17006, Blain, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17006, Blain, Pennsylvania is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 71.88 percent of the residents in 17006 has some form of health insurance. 29.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.56 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 17006 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 362 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17006. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 151 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,792 health care providers accessible to residents in 17006, Blain, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17006 and Blain, PA

This analysis assesses the landscape of lung cancer care within ZIP code 17006 and the broader context of primary care availability in Blain, Pennsylvania. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to patients, considering factors crucial for early detection, treatment, and supportive care. This analysis avoids simple rankings and instead focuses on a holistic evaluation, incorporating physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, technology adoption, and the integration of mental health services.

The geographic area encompassing ZIP code 17006 presents a unique challenge. It is a rural area, and access to specialized medical care, including pulmonologists and oncologists, can be limited. This immediately impacts the Lung Cancer Score, as early detection and timely intervention are critical for improved outcomes. A low physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for specialists, suggests potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. Further investigation is required to ascertain the precise numbers.

Primary care availability in Blain, a nearby community, serves as a critical access point for initial screening and referrals. The strength of the primary care network directly influences the Lung Cancer Score. A robust network of primary care physicians (PCPs) who are well-versed in lung cancer screening guidelines, such as those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), is essential. The ability of PCPs to identify high-risk patients, order appropriate imaging (e.g., low-dose CT scans), and facilitate timely referrals to specialists significantly impacts the overall quality of care.

Assessing the specific practices within and near 17006 is vital. Are there any standout practices that demonstrate a commitment to lung cancer care? This requires evaluating several factors. Does the practice have a dedicated oncology team? Are there certified lung cancer screening centers nearby? What is the practice's track record in terms of patient outcomes and adherence to national guidelines? Determining the presence of these elements is essential to evaluate the Lung Cancer Score.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in this rural setting. The ability to access specialists remotely can mitigate the challenges of geographical isolation. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations with pulmonologists or oncologists, would score higher. This technology can improve patient access to care and reduce the burden of travel, a major consideration for patients in rural areas. The integration of remote monitoring systems for patients undergoing treatment is another aspect to consider.

The availability of mental health resources is a crucial, often overlooked, aspect of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis, and the subsequent treatment, can cause significant emotional distress. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, either through on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health professionals, are better equipped to support patients holistically. The Lung Cancer Score must reflect the importance of this aspect of care.

The absence of specific data on physician-to-patient ratios necessitates a more general assessment. The Lung Cancer Score for 17006 will likely be negatively affected by the expected low ratio of specialists. This is a major challenge that needs to be addressed through strategies such as telemedicine, increased access to screening programs, and outreach initiatives. The score for primary care availability in Blain will depend on the strength of the local network.

The presence of certified lung cancer screening centers is a key indicator of quality. These centers adhere to strict standards and utilize advanced imaging techniques. The availability of these centers within a reasonable distance of 17006 would positively impact the Lung Cancer Score. The presence of these centers, combined with a strong referral network, is key.

The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is another factor to consider. EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information between different healthcare providers, which is crucial for coordinating care. Practices that utilize EHRs, and that have systems in place to ensure that relevant information is shared with specialists, will score higher. This improves communication and reduces the risk of errors.

The Lung Cancer Score must also consider the availability of patient support groups and educational resources. These resources empower patients and provide them with the information and support they need to navigate their diagnosis and treatment. Practices that actively promote these resources will receive a higher score. The availability of these support systems is essential.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for this area will be a composite of all these factors. It is likely that the score will be lower than in more urban areas due to the challenges of rural healthcare delivery. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes increasing the number of specialists, expanding telemedicine services, and improving access to screening programs.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 17006 and Blain, Pennsylvania, and to visualize the location of healthcare resources, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. This tool allows you to visualize physician locations, hospital locations, and the availability of other critical resources.