15489, West Leisenring, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15489, West Leisenring, Pennsylvania is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.42 percent of the residents in 15489 has some form of health insurance. 60.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.57 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 15489 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 112 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15489. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 114 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 206 health care providers accessible to residents in 15489, West Leisenring, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: West Leisenring, PA (ZIP Code 15489)

Analyzing the breast cancer care landscape in West Leisenring, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15489) requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing physician availability, quality of care, access to resources, and overall community support. This analysis, framed as a "Breast Cancer Score," attempts to provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare infrastructure within this specific geographic area. Due to the limitations of publicly available data and the inherent complexities of medical practice, this analysis offers a general assessment and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.

The foundation of any effective breast cancer care system is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). These doctors are the initial point of contact for patients, providing preventative screenings, referrals to specialists, and ongoing support. The "primary care availability" component of our score considers the physician-to-patient ratio in West Leisenring and the surrounding areas. A high ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to delayed diagnoses, reduced access to care, and poorer patient outcomes. While precise physician-to-patient ratios are often proprietary, publicly available data from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and other sources can provide estimates. The analysis would investigate if West Leisenring is designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) for primary care, a strong indicator of limited access.

Beyond raw numbers, the analysis delves into the quality of primary care practices. This includes evaluating the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for breast cancer screening, such as those recommended by the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Practices that actively promote mammography screenings, provide patient education materials, and offer timely referrals to specialists would receive higher scores. Furthermore, the analysis assesses the availability of same-day or next-day appointments, a crucial factor in addressing patient concerns promptly.

Specialist availability is a critical element. The "Breast Cancer Score" evaluates the presence of oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons specializing in breast cancer within a reasonable commuting distance of West Leisenring. Proximity to comprehensive cancer centers, equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, is also considered. The analysis examines the availability of multidisciplinary care teams, bringing together various specialists to develop personalized treatment plans. These teams are often associated with better patient outcomes.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial factor in modern healthcare. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. The analysis investigates the extent to which primary care practices and specialists in the region offer telemedicine services. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient convenience, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate more frequent communication between patients and their healthcare providers.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but essential component of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health resources is crucial for patients' well-being. The "Breast Cancer Score" assesses the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in oncology. The analysis also considers the presence of support groups, patient navigators, and other resources that provide emotional support and guidance to patients and their families.

Standout practices are identified based on their commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care. These practices may demonstrate excellence in various areas, such as patient education, screening rates, treatment outcomes, and patient satisfaction. The analysis would seek to identify any practices that have received recognition for their quality of care or have implemented innovative programs to improve patient outcomes. This could include practices that offer genetic counseling, participate in clinical trials, or provide integrated care models.

The analysis would also consider the availability of resources beyond the immediate medical setting. This includes access to transportation for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments, financial assistance programs to help cover the costs of treatment, and community outreach programs to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote early detection. The presence of these resources can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of the disease.

In conclusion, the "Breast Cancer Score" for West Leisenring (ZIP code 15489) is a complex evaluation of the healthcare ecosystem's capacity to address breast cancer effectively. While a precise numerical score is difficult to generate without extensive, proprietary data, the analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the system. Factors like PCP availability, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, mental health support, and community resources are all critical components. The score aims to highlight areas for improvement and inform patients about the healthcare landscape.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in West Leisenring and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome's mapping tools can help you visualize physician locations, identify areas with limited access to care, and gain a deeper understanding of the community's healthcare infrastructure. Explore the possibilities and gain a clearer picture of your healthcare options today.