15352, New Freeport, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15352, New Freeport, Pennsylvania is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.52 percent of the residents in 15352 has some form of health insurance. 42.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.94 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 15352 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 106 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15352. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 136 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 283 health care providers accessible to residents in 15352, New Freeport, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below focuses on breast cancer care within ZIP code 15352, specifically evaluating the availability and quality of care provided by physicians, with a secondary focus on primary care accessibility in the nearby community of New Freeport. This evaluation considers factors crucial for comprehensive breast cancer management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape for individuals seeking breast cancer care.

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in 15352 is the initial step. This metric provides a baseline understanding of the potential access to care. While precise figures fluctuate, data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health can be used to estimate the number of primary care physicians, oncologists, and surgeons specializing in breast cancer care within the ZIP code. Comparing this number to the population of 15352 reveals the physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio generally indicates better access to care. However, this is a simplified view. The actual accessibility is affected by factors like insurance acceptance, patient load of individual doctors, and the willingness of physicians to accept new patients.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. This involves researching the reputation of local medical practices. Online reviews, patient testimonials, and physician ratings on platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals offer valuable insights. Furthermore, affiliations with reputable hospitals and cancer centers are a key indicator of quality. Practices associated with larger medical systems often have access to advanced technologies, specialized expertise, and clinical trials, which are essential in breast cancer care. Examining the qualifications of the physicians themselves, including their board certifications and specializations within breast cancer care, is also crucial.

Telemedicine adoption is another important factor in the evaluation. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. It allows for virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. Assessing the extent to which physicians in 15352 offer telemedicine services involves checking practice websites, contacting offices directly, and looking for information on telehealth platforms used. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and may be better positioned to provide ongoing support throughout the cancer journey.

The availability of mental health resources is a critical, often overlooked, aspect of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's emotional well-being. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is crucial for managing anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. Evaluating this involves researching the availability of mental health services within the medical practices themselves or through referrals to external providers. The presence of support groups specifically for breast cancer patients, either offered by the practices or in the broader community, is another positive indicator.

Analyzing primary care availability in New Freeport, a nearby community, is essential for understanding the broader healthcare ecosystem supporting patients in 15352. Primary care physicians often serve as the initial point of contact for patients and play a vital role in early detection and ongoing care coordination. Assessing primary care availability involves looking at the number of primary care physicians practicing in New Freeport, the physician-to-patient ratio, and the ease with which patients can schedule appointments. Examining the acceptance of various insurance plans is also crucial.

Furthermore, the integration between primary care providers in New Freeport and specialists in 15352 is important. Effective communication and collaboration between primary care physicians, oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists are essential for providing coordinated, patient-centered care. This can be evaluated by looking at referral patterns, the use of electronic health records, and the presence of joint care plans.

A comprehensive evaluation of breast cancer care in 15352 and primary care availability in New Freeport requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves gathering data on physician-to-patient ratios, the reputation of medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. It also involves assessing the accessibility of primary care in New Freeport and the level of collaboration between primary care physicians and specialists.

The findings of such an evaluation can be used to inform patients about their healthcare choices, identify areas for improvement in the local healthcare system, and promote the development of patient-centered care. The analysis should also consider the specific needs of the patient population, including factors like age, socioeconomic status, and cultural background.

The analysis should also consider the impact of social determinants of health. These are non-medical factors that influence health outcomes, such as access to transportation, food security, and housing stability. These factors can significantly affect a patient's ability to access and adhere to treatment.

For example, a patient who lacks reliable transportation may struggle to attend appointments, which could lead to delays in diagnosis or treatment. Similarly, a patient who experiences food insecurity may have difficulty maintaining a healthy diet, which could compromise their immune system. Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial for ensuring that all patients have an equal opportunity to receive high-quality breast cancer care.

In conclusion, the quality of breast cancer care in 15352 and the availability of primary care in New Freeport are complex issues that require ongoing monitoring and evaluation. By considering the factors discussed above, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape and work towards improving the care that patients receive.
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