15635, Hannastown, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15635, Hannastown, Pennsylvania is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15635 has some form of health insurance. 57.04 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.38 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 15635 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15635. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 41 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,879 health care providers accessible to residents in 15635, Hannastown, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Hannastown, PA (ZIP Code 15635)

Analyzing the breast cancer care landscape within Hannastown, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15635) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the quality and accessibility of care, focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, the integration of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health support, all critical components in a patient's journey through diagnosis and treatment. This analysis will not produce a simple numerical score, but rather a comprehensive overview to help patients understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare environment.

Hannastown, a community within the larger Greensburg area, likely relies on the healthcare infrastructure of Westmoreland County. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a crucial starting point. PCPs are often the initial point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms or seeking preventative screenings like mammograms. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can lead to delayed diagnoses, as it becomes more difficult to schedule timely appointments. Data on the specific PCP-to-patient ratio within 15635 and its surrounding areas is vital. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can provide insights into this critical metric. Research into the local healthcare system's ability to meet the needs of the population is essential.

The quality of primary care practices also warrants examination. Are practices accepting new patients? What are the average wait times for appointments? Do they offer extended hours or weekend availability? These factors directly impact a patient’s ability to access care promptly. Furthermore, the availability of female physicians, who may be preferred by some patients for sensitive examinations and discussions, is a consideration. The practices' adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) also plays a role. EHRs facilitate seamless information sharing between providers, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of errors.

Beyond primary care, the availability of specialists is paramount. The presence of oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons specializing in breast cancer is essential. The proximity of these specialists to the community and the ease with which patients can access their services is critical. Hospitals and cancer centers in the Greensburg area, like Excela Health, likely play a significant role in providing these specialized services. Analyzing the number of specialists per capita and the average wait times for consultations is a key part of the evaluation. Additionally, the reputation and experience of these specialists, as reflected in patient reviews and peer recognition, are important indicators of quality.

The integration of telemedicine into breast cancer care is becoming increasingly important. Telemedicine offers several benefits, including easier access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and support groups, particularly for patients who may have mobility limitations or live in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices, including the availability of virtual consultations and remote monitoring, is a positive factor. The availability of digital platforms for patient education and communication is another aspect of telemedicine to consider.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but crucial component of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's emotional and psychological well-being. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential. Assessing the presence of these resources within the community, including their accessibility and integration with medical care, is critical. This includes the availability of support groups specifically for breast cancer patients and their families.

Specific practices within the 15635 ZIP code or its immediate vicinity that stand out for their commitment to breast cancer care would be identified through this analysis. This could include practices with a strong emphasis on preventative screenings, those that have invested in advanced diagnostic technologies, or those that offer comprehensive support services. These practices would be assessed based on their patient satisfaction scores, their use of evidence-based treatment protocols, and their commitment to patient education.

The analysis will also examine the availability of resources for financial assistance and patient navigation. Breast cancer treatment can be expensive, and navigating the healthcare system can be complex. The presence of programs that offer financial aid, assistance with insurance claims, and patient navigators to guide patients through the treatment process can significantly improve the patient experience.

In conclusion, a comprehensive analysis of breast cancer care in Hannastown (ZIP code 15635) requires a detailed assessment of various factors. The availability of primary care physicians, specialists, and mental health resources are all crucial. The adoption of telemedicine, the quality of practices, and the availability of financial and patient navigation support are also important considerations. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare environment, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hannastown and the surrounding areas, explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. Their platform can provide detailed visualizations of physician locations, hospital networks, and resource availability, helping you navigate the complexities of healthcare access in your community.