15401, Uniontown, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15401, Uniontown, Pennsylvania is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.08 percent of the residents in 15401 has some form of health insurance. 45.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.31 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 15401 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,432 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15401. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,768 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,052 health care providers accessible to residents in 15401, Uniontown, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Uniontown, PA (ZIP Code 15401)

Analyzing the availability and quality of breast cancer care in Uniontown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15401) requires a multi-faceted approach. We'll examine the landscape of primary care physicians, their capacity to screen and refer, the presence of specialized oncological services, and the integration of supportive care, including mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement within the community.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in accessible and competent primary care. Uniontown's primary care physician (PCP) to patient ratio is a crucial metric. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and local hospital systems will be critical in determining this ratio. The analysis will need to consider the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code, the estimated population served, and the average patient load per physician. This data will paint a picture of accessibility, revealing potential bottlenecks in the system.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care matters. This includes the PCPs' awareness of breast cancer screening guidelines, their willingness to order mammograms, and their ability to effectively communicate risk factors and the importance of early detection. Assessing this requires delving into the practices themselves. Are they equipped with electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate tracking of screening compliance? Do they proactively remind patients of upcoming mammograms? Are they well-versed in the latest advancements in breast cancer prevention and treatment? This information is often gathered through a combination of public records, insurance provider data, and potentially, surveys of local patients.

Standout practices within Uniontown will be identified based on their demonstrated commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care. This includes those that actively participate in community outreach programs, offer patient education materials, and maintain strong referral networks with specialists. Practices that have earned recognition from organizations like the American Cancer Society or the National Breast Cancer Foundation would be particularly noteworthy. The analysis will also consider the availability of on-site mammography services, which can significantly improve patient convenience and encourage adherence to screening recommendations.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor. Telemedicine can play a crucial role in expanding access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Uniontown. The analysis will assess the extent to which local practices offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations. Telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists located outside of Uniontown, providing patients with expert opinions and reducing the need for travel. The availability of telehealth services from regional cancer centers and hospitals will also be evaluated.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but vital component of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health support is crucial for patients' well-being and recovery. The analysis will investigate the availability of therapists, counselors, and support groups within Uniontown. This includes assessing the presence of oncology-specific mental health services, which are particularly beneficial for patients navigating the unique challenges of cancer treatment. The analysis will also explore the integration of mental health services into the overall care plan, such as referrals from PCPs and oncologists.

The presence of a comprehensive breast cancer center within Uniontown or nearby is a significant advantage. These centers typically offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, nurses, and other specialists under one roof. This integrated model facilitates seamless communication, coordinated care, and improved patient outcomes. The analysis will identify the closest comprehensive breast cancer centers, evaluate their services, and assess their accessibility for residents of ZIP Code 15401.

Furthermore, the analysis will assess the availability of financial assistance programs and resources for breast cancer patients. Cancer treatment can be expensive, and financial burdens can create significant stress and barriers to care. The analysis will identify local and regional organizations that offer financial support, such as grants, transportation assistance, and help with medication costs.

The "Breast Cancer Score" will be a composite metric, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses across these key areas. It will be a qualitative assessment, providing a nuanced understanding of the breast cancer care landscape in Uniontown. The score will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care, the availability of specialized services, the integration of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and the availability of financial assistance. The score will not be a numerical value but rather a descriptive assessment, providing actionable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

To conclude this analysis, the complex nature of the healthcare system in Uniontown necessitates a visual representation. To truly understand the distribution of resources, the location of providers, and the accessibility of services, the use of geographic mapping tools is invaluable.

**Call to Action:**

For a visual representation of the data discussed, including the location of physicians, hospitals, and support services, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial analysis. Consider using **CartoChrome maps** to visualize the breast cancer care landscape in Uniontown and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the community. CartoChrome maps can reveal patterns, identify gaps in care, and inform strategies to improve access to vital services.