15037, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15037, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.80 percent of the residents in 15037 has some form of health insurance. 39.44 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.75 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 15037 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,855 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15037. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,260 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,921 health care providers accessible to residents in 15037, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Elizabeth, PA (ZIP Code 15037)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of breast cancer care availability and quality within Elizabeth, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15037), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) access and related resources. The goal is to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" that reflects the community's preparedness in early detection, diagnosis, and supportive care for individuals facing this disease.

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

The cornerstone of effective breast cancer care is access to a primary care physician. Regular check-ups, screenings, and referrals are crucial for early detection and intervention. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio in Elizabeth is a vital first step. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau can be used to estimate this ratio. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per physician, can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to preventative care. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests better access to PCPs and, consequently, a higher likelihood of timely breast cancer screenings.

The analysis must consider the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code. Are they concentrated in specific areas, potentially creating access challenges for residents in other parts of Elizabeth? Factors like transportation infrastructure and the availability of public transit play a role. Residents without reliable transportation may face significant hurdles in accessing care, impacting their Breast Cancer Score.

**Standout Practices and Their Contributions:**

Identifying standout primary care practices within 15037 is critical. This involves evaluating practices based on several criteria. First, the practice's commitment to preventative care, specifically breast cancer screenings (mammograms), is essential. Do they proactively remind patients about screenings? Do they have established protocols for referring patients to mammography services? Practices that actively promote early detection efforts will receive a higher score.

Second, the quality of patient communication and education is vital. Does the practice provide clear and concise information about breast cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and treatment options? Do they offer educational materials in multiple languages to cater to the diverse population of Elizabeth? Practices that prioritize patient education and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health will be highly regarded.

Third, the practice's integration of technology is a significant factor. Does the practice utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to streamline patient care and facilitate communication with specialists? Are they adopting patient portals to allow patients to access their medical information, schedule appointments, and communicate with their providers? Practices that embrace technology can improve efficiency and enhance patient experience.

**Telemedicine Adoption: Expanding Access:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Elizabeth is crucial. Do practices offer virtual consultations for routine check-ups, follow-up appointments, or consultations with specialists? Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those who prefer the convenience of virtual appointments.

The analysis must consider the types of telemedicine services offered. Are practices using video conferencing for consultations? Do they offer remote monitoring of patients with chronic conditions? The availability of telemedicine services can significantly impact the Breast Cancer Score, particularly for those who may face barriers to in-person care.

**Mental Health Resources: A Critical Component:**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges are common. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within Elizabeth is a crucial component of the Breast Cancer Score.

The analysis must assess the availability of mental health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. Are there readily accessible mental health services within the community? Does the primary care practice have established referral pathways to mental health providers? Practices that prioritize mental health support will receive a higher score.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the availability of support groups and counseling services specifically for breast cancer patients and survivors. These resources can provide invaluable emotional support and help individuals cope with the challenges of their diagnosis and treatment.

**Specific Considerations for Elizabeth, PA (15037):**

The analysis must consider any unique characteristics of Elizabeth, PA, that may impact breast cancer care. This includes factors such as the demographics of the population, socioeconomic status, and any existing health disparities. Are there specific populations within Elizabeth that may be at higher risk for breast cancer or face barriers to accessing care?

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the availability of specialized breast cancer services, such as breast surgeons, oncologists, and radiation oncologists, within a reasonable distance of Elizabeth. Proximity to these specialists is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

**Overall Breast Cancer Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the analysis of these factors, a Breast Cancer Score will be assigned to Elizabeth, PA (15037). This score will reflect the community's preparedness in providing comprehensive breast cancer care. The score will be accompanied by specific recommendations for improvement. These recommendations may include suggestions for increasing the physician-to-patient ratio, improving access to telemedicine services, enhancing mental health support, and promoting patient education.

**Conclusion:**

This analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding the breast cancer care landscape in Elizabeth, PA (15037). By assessing primary care availability, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the community's preparedness in addressing this critical health concern.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of resources and access to care, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their maps can help you identify areas with the greatest needs and visualize the impact of various factors on breast cancer care.