15534, Buffalo Mills, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15534, Buffalo Mills, Pennsylvania is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.72 percent of the residents in 15534 has some form of health insurance. 48.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.04 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 15534 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 245 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15534. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 234 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 859 health care providers accessible to residents in 15534, Buffalo Mills, Pennsylvania.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Buffalo Mills, PA (ZIP Code 15534)**

Analyzing the landscape of breast cancer care within the Buffalo Mills, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15534) area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis aims to evaluate the quality and accessibility of care, focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, technology adoption, and the integration of mental health support. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis or seeking preventative care.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on the availability of qualified medical professionals. Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is crucial. In a rural area like Buffalo Mills, the density of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists (oncologists, radiologists, surgeons) directly impacts access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. A low physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for specialists, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delays in diagnosis, and potentially poorer outcomes. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and professional medical organizations can provide insights into the number of physicians practicing within the ZIP code and surrounding areas, along with their specialties and patient load.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the medical practices themselves significantly influence the quality of care. Are there any standout practices within the 15534 ZIP code or in nearby towns that offer a comprehensive approach to breast cancer care? This includes practices that provide a full spectrum of services, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship support. Does any practice have a dedicated breast cancer center? Are they equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technology, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) and breast MRI? Are they accredited by organizations like the American College of Radiology? Practices that prioritize patient education, offer support groups, and integrate multidisciplinary teams (including surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses, and social workers) tend to provide more holistic and patient-centered care.

The adoption of telemedicine represents a critical aspect of healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas where geographical barriers can limit access to specialists. The extent to which practices in and around Buffalo Mills utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education is a key indicator of accessibility. Telemedicine can bridge the gap between patients and specialists, allowing for remote consultations, remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment, and virtual support groups. Practices that actively embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and improved access to care. This is particularly important for patients who may have difficulty traveling long distances for appointments or who require frequent follow-up care.

Mental health support is an essential, yet often overlooked, component of breast cancer care. A diagnosis of breast cancer, and the subsequent treatment, can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is crucial for managing the stress, anxiety, and depression that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. The availability of these resources within the local community, or through partnerships with larger healthcare systems, is a significant factor in determining the overall quality of care. Are there any local mental health professionals who specialize in oncology or have experience working with cancer patients? Do local hospitals or cancer centers offer support groups or counseling services? The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan demonstrates a commitment to addressing the holistic needs of patients.

Primary care availability in Buffalo Mills is another key factor. PCPs play a crucial role in breast cancer screening and early detection. They are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms or seeking preventative care. The availability of PCPs, their awareness of breast cancer screening guidelines, and their ability to refer patients to specialists are critical for ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment. The number of PCPs practicing in the area, their willingness to perform breast exams, and their ability to educate patients about the importance of mammograms are all factors to consider. Additionally, the ability of PCPs to coordinate care with specialists and provide ongoing support to patients undergoing treatment is essential.

In the context of Buffalo Mills, the analysis would need to examine the availability of PCPs within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. It would also need to assess the extent to which PCPs are actively involved in breast cancer screening and patient education. The presence of a strong network of PCPs who are well-informed about breast cancer and committed to providing comprehensive care is essential for improving patient outcomes.

This analysis requires data collection from multiple sources. Public health databases, physician directories, hospital websites, and patient reviews can provide valuable information. Gathering this data, however, can be time-consuming and complex.

The creation of a 'Breast Cancer Score' for the Buffalo Mills area would involve assigning weights to each of the factors discussed above (physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and primary care availability). The weights would reflect the relative importance of each factor in determining the overall quality and accessibility of breast cancer care. Each factor would then be scored based on the available data, and the scores would be combined to produce an overall score. This score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the breast cancer care landscape in the area.

The information gathered in this analysis could be visualized and presented in a user-friendly format, such as an interactive map. This map could highlight the locations of medical practices, the services they offer, and the resources available to patients.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Buffalo Mills and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. Their mapping solutions can provide valuable insights into the availability of breast cancer care in your community.