18851, Warren Center, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18851, Warren Center, Pennsylvania is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.75 percent of the residents in 18851 has some form of health insurance. 42.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.10 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 18851 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 135 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18851. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 158 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,812 health care providers accessible to residents in 18851, Warren Center, Pennsylvania.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Warren Center (18851)

This analysis assesses the landscape of healthcare resources within ZIP code 18851, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care. We examine primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support. This information is crucial for residents navigating potential lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Warren Center, Pennsylvania, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare access. The rural nature of the area often impacts the availability of specialized medical services, including those related to lung cancer. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview, highlighting both strengths and areas needing improvement.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on strong primary care. Early detection and prompt referral are critical. Assessing primary care availability requires examining the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the ZIP code and its immediate vicinity. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to preventative screenings and early diagnosis.

Data collection on this metric involves researching the number of PCPs actively practicing in 18851 and its surrounding areas. This includes family medicine physicians, internal medicine specialists, and general practitioners. Publicly available databases, insurance provider directories, and local healthcare websites are essential sources. The population of 18851, as determined by the latest census data, is then used to calculate the ratio. This ratio provides a baseline understanding of primary care accessibility.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the community is also important. Are physicians concentrated in specific locations, potentially creating access challenges for residents in more remote areas? This geographic analysis helps identify potential disparities in care access.

**Standout Practices and Specialized Services:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating the quality of care provided by PCPs and any specialists who may be available in the area. This assessment considers factors like patient reviews, accreditations, and the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment.

Practices that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, including lung cancer screening, are particularly noteworthy. This involves investigating whether practices offer low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for individuals at high risk, as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The availability of these screenings is a crucial indicator of proactive lung cancer care.

Furthermore, the presence of specialists, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, within a reasonable travel distance is vital. While these specialists may not be directly located in 18851, their proximity and accessibility are crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. Researching the referral networks of local PCPs can reveal the availability of these specialists.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has the potential to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services.

The availability of telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations with specialists who may be located further away. This can reduce the burden of travel for patients and improve their overall access to care.

Investigating the types of telemedicine platforms used, the ease of access, and the cost (including insurance coverage) is essential. The integration of telemedicine into the local healthcare system is a key factor in improving lung cancer care access.

**Mental Health Resources and Support:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges are common. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive care.

Assessing mental health support involves identifying local therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who specialize in oncology-related mental health issues. This includes investigating whether these professionals accept insurance and whether they offer telehealth options.

The presence of support groups, both in-person and virtual, is also important. These groups provide a valuable forum for patients to connect with others who are facing similar challenges. Furthermore, assessing the integration of mental health services into the overall cancer care plan is crucial. Does the local healthcare system have established referral pathways for patients who need mental health support?

**Overall Assessment and Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape in 18851 presents both challenges and opportunities in the context of lung cancer care. The rural setting may limit the immediate availability of specialized services, but the potential for telemedicine and the presence of dedicated primary care providers can mitigate these challenges.

A thorough assessment of physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices offering preventative screenings, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources is crucial for understanding the overall quality of care.

This analysis provides a starting point for residents of Warren Center to understand the healthcare resources available to them. Further investigation and engagement with local healthcare providers are essential for ensuring access to the best possible care.

**Call to Action:**

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Warren Center, including the location of physicians, specialists, and hospitals, explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. These maps provide a powerful tool for understanding healthcare access and making informed decisions about your health.