15670, New Alexandria, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15670, New Alexandria, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.47 percent of the residents in 15670 has some form of health insurance. 40.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.91 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 15670 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 371 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15670. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 732 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,693 health care providers accessible to residents in 15670, New Alexandria, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: New Alexandria, PA (ZIP Code 15670)

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of breast cancer-related healthcare within the New Alexandria, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15670) area, focusing on primary care physicians and their impact on early detection and treatment pathways. We will assess factors including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, ultimately aiming to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in accessible and proactive primary care. In New Alexandria, determining the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, when combined, can provide an estimate. This calculation reveals the number of primary care physicians serving the population of 15670. A higher ratio of patients per physician might indicate potential challenges in accessing timely appointments for screenings, diagnostic follow-up, and ongoing care management. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests a potentially more favorable environment for preventative care and patient education.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating several factors. This includes the availability of on-site mammography services, which significantly streamlines the screening process. Practices that offer this service, and particularly those utilizing advanced technologies like 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), would score higher. Another key indicator is the practice's commitment to patient education, including providing information about breast cancer risk factors, self-exams, and the importance of regular screenings. Practices with dedicated patient navigators, who guide patients through the often-complex healthcare system, would also be considered highly valuable.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly relevant, especially in rural areas. The extent to which primary care physicians in 15670 utilize telemedicine for breast cancer-related consultations and follow-ups is a significant factor. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. Practices that offer virtual consultations for discussing screening results, providing educational materials, or managing post-treatment care would receive a more favorable score. This is also important for providing access to specialists.

The integration of mental health resources is a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of breast cancer care. A diagnosis of breast cancer can have a profound emotional impact, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that proactively screen for mental health issues and offer or refer patients to mental health services would be considered more comprehensive. This could include on-site therapists, partnerships with local mental health providers, or the provision of educational materials on coping with the emotional aspects of the disease.

Analyzing the availability of primary care within the ZIP code necessitates examining the overall landscape. The presence of larger healthcare systems with associated primary care networks can influence access. The presence of a local hospital with a dedicated breast cancer center would significantly improve the score, as it would indicate a concentration of resources and expertise. Conversely, a reliance on physicians outside the immediate area could potentially create access barriers, particularly for those with limited transportation options.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is not a single number but a composite assessment reflecting the availability, quality, and integration of various healthcare components. The score would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of on-site mammography, the use of telemedicine, the availability of patient navigators, and the integration of mental health resources. Each factor is weighted based on its importance in contributing to early detection, effective treatment, and comprehensive patient support.

Specific examples of practices within 15670, if available through public data or local directories, would be evaluated individually. The analysis would assess each practice based on the criteria outlined above. This includes the availability of same-day appointments, the average wait time for appointments, and the practice's patient satisfaction ratings, if available.

The analysis would also consider the overall health infrastructure within the region. This includes the proximity to specialized cancer centers, the availability of support groups, and the presence of community outreach programs. The score would reflect the interconnectedness of the healthcare ecosystem and its ability to provide comprehensive care.

Furthermore, the analysis would consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact access to care. This includes the prevalence of health insurance coverage, the level of education within the community, and the availability of transportation options. These factors can influence a patient's ability to access screenings, treatment, and support services.

The final "Breast Cancer Score" would be a nuanced assessment, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in 15670. It would highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the physician-to-patient ratio, expanding telemedicine adoption, and strengthening the integration of mental health resources.

This comprehensive analysis aims to provide a clear picture of the breast cancer care environment in New Alexandria, PA. It is a starting point for understanding the challenges and opportunities in this area. For a visual representation of these data points and a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps.