15436, Fairchance, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15436, Fairchance, Pennsylvania is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.25 percent of the residents in 15436 has some form of health insurance. 54.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.32 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 15436 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 550 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15436. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 531 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,142 health care providers accessible to residents in 15436, Fairchance, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Fairchance, PA (ZIP Code 15436)

Fairchance, Pennsylvania, a small borough nestled in Fayette County, presents a unique landscape for assessing breast cancer care. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of care within ZIP code 15436, focusing on primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide an informed "Breast Cancer Score" analysis, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on accessible primary care. This is the initial point of contact, where early detection through screenings and referrals begins. Fairchance, being a rural area, faces challenges common to such locations: potentially limited access to primary care physicians. Assessing the availability requires analyzing the number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code or its immediate vicinity. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning a higher number of patients per physician, indicates a potential bottleneck in accessing timely appointments and preventative care. This directly impacts the ability to schedule mammograms and other essential screenings, crucial for early detection and improved outcomes.

Beyond the sheer number of physicians, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices' commitment to preventative care, their use of evidence-based guidelines, and their ability to coordinate care with specialists. Are practices actively promoting mammography screenings? Do they have established protocols for follow-up care after abnormal findings? These are critical factors in determining the overall effectiveness of primary care in breast cancer prevention and early intervention.

Identifying "standout practices" within the area requires a deeper dive. This involves researching practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in breast cancer care. This could include practices that have a high percentage of patients up-to-date on screenings, those that offer patient education programs, or those that participate in quality improvement initiatives. The presence of certified breast care specialists within a practice would also be a significant positive factor. Furthermore, evaluating patient satisfaction through surveys and online reviews provides valuable insight into the patient experience.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant aspect of modern healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access consultations with specialists, receive follow-up care, and participate in support groups without the need for extensive travel. The availability of telemedicine services, specifically for breast cancer care, would significantly enhance the "Breast Cancer Score." This includes virtual consultations with oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists, as well as remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment. The ease of access to these services is a key component.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but crucial aspect of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, is essential for providing comprehensive care. Assessing the availability of these resources within the community, including the presence of therapists specializing in oncology or cancer-related issues, is critical. The integration of mental health services within the primary care setting, or easy referral pathways to mental health professionals, are also important considerations.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Fairchance, PA (15436) would be significantly influenced by the interplay of these factors. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare ecosystem characterized by a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, readily accessible primary care, standout practices with a focus on preventative care, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would reflect challenges in these areas, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, limited access to specialized care, and a compromised patient experience.

To formulate a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score," a detailed investigation would be required. This involves collecting data on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This data would then be analyzed and weighted based on its impact on breast cancer care. The final score would provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of care within the community.

The analysis must also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors. Poverty, lack of transportation, and limited access to health insurance can all create barriers to accessing care. These factors would be considered when evaluating the overall health of the community. The analysis would also take into account the availability of community resources, such as patient navigators, who can help patients navigate the healthcare system and access needed services.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide a clear and actionable assessment of breast cancer care within Fairchance, PA. This analysis would serve as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders, highlighting areas of strength and identifying opportunities for improvement. This detailed examination of the local healthcare environment allows for a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing breast cancer patients in this specific region.

The quality of data used in this analysis is critical. Publicly available resources, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and online physician directories, can provide valuable information. Patient surveys and interviews with healthcare providers can also provide valuable insights.

This comprehensive analysis would allow for a more informed understanding of the quality of breast cancer care available in Fairchance, PA (15436). The goal is to empower patients with information and to provide healthcare providers with data that can be used to improve care delivery.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Fairchance and beyond, consider exploring the power of spatial data analysis. CartoChrome maps offers a dynamic platform for mapping and analyzing healthcare data, including physician locations, hospital accessibility, and demographic information.