15349, Mount Morris, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15349, Mount Morris, Pennsylvania is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.81 percent of the residents in 15349 has some form of health insurance. 40.76 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.77 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 15349 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 267 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15349. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 290 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 699 health care providers accessible to residents in 15349, Mount Morris, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Mount Morris, PA (ZIP Code 15349)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning breast cancer care, within a defined geographical area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on Mount Morris, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15349), examining the availability of primary care physicians, physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, the utilization of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all within the context of breast cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced 'Breast Cancer Score' assessment.

The foundation of any robust breast cancer care system rests on accessible primary care. In Mount Morris, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) serves as a crucial initial screening point. A low density of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses, as patients may struggle to secure timely appointments for routine check-ups and screenings. The 'Breast Cancer Score' will reflect the accessibility of PCPs, considering factors like appointment wait times, insurance acceptance, and the capacity of practices to accommodate new patients.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians serving a larger population, can strain healthcare resources. This can lead to shorter appointment times, potentially less thorough examinations, and increased waiting periods for referrals to specialists, including oncologists and radiologists. The 'Breast Cancer Score' will incorporate data on physician-to-patient ratios within the 15349 ZIP code, comparing it to regional and national averages. Areas with lower ratios will receive a higher score, reflecting better access to care.

Identifying standout practices within Mount Morris is essential. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, early detection, and patient-centered treatment. The 'Breast Cancer Score' will assess practices based on several criteria: the availability of on-site mammography services, the implementation of comprehensive breast cancer screening protocols, the presence of patient navigators to guide patients through the healthcare system, and the integration of multidisciplinary care teams (including surgeons, oncologists, and radiation therapists). Practices that excel in these areas will contribute positively to the overall score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients in Mount Morris to access specialist consultations, receive follow-up care, and participate in support groups without traveling long distances. The 'Breast Cancer Score' will evaluate the extent to which local practices and healthcare providers utilize telemedicine platforms for breast cancer-related services. Practices actively embracing telemedicine will be recognized for their commitment to expanding access to care.

The integration of mental health resources is a crucial aspect of comprehensive breast cancer care. A diagnosis of breast cancer can have a profound emotional impact on patients and their families. The 'Breast Cancer Score' will assess the availability of mental health services within the community, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in cancer-related issues. Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of their patients will be recognized for their holistic approach to care.

Specifically, the 'Breast Cancer Score' for Mount Morris, PA (ZIP code 15349) will consider the following:

* **Primary Care Accessibility:** Number of PCPs accepting new patients, average appointment wait times, and insurance acceptance rates.
* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** Comparison to regional and national averages, reflecting the availability of medical professionals.
* **Practice Capabilities:** Presence of on-site mammography, adherence to screening guidelines, patient navigator programs, and multidisciplinary care teams.
* **Telemedicine Utilization:** Extent of telemedicine adoption for consultations, follow-up care, and support groups.
* **Mental Health Integration:** Availability of therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in cancer-related issues.

The analysis will also consider the presence of any community outreach programs focused on breast cancer awareness, education, and early detection. These programs can play a vital role in empowering individuals to take proactive steps toward their health.

Furthermore, the 'Breast Cancer Score' will be dynamic, reflecting changes in healthcare infrastructure, technology adoption, and community initiatives. Regular updates will ensure the score remains a relevant and accurate assessment of breast cancer care in Mount Morris.

The final 'Breast Cancer Score' will be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of the above-mentioned factors. The weighting of each factor will be determined based on its relative importance in contributing to positive patient outcomes. For example, the availability of on-site mammography might be weighted more heavily than the availability of telemedicine, given the direct impact on early detection.

The 'Breast Cancer Score' will provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Patients can use the score to make informed decisions about their healthcare choices. Healthcare providers can use the score to identify areas for improvement and benchmark their performance against other practices. Policymakers can use the score to allocate resources effectively and address healthcare disparities within the community.

The analysis will also consider the demographic characteristics of the population in Mount Morris, including age, race, and socioeconomic status. This information will help to identify any disparities in access to care and tailor interventions to address the specific needs of the community.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of breast cancer care in Mount Morris, PA (ZIP code 15349) requires a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors. The 'Breast Cancer Score' will provide a valuable framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system and identifying opportunities for improvement. This analysis is designed to be a living document, updated regularly to reflect the evolving healthcare landscape.

For a visual representation of healthcare access in Mount Morris and surrounding areas, including physician locations, demographics, and other relevant data, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Visualize your health data with clarity and precision.