15680, Salina, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15680, Salina, Pennsylvania is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.81 percent of the residents in 15680 has some form of health insurance. 44.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.37 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 15680 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 53 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15680. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 65 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,659 health care providers accessible to residents in 15680, Salina, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 15680 and Primary Care in Salina

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of breast cancer care within ZIP code 15680, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services in Salina, Pennsylvania. The goal is to evaluate the landscape of care, considering factors crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer. We'll delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight exemplary practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests upon accessible and quality primary care. Early detection through regular screenings and timely referrals is paramount. Salina, as a hub for primary care within the 15680 ZIP code, plays a pivotal role in this process. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, signifying fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Publicly available data, such as that from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, will be consulted to estimate this ratio within the target area.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care is paramount. We’ll investigate standout practices within the 15680 ZIP code. These practices will be assessed based on several criteria. Firstly, the adoption of evidence-based practices is essential. This includes adherence to national guidelines for breast cancer screening, such as mammograms and clinical breast exams. Secondly, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) is crucial for efficient patient management, care coordination, and data analysis. Thirdly, patient satisfaction surveys will be analyzed to gauge patient experiences with their primary care providers.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of modern healthcare delivery. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and preliminary assessments, can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. We will assess the extent to which primary care practices in Salina have embraced telemedicine. This includes examining the availability of virtual appointments, the types of services offered via telemedicine, and the technologies utilized. The availability of telemedicine can significantly impact early detection and timely intervention, especially for patients who may face geographical barriers to accessing care.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but critical component of breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be emotionally taxing, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. We will assess the availability of mental health resources within the 15680 ZIP code and within primary care practices in Salina. This includes evaluating the presence of on-site mental health professionals, referrals to mental health specialists, and the availability of support groups and counseling services. Integrating mental health support into the primary care setting can help address the psychological needs of patients and improve their overall well-being.

The analysis will also consider the availability of specialized breast cancer care within a reasonable distance of the 15680 ZIP code. This includes access to oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists involved in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Proximity to comprehensive cancer centers, offering advanced treatment options and clinical trials, is also a significant factor. The ability of primary care physicians to effectively refer patients to specialists and coordinate care is a critical indicator of the overall quality of care.

Data collection will involve a multi-pronged approach. Publicly available data sources, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), will be utilized. We will also consult online physician directories and review patient reviews to gather information on individual practices. Furthermore, we will conduct targeted research, including contacting primary care practices in Salina to gather information on their services, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.

The findings of this analysis will be synthesized to create a “Breast Cancer Score” for the 15680 ZIP code. This score will be a composite measure, reflecting the availability, accessibility, and quality of breast cancer care within the area. The score will be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above, including physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of evidence-based practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

This score will provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of breast cancer care in the 15680 ZIP code. It can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to allocate resources effectively. The analysis will also highlight exemplary practices, serving as models for other providers to emulate.

The goal is to provide a clear and concise assessment of the breast cancer care landscape in Salina, Pennsylvania. This analysis will offer a realistic view of the current situation, providing actionable insights that can lead to improved access to care, enhanced patient outcomes, and a stronger community response to the challenges of breast cancer. The ultimate aim is to empower patients with the information they need to navigate the healthcare system effectively and receive the best possible care. The analysis will be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape and to ensure the information remains current and relevant.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and access to support services, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive visualizations that can help you understand the healthcare landscape in 15680 and beyond.