15736, Elderton, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15736, Elderton, Pennsylvania is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.11 percent of the residents in 15736 has some form of health insurance. 51.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.82 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 15736 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 43 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15736. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 115 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,391 health care providers accessible to residents in 15736, Elderton, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Elderton, PA (ZIP Code 15736)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of breast cancer-related healthcare within the Elderton, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15736) area, focusing on primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, offering insights for residents seeking optimal care and highlighting areas for potential improvement.

Elderton, a small community in Armstrong County, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare access. Its rural setting often translates to limitations in specialized medical services, including those directly related to breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support. This analysis considers these factors in its evaluation.

**Primary Care Availability in Elderton:**

Primary care physicians (PCPs) serve as the crucial first point of contact for patients, including those concerned about breast health. The availability of PCPs directly impacts access to screening, early detection, and referrals to specialists. In Elderton, the availability of PCPs is a significant concern. The rural nature of the area, coupled with potential physician shortages, can create barriers to timely appointments and consistent care. Residents may need to travel to neighboring towns or cities like Kittanning or Indiana for comprehensive primary care.

The "Breast Cancer Score" will reflect the ease with which residents can secure appointments with PCPs, the average wait times for appointments, and the overall patient-to-physician ratio within the Elderton area and its immediate vicinity. This ratio is a critical indicator of access; a higher ratio suggests potentially longer wait times and a heavier workload for existing physicians. The score will also consider the presence of any federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or community health clinics, which often provide affordable care and serve as vital resources for underserved populations.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio provides a quantitative measure of healthcare accessibility. A lower ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau will be analyzed to determine the physician-to-patient ratio specifically for primary care physicians within the 15736 ZIP code and its surrounding areas. This data will be compared to state and national averages to contextualize the local situation.

Furthermore, the analysis will examine the availability of specialists, such as radiologists and oncologists, within a reasonable travel distance. While Elderton itself may not have these specialists, their proximity and ease of access are crucial for breast cancer care. The "Breast Cancer Score" will factor in the time and distance required for residents to access these specialists, recognizing the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.

**Standout Practices and Providers:**

Identifying standout practices and providers involves assessing the quality of care offered, patient satisfaction, and the implementation of best practices in breast cancer screening and treatment. This requires a multi-faceted approach, including:

* **Reviewing online patient reviews:** Platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals provide valuable insights into patient experiences, including wait times, communication, and overall satisfaction.
* **Examining accreditations and certifications:** Practices accredited by organizations like the American College of Radiology (ACR) for mammography demonstrate a commitment to quality and adherence to established standards.
* **Evaluating the use of evidence-based guidelines:** Practices that follow established guidelines for screening, diagnosis, and treatment are more likely to provide optimal care.
* **Assessing the integration of technology:** The use of electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals can improve communication and coordination of care.

The "Breast Cancer Score" will highlight any practices or providers that excel in these areas, offering residents valuable information for making informed healthcare decisions. It will also identify any specific programs or initiatives that address the unique needs of the Elderton community.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has the potential to improve access to care in rural areas like Elderton. The analysis will assess the adoption of telemedicine by local healthcare providers, specifically focusing on:

* **Availability of virtual consultations:** Can patients schedule virtual appointments with PCPs or specialists?
* **Use of remote monitoring tools:** Are providers using remote monitoring tools to track patient health and manage chronic conditions?
* **Access to online patient portals:** Do patients have access to online portals to communicate with their providers, view test results, and manage their appointments?

The "Breast Cancer Score" will reward practices that have embraced telemedicine, recognizing its potential to overcome geographical barriers and improve access to care. The analysis will also consider the availability of telehealth services for mental health support, which is crucial for patients dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive care. The analysis will assess the availability of:

* **Mental health professionals:** Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists available in the Elderton area or within a reasonable travel distance?
* **Support groups:** Are there any breast cancer support groups or other peer support programs available?
* **Counseling services:** Do local healthcare providers offer counseling services or referrals to mental health professionals?
* **Integration of mental health services:** Do healthcare providers integrate mental health services into their breast cancer care programs?

The "Breast Cancer Score" will give significant weight to the availability and accessibility of mental health resources, recognizing their importance in supporting patients throughout their journey. The score will also consider the availability of resources for caregivers, who often experience significant stress and emotional challenges.

**Conclusion:**

The "Breast Cancer Score" analysis for Elderton (15736) will provide a valuable assessment of the local healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in breast cancer-related care. It will offer insights for residents seeking care and identify areas where improvements are needed. The final score will be a composite of the factors discussed above, weighted to reflect their relative importance.

For a visual representation of this data and a deeper dive into the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps provide a powerful tool for understanding healthcare access and identifying areas for improvement.