15071, Oakdale, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15071, Oakdale, Pennsylvania is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.91 percent of the residents in 15071 has some form of health insurance. 22.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.18 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 15071 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,591 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 243 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15071. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,821 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 10,757 health care providers accessible to residents in 15071, Oakdale, Pennsylvania.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Oakdale, PA (ZIP Code 15071)**

This analysis delves into the landscape of breast cancer care within Oakdale, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15071), evaluating the availability and quality of services. We'll assess the performance of local physicians, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" analysis, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem for individuals navigating breast cancer concerns.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests upon accessible and responsive primary care. In Oakdale, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) serves as a critical access point. A robust PCP network ensures early detection through routine screenings and provides a crucial entry point for patients experiencing symptoms. This involves assessing the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code, their acceptance of new patients, and the average wait times for appointments. A high Breast Cancer Score in this area indicates a readily available and responsive primary care system.

Physician-to-patient ratios provide a quantifiable metric for assessing the workload and potential availability of physicians. A favorable ratio, indicating a lower number of patients per physician, generally translates to more time for patient consultations, thorough examinations, and personalized care. This is particularly significant in breast cancer care, where early detection and ongoing support are essential. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratios for PCPs and specialists (e.g., oncologists, surgeons) practicing in and near Oakdale is essential.

Identifying standout practices within Oakdale requires a deeper dive. This involves evaluating practices based on several factors. First, consider their commitment to breast cancer screening guidelines, including adherence to recommended mammography schedules. Second, assess their patient communication protocols, including how effectively they explain diagnoses, treatment options, and potential side effects. Third, look at their integration of multidisciplinary care, such as collaboration with radiologists, surgeons, and oncologists. Finally, consider patient satisfaction, including reviews and ratings from patients.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important in healthcare, and its presence within Oakdale is a crucial factor in the Breast Cancer Score. Telemedicine offers several advantages, including increased access to specialists, especially for those in rural or underserved areas. It also allows for remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. The score will reflect the extent of telemedicine adoption among local practices, including the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring tools, and online patient portals.

Mental health resources play a critical role in breast cancer care. The emotional toll of a diagnosis, treatment, and recovery can be significant. Therefore, the availability of mental health support services is essential. This analysis examines the presence of mental health professionals (e.g., therapists, counselors, psychiatrists) within Oakdale and the surrounding areas. It also evaluates the integration of mental health services within local practices, such as offering on-site counseling or referrals to mental health specialists. The Breast Cancer Score is higher when these resources are readily available and integrated into the overall care plan.

Specific examples of practices within Oakdale and the surrounding areas that exhibit exemplary performance in these areas would significantly boost the Breast Cancer Score. Identifying practices that are early adopters of telemedicine, have robust patient communication protocols, or integrate mental health services effectively would be highly beneficial. This could include practices that partner with local support groups, offer educational resources, or actively participate in breast cancer awareness campaigns.

Assessing the availability of specialists, such as oncologists and breast surgeons, is another crucial component of the Breast Cancer Score. The proximity of these specialists to Oakdale, the availability of appointments, and the types of services they offer (e.g., surgical options, chemotherapy, radiation therapy) are all important factors. The score will reflect the ease with which patients can access the specialized care they need.

The analysis will also consider the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, who can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. Patient navigators can assist with scheduling appointments, understanding insurance coverage, and accessing financial assistance programs. The presence of these services significantly improves the patient experience and contributes to a higher Breast Cancer Score.

Ultimately, the Breast Cancer Score for Oakdale, PA (15071) will be a composite measure reflecting the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care within the ZIP code. It will consider the availability of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the presence of standout practices. The score will provide a valuable snapshot of the local healthcare landscape, highlighting areas of strength and identifying areas where improvements are needed.

For a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Oakdale and surrounding areas, and to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can help you identify physicians, specialists, and support services in your area.