15738, Emeigh, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15738, Emeigh, Pennsylvania is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.12 percent of the residents in 15738 has some form of health insurance. 53.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.71 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 15738 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 21 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15738. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 61 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 349 health care providers accessible to residents in 15738, Emeigh, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 15738 & Emeigh Primary Care

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within a specific geographic area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 15738, encompassing a portion of Pennsylvania, and specifically examines primary care availability in the nearby community of Emeigh, assessing factors relevant to breast cancer care. The goal is to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" framework, evaluating key indicators and highlighting areas of strength and weakness. This is not a formal score, but rather a qualitative assessment.

The foundation of any effective breast cancer care system rests on accessible and competent primary care. In Emeigh, evaluating primary care availability involves considering the number of practicing physicians, their specialties, and the patient-to-physician ratio. A low ratio, indicating a greater number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced time for each patient encounter. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests better access and potentially more comprehensive care. Further, it is important to assess the types of primary care providers available. Are there general practitioners, family medicine specialists, and internal medicine physicians? The presence of a diverse range of providers ensures patients can find a physician whose expertise aligns with their individual needs.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is crucial. This includes the availability of preventative screenings, such as mammograms and clinical breast exams, and the physician's familiarity with breast cancer risk factors and early detection strategies. Primary care physicians often serve as the initial point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms or concerns, making their knowledge and responsiveness critical. The presence of established referral pathways to specialists, including oncologists and surgeons, is also a key indicator of a robust system.

In ZIP code 15738, the physician-to-patient ratio requires investigation. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau can be used to estimate this ratio. However, it is important to acknowledge that this is a snapshot, and the actual ratio can fluctuate. The presence of any underserved populations within the ZIP code needs to be considered. Does the area have a significant elderly population, or a population with limited transportation options? These factors can impact access to care, even with an adequate physician-to-patient ratio.

Standout practices within the area can significantly improve the overall "Breast Cancer Score." Identifying practices that excel in patient education, preventative care, and early detection is essential. This requires examining the practices' websites, patient reviews, and any publicly available data on their performance. Do these practices offer extended hours, same-day appointments, or other services that improve patient convenience? Do they actively participate in community outreach programs to promote breast cancer awareness? Practices that proactively engage with their patients and the community deserve recognition.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to care by reducing the need for travel and offering virtual consultations with specialists. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services in ZIP code 15738, particularly for primary care and specialist consultations, is a key factor in the "Breast Cancer Score." Are local practices offering virtual appointments? Are they using telehealth platforms to connect patients with specialists for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment? The ability to receive care remotely can be particularly valuable for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.

Mental health resources are another critical component of comprehensive breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's emotional well-being. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, is essential. The analysis should evaluate the availability of mental health services in the area, including the number of mental health providers, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy), and the accessibility of these services. Are there support groups for breast cancer patients and survivors? Are mental health services integrated into the cancer care pathway?

The availability of transportation is a crucial aspect of healthcare access, especially for patients undergoing treatment. Does the area have public transportation options? Are there ride-sharing services available? Are there programs that provide transportation assistance for patients needing to travel to appointments? These factors can influence a patient's ability to attend screenings, appointments, and treatment sessions.

In Emeigh, the proximity to larger medical centers and hospitals is an important consideration. While primary care is the cornerstone, access to specialized care, including oncologists, surgeons, and radiation therapists, is essential for breast cancer treatment. The analysis should consider the travel time to these facilities and the availability of specialized services.

The "Breast Cancer Score" analysis also needs to assess the availability of patient navigation services. Patient navigators assist patients in navigating the healthcare system, coordinating appointments, and accessing resources. The presence of patient navigation services can significantly improve the patient experience and ensure that patients receive the care they need in a timely manner.

Finally, the analysis should consider the demographics of the population served by the healthcare providers in ZIP code 15738. Are there any disparities in access to care or outcomes based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status? Addressing health disparities is essential for ensuring equitable access to breast cancer care.

This "Breast Cancer Score" analysis provides a framework for evaluating healthcare access and quality in ZIP code 15738 and the surrounding area. By considering physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and other factors, a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape can be achieved. This information can be used to identify areas of strength and weakness and to develop strategies for improving breast cancer care.

To gain a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 15738 and the surrounding areas, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping tools that can help visualize physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data, providing valuable insights into healthcare access and availability.