17004, Belleville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17004, Belleville, Pennsylvania is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 58.17 percent of the residents in 17004 has some form of health insurance. 27.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 45.12 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 17004 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,873 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17004. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 956 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,035 health care providers accessible to residents in 17004, Belleville, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score: A Deep Dive into Belleville, PA (ZIP Code 17004)

This analysis delves into the landscape of healthcare within Belleville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17004), focusing on factors crucial to lung cancer outcomes, specifically the availability and quality of primary care, physician resources, and supportive services. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. This is not a definitive clinical judgment, but rather an overview based on publicly available data and general healthcare trends.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management rests heavily on strong primary care. Early detection through screening, risk assessment, and prompt referral are critical. In Belleville, assessing primary care availability involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or the Pennsylvania Department of Health, can be used to determine the physician-to-patient ratio within the ZIP code. This figure is a key indicator of primary care accessibility.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care matters. This involves assessing the practices within the area. Do they offer comprehensive services, including preventative care, smoking cessation programs, and patient education? Are they equipped with the latest diagnostic tools, or do they rely on referrals to specialists for even basic imaging? Assessing these aspects requires analyzing practice websites, patient reviews, and potentially, publicly available quality metrics. Standout practices would be those demonstrating a commitment to preventative care, patient education, and efficient referral processes.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare, especially in rural areas. It can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialists and receive consultations without traveling long distances. The adoption of telemedicine within Belleville's primary care practices is a significant factor in the Lung Cancer Score. Practices that offer telemedicine capabilities, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations, would receive a higher score. This accessibility can be crucial for patients undergoing treatment or monitoring for lung cancer.

The psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is immense. Access to mental health resources is therefore a critical component of a comprehensive healthcare system. The Lung Cancer Score must consider the availability of mental health services within Belleville and the surrounding areas. This includes the presence of therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who specialize in oncology or mental health. The score should also factor in the integration of mental health services within primary care practices. Are patients routinely screened for depression and anxiety? Are referrals to mental health professionals readily available? These factors significantly influence the overall score.

Beyond the direct healthcare providers, the availability of supportive services also plays a role. This includes access to support groups, patient navigators, and financial assistance programs. These resources can help patients manage the practical and emotional challenges of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The Lung Cancer Score should consider the presence of these resources within the community or nearby.

Analyzing the data to arrive at a specific Lung Cancer Score requires a structured approach. A scoring system could be developed based on the factors discussed above, with each factor weighted according to its importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted heavily, while the availability of support groups might receive a lower weight. The score would then be calculated based on the data collected, providing a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape within Belleville.

The analysis of individual practices would involve a similar process. Each practice would be evaluated based on the same factors, allowing for a comparison of their strengths and weaknesses. This could identify standout practices that are leading the way in lung cancer care. These practices would serve as models for others to emulate.

The assessment would also consider the potential impact of external factors, such as access to transportation and the socioeconomic status of the population. These factors can influence a patient's ability to access healthcare and adhere to treatment plans. The Lung Cancer Score should acknowledge these contextual factors.

This comprehensive analysis is not a static assessment. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. The score should be updated regularly to reflect changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This dynamic approach will ensure that the Lung Cancer Score remains a relevant and valuable tool for assessing the quality of lung cancer care in Belleville.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide a clear and concise overview of the healthcare environment, identifying areas where improvements are needed. This information can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions and improve the quality of lung cancer care in Belleville.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Belleville, including the location of practices, hospitals, and other relevant resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a detailed geographic overview of the area, allowing you to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential gaps in access.