15778, Timblin, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15778, Timblin, Pennsylvania is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.51 percent of the residents in 15778 has some form of health insurance. 43.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 44.02 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 15778 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 109 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15778. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 60 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 396 health care providers accessible to residents in 15778, Timblin, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 15778 & Timblin, PA

Analyzing the breast cancer care landscape within ZIP code 15778, which encompasses the town of Timblin, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will assess the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the presence of specialized breast cancer services, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. We will then synthesize this information into a hypothetical "Breast Cancer Score" to provide a relative understanding of the care environment. This score is not a formal metric, but a conceptual framework for comparison.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in accessible primary care. Early detection and proactive screening are crucial, and primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the first point of contact. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio in Timblin is essential. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the U.S. Census Bureau can provide insights into population size and the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code. A low ratio would negatively impact our "Breast Cancer Score."

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care matters. Does the practice emphasize preventative care, including regular mammograms and clinical breast exams? Do PCPs have established referral pathways to specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons? Practices that proactively engage in breast cancer screening and early detection will be viewed favorably in our analysis. We’ll need to examine the availability of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate seamless communication and information sharing between PCPs and specialists.

Specialized breast cancer services are critical. The presence of a dedicated breast cancer center, ideally within a reasonable driving distance, is a significant positive factor. These centers typically offer comprehensive services, including diagnostic imaging (mammography, ultrasound, MRI), biopsies, surgical consultations, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials. The availability of these services locally, or within a short travel radius, significantly boosts the "Breast Cancer Score." We would investigate the presence of these services at nearby hospitals or medical facilities.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Timblin. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely. This is particularly valuable for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health counseling. Practices that offer telemedicine options, particularly for breast cancer-related care, will receive a higher score. We would assess the types of telemedicine services available and the ease of access for patients.

Mental health support is a crucial, often overlooked, component of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, who specialize in oncology, is a significant factor. Practices that offer on-site counseling services, or readily available referrals to mental health providers, will receive a higher score. We would investigate the availability of these resources and their integration into the overall care plan.

Identifying "standout practices" within the ZIP code is crucial. This involves looking beyond basic service provision and identifying practices that demonstrate excellence in breast cancer care. These practices might have a dedicated breast cancer nurse navigator to guide patients through the treatment process, participate in community outreach and education programs, or have a strong track record of positive patient outcomes. We would investigate patient reviews, physician ratings, and any awards or recognitions the practices have received.

For the hypothetical "Breast Cancer Score," we would weigh these factors. A practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, limited specialized services, no telemedicine, and no mental health support would receive a lower score. Conversely, a practice with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, access to a comprehensive breast cancer center, telemedicine options, and integrated mental health support would receive a higher score. The specific weighting of each factor would be subjective, reflecting the relative importance of each aspect of care.

The data gathering process for this analysis would involve several steps. Publicly available information, such as physician directories and hospital websites, would be the starting point. Patient reviews and online ratings would provide valuable insights into patient experiences. Direct contact with medical practices, through phone calls or questionnaires, would be necessary to gather detailed information about services offered, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.

The final "Breast Cancer Score" would be a relative measure, providing a snapshot of the care environment in Timblin and allowing for comparison with other areas. It is important to note that this score is not a definitive assessment of the quality of care but a tool for understanding the availability and accessibility of resources. The score is intended to be a starting point for further investigation and should be used in conjunction with other sources of information, such as personal consultations with healthcare providers.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive overview of the breast cancer care landscape in ZIP code 15778. By assessing the availability of primary care, specialized services, telemedicine, and mental health resources, we can gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing patients in this area. The "Breast Cancer Score" is a tool for evaluating the relative strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

To visualize this data and gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in Timblin and surrounding areas, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping and data visualization tools that can help you identify healthcare providers, assess accessibility, and gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence breast cancer care.