15721, Burnside, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15721, Burnside, Pennsylvania is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.48 percent of the residents in 15721 has some form of health insurance. 41.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.86 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 15721 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 22 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15721. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 36 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 285 health care providers accessible to residents in 15721, Burnside, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Burnside, PA (ZIP Code 15721)

Analyzing the availability of breast cancer care within Burnside, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15721) requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves assessing physician accessibility, the presence of specialized services, the integration of technology, and the availability of crucial mental health support. This analysis aims to provide a “Breast Cancer Score” based on these factors, offering a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals in this specific geographic area. The focus is on the practical realities faced by patients seeking diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support.

The cornerstone of any effective breast cancer care system is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Burnside, the physician-to-patient ratio plays a critical role. A low ratio, indicating a limited number of PCPs relative to the population, can create significant barriers. Patients may face longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and referrals. This initial access point is vital. The ability to secure timely appointments for routine checkups and address any initial concerns is paramount. The Breast Cancer Score will reflect the ease of access to primary care.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of primary care is also important. Do local PCPs actively promote breast cancer screening guidelines? Do they offer patient education materials? Are they well-versed in the signs and symptoms of breast cancer? The Breast Cancer Score will incorporate an assessment of the proactive nature of local primary care practices in relation to breast cancer awareness and early detection. This includes evaluating whether PCPs actively encourage mammograms and other recommended screenings.

Specialized care is another critical component. The availability of oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons within or near Burnside directly impacts the quality of care. Patients should ideally have access to these specialists without needing to travel excessive distances. The Breast Cancer Score will reflect the proximity of specialized services. This encompasses not only the physical distance but also the ease of access to these specialists, including wait times for appointments and the efficiency of the referral process.

Standout practices within the area are key. Identifying healthcare providers who excel in breast cancer care can significantly improve the Breast Cancer Score. These practices might be recognized for their patient-centered approach, their use of advanced technologies, or their commitment to community outreach. The Breast Cancer Score will highlight any practices demonstrating exceptional performance in breast cancer care, including their patient outcomes, the use of innovative treatments, and their commitment to patient education.

The adoption of telemedicine represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to care, especially for those in rural areas. The Breast Cancer Score will evaluate the extent to which local healthcare providers have embraced telemedicine for breast cancer consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments and the ease of using these services.

Mental health support is often overlooked but is essential for breast cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. The Breast Cancer Score will assess the availability of mental health resources within the Burnside area, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in cancer-related issues. This includes evaluating whether local healthcare providers offer or refer patients to mental health services.

The integration of technology in breast cancer care is also a critical factor. This includes the use of advanced imaging techniques, electronic health records, and patient portals. The Breast Cancer Score will evaluate the technological capabilities of local healthcare providers, including their use of advanced imaging technologies for diagnosis and treatment, the efficiency of their electronic health records systems, and the availability of patient portals for accessing medical information and communicating with healthcare providers.

Another factor to consider is the availability of patient navigation services. These services provide assistance to patients in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, including scheduling appointments, understanding medical bills, and accessing financial assistance. The Breast Cancer Score will evaluate the availability of patient navigation services within the Burnside area, including their scope of services and their impact on patient outcomes.

The Breast Cancer Score will also reflect the level of community outreach and education. Healthcare providers who actively engage in community outreach and education efforts can significantly improve breast cancer awareness and promote early detection. This includes evaluating the frequency of breast cancer screenings, the availability of educational materials, and the participation in community events.

The overall Breast Cancer Score for Burnside, PA (ZIP Code 15721) will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of all these factors. The score will be a relative measure, allowing for comparisons with other geographic areas. The analysis will provide a comprehensive overview of the breast cancer care landscape in Burnside, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses.

This analysis will serve as a starting point for further investigation. It is essential to continuously monitor and evaluate the breast cancer care landscape in Burnside to ensure that patients have access to the best possible care. The information provided here is intended to be informative and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Individuals seeking breast cancer care should consult with their healthcare providers for personalized guidance.

For a visual representation of this data, including the location of healthcare providers, physician-to-patient ratios, and access to services, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and user-friendly way to visualize the information discussed in this analysis, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare.