15468, New Salem, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15468, New Salem, Pennsylvania is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.41 percent of the residents in 15468 has some form of health insurance. 42.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.17 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 15468 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 524 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15468. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 384 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 689 health care providers accessible to residents in 15468, New Salem, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: New Salem, PA (ZIP Code 15468)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality in New Salem, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15468) requires a multi-faceted approach, particularly when assessing factors relevant to breast cancer care. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, ultimately aiming to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment for the area.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on accessible and competent primary care. In New Salem, the initial assessment hinges on the density of primary care physicians (PCPs) relative to the population. A low physician-to-patient ratio would indicate potential challenges in securing timely appointments for routine checkups, crucial for early detection through screenings like mammograms. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater ease of access, allowing for prompt attention to any breast health concerns. Investigating the current PCP density in the area is the first step. Public health data, local hospital reports, and online physician directories can provide this critical data point.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. The analysis should identify specific practices and physicians within the ZIP code. Are there established practices with a long-standing presence, indicating a commitment to the community? Are these practices accepting new patients? The reputation of these practices, gauged through patient reviews, word-of-mouth, and any publicly available quality metrics (e.g., patient satisfaction scores), provides insight into the overall quality of care.

Specialized breast cancer care, including surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology, requires an understanding of the referral pathways from primary care. Are there readily available referral networks to specialists within a reasonable geographic radius? The presence of a comprehensive cancer center or affiliation with a larger hospital system would significantly enhance the score, indicating access to a multidisciplinary team of experts. The distance to these specialist centers and the ease of scheduling appointments are critical considerations.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices can dramatically improve access to care, especially for follow-up appointments, consultations, and mental health support. Assessing the availability of telehealth services, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of use for patients will be a significant factor in the Breast Cancer Score. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and can potentially improve access to specialists located further away.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked, yet critical, component of breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can have profound psychological impacts. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is a crucial element in the overall care landscape. The analysis should determine the presence of mental health professionals within the area, the availability of support groups tailored to breast cancer patients, and the integration of mental health services within the primary care or specialist practices. Ideally, practices would offer in-house mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers.

The analysis should also consider the presence of community resources and support programs. Are there local chapters of breast cancer organizations that provide support, education, and financial assistance? Are there programs that offer free or low-cost mammograms? The availability of these resources can significantly impact a patient's ability to navigate the healthcare system and access the necessary support.

To formulate a "Breast Cancer Score," a weighted scoring system is proposed. The physician-to-patient ratio would carry a significant weight, reflecting the fundamental importance of access to primary care. The quality of primary care practices, including patient reviews and quality metrics, would also be weighted heavily. The presence of specialist referral networks, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources would contribute to the score, with higher scores reflecting greater availability and integration of these services. Community resources and support programs would also contribute to the overall score.

The final "Breast Cancer Score" would be a composite number reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of breast cancer care in New Salem, PA. This score would provide a valuable benchmark for residents and healthcare providers alike. It would also highlight areas of strength and areas needing improvement. The score could be used to advocate for increased resources, promote best practices, and ultimately improve the health outcomes for women in the community.

Analyzing the data and assigning weights to each factor is a complex undertaking. However, the ultimate goal is to provide a clear and concise assessment of the breast cancer care landscape in New Salem. This assessment can then be used to inform decisions about healthcare access, resource allocation, and patient care. The result will be a more informed community and a healthcare system that is better equipped to serve the needs of its residents.

This analysis underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to healthcare assessment. It’s not simply about the number of doctors; it’s about the quality of care, the accessibility of services, and the availability of support resources. The Breast Cancer Score, when completed, will be a valuable tool for residents and healthcare providers in New Salem, PA.

To further enhance your understanding of healthcare access and quality in New Salem and other areas, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps can visually represent the data discussed in this analysis, providing a clear and intuitive understanding of the healthcare landscape.