15725, Clarksburg, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15725, Clarksburg, Pennsylvania is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.05 percent of the residents in 15725 has some form of health insurance. 41.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.03 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 15725 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 246 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15725. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 281 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,571 health care providers accessible to residents in 15725, Clarksburg, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Clarksburg, PA (ZIP Code 15725)

Analyzing the breast cancer care landscape in Clarksburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15725) requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing physician availability, quality of care indicators, and access to supportive resources. This analysis will attempt to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, recognizing the inherent complexities and limitations of such a metric. It will focus on key areas, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, with a specific focus on the primary care environment.

The foundation of any effective breast cancer care system rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). They serve as the initial point of contact, guiding patients through screening, diagnosis, and referral processes. Assessing primary care availability in Clarksburg involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio. While precise figures fluctuate, a general understanding of the population size within the ZIP code (approximately 2,000 residents) and the number of actively practicing PCPs is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, combined with information from insurance provider directories, can help estimate this ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer patients per physician, generally suggests better access to care. However, it's important to note that simply counting physicians doesn't tell the whole story. Factors like physician age, practice size, and acceptance of new patients also play significant roles.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and reputation of primary care practices in Clarksburg are vital. Identifying "standout practices" necessitates looking beyond basic metrics. Patient reviews, available through platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc, offer valuable insights into patient experiences. Positive feedback regarding communication, empathy, and thoroughness in examinations suggests a higher quality of care. Furthermore, examining the practices' affiliations with larger healthcare systems or hospitals can be indicative of access to specialized resources and expertise. Practices affiliated with established cancer centers often benefit from streamlined referral pathways and access to cutting-edge treatments.

Telemedicine adoption represents a critical element in modern healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Clarksburg. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access consultations, follow-up appointments, and even mental health support without traveling long distances. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which primary care practices offer virtual appointments and the types of services available through these platforms. Are virtual consultations available for initial screenings? Are follow-up appointments for patients undergoing treatment offered? The availability of telemedicine can significantly impact patient convenience and access to timely care.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but crucial aspect of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can trigger significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. The availability of mental health resources within the Clarksburg healthcare ecosystem is therefore critical. This includes assessing the presence of on-site therapists or counselors within primary care practices or nearby clinics. Does the local hospital offer support groups or counseling services specifically for cancer patients? Are there referrals to mental health professionals who specialize in oncology? The availability of these resources directly impacts the holistic care provided to patients.

Creating a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" for Clarksburg requires synthesizing the information gathered. It involves assigning weighted values to each of the factors discussed. A higher score might be assigned to areas with favorable physician-to-patient ratios, positive patient reviews, robust telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, a lower score would reflect challenges in these areas. The score, while not definitive, serves as a valuable indicator of the overall quality and accessibility of breast cancer care within the community.

The assessment process can be complicated. Information gathering is labor-intensive. The data from multiple sources needs to be analyzed and interpreted. The ever-changing nature of healthcare means the score would be a snapshot in time, requiring regular updates.

The current healthcare landscape is in a state of flux. Technology is constantly evolving. Access to care is a persistent challenge. The score would ideally be used to identify areas needing improvement. This would help healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations to collaborate and implement strategies to enhance breast cancer care in Clarksburg.

The analysis would also consider the availability of resources for breast cancer screening. This would include the accessibility of mammography services within the ZIP code and the availability of mobile mammography units. The analysis would also assess the community's awareness of breast cancer screening guidelines and the availability of educational materials.

In conclusion, assessing breast cancer care in Clarksburg (15725) requires a nuanced understanding of physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources. While creating a single "Breast Cancer Score" is challenging, the process of gathering and analyzing the data provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This analysis can inform efforts to improve access to care and support for breast cancer patients.

For a visual representation of healthcare resources and access, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and other relevant data, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can offer a detailed, interactive view of the healthcare landscape in Clarksburg and surrounding areas, aiding in a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in breast cancer care.