15712, Arcadia, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15712, Arcadia, Pennsylvania is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15712 has some form of health insurance. 42.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.26 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 15712 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 40 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15712. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 46 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 445 health care providers accessible to residents in 15712, Arcadia, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Arcadia, PA (ZIP Code 15712)

This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment for physicians and primary care availability within Arcadia, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15712), focusing on factors crucial for breast cancer detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being. The score considers physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support, aiming to offer a comprehensive overview for residents.

Arcadia, a rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The Breast Cancer Score reflects this context, acknowledging the potential impact of geographical limitations on access to care. The analysis doesn't assign a numerical score but instead provides a qualitative assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Availability:**

A fundamental aspect of breast cancer care is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). Early detection often hinges on regular screenings and referrals initiated by a PCP. In Arcadia, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment. This analysis examines the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code, considering their patient load and appointment availability.

Arcadia's primary care availability is assessed by evaluating the number of practices accepting new patients, the average wait times for appointments (both routine and urgent), and the availability of evening and weekend hours. The analysis also considers the presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can play a vital role in providing primary care services and improving access.

**Standout Practices: Strengths and Weaknesses:**

The analysis identifies standout practices within Arcadia, evaluating their specific contributions to breast cancer care. This involves assessing the following:

* **Screening Services:** Practices offering on-site mammography, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), are considered favorably. The availability of these advanced imaging technologies significantly impacts early detection rates.
* **Referral Networks:** Practices with established referral networks to specialized breast cancer centers and oncologists are prioritized. Efficient referrals are crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
* **Patient Education:** Practices that actively engage in patient education about breast cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and self-examination techniques receive positive recognition.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Practices that incorporate a multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between PCPs, radiologists, surgeons, oncologists, and other specialists, are highly valued.
* **Practice Size and Resources:** Larger practices with more resources, such as dedicated breast health navigators, may be better equipped to provide comprehensive care.
* **Accreditation:** Practices accredited by relevant organizations, such as the American College of Radiology (ACR) for mammography, are considered to demonstrate a commitment to quality.

The analysis also identifies potential weaknesses, such as limited access to specialized services, long wait times for appointments, or a lack of multilingual support for diverse patient populations.

**Telemedicine Adoption: Expanding Access:**

Telemedicine plays an increasingly important role in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. This analysis evaluates the adoption of telemedicine by Arcadia's practices. The assessment considers the following:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Practices offering virtual consultations with PCPs and specialists are recognized for improving access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.
* **Remote Monitoring:** The use of remote monitoring technologies, such as wearable devices or home blood pressure monitors, is evaluated for its potential to improve patient management and early detection of complications.
* **Patient Portals:** The availability of patient portals, allowing patients to access their medical records, schedule appointments, and communicate with their providers, is considered essential for patient engagement.
* **Tele-Radiology:** The use of tele-radiology, where radiologists remotely interpret mammograms and other imaging studies, is evaluated for its potential to improve turnaround times and access to specialized expertise.

The analysis acknowledges the challenges of telemedicine adoption in rural areas, such as limited broadband access and technological literacy.

**Mental Health Resources: Supporting Patient Well-being:**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's mental health. This analysis assesses the availability of mental health resources in Arcadia and the surrounding area. The assessment considers the following:

* **Mental Health Professionals:** The presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists who specialize in oncology or women's health is evaluated.
* **Support Groups:** The availability of breast cancer support groups, both in-person and virtual, is considered essential for providing emotional support and peer-to-peer connections.
* **Counseling Services:** The availability of counseling services, either through the primary care practices or through external providers, is evaluated for its ability to address the psychological challenges associated with breast cancer.
* **Integration of Mental Health:** The analysis examines whether primary care practices and cancer centers integrate mental health services into their care models, such as by screening for depression and anxiety and providing referrals to mental health professionals.

The analysis recognizes the importance of addressing mental health needs to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

**Overall Assessment and Conclusion:**

This Breast Cancer Score analysis provides a snapshot of healthcare resources available in Arcadia, PA (ZIP code 15712). It highlights the importance of primary care access, advanced screening technologies, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support in providing comprehensive breast cancer care. The analysis emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access and quality in this rural community.

For a visual representation of healthcare resources and access points in Arcadia and surrounding areas, including the locations of physicians, hospitals, and support services, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data.

**Click here to explore CartoChrome maps and discover the landscape of healthcare in your community.**