthcare policy, guide patient choices, and identify areas for improvement.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Allensville and surrounding areas, and to identify the locations of primary care practices, specialists, and support services, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data visualization. CartoChrome maps can provide an interactive and insightful view of the healthcare resources in your area.