15840, Falls Creek, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15840, Falls Creek, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.61 percent of the residents in 15840 has some form of health insurance. 53.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.43 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 15840 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 329 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15840. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 371 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,335 health care providers accessible to residents in 15840, Falls Creek, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 15840 & Primary Care in Falls Creek

Analyzing the availability and quality of breast cancer care within ZIP code 15840, encompassing Falls Creek, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. A comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" would evaluate various factors, ranging from physician density and expertise to access to screening, treatment options, and supportive care. This analysis focuses on primary care, a critical entry point for early detection and referral, and the broader healthcare landscape within the specified geographic area.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced access to preventative care. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio specifically for primary care physicians (PCPs) in 15840 is essential. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can provide this information. This data must be contextualized by considering the demographics of Falls Creek, including age distribution, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of pre-existing conditions, all factors that influence healthcare needs.

Beyond raw numbers, the expertise of the physicians is crucial. While a general PCP can provide initial screenings and referrals, the presence of specialists like oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons within or easily accessible to the community significantly impacts the quality of care. Assessing the number of board-certified specialists in the region is critical. This includes evaluating the presence of dedicated breast cancer specialists, such as breast surgeons or oncologists, and the proximity to larger medical centers with advanced cancer treatment facilities.

Identifying standout practices within the area requires examining their patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, and adherence to evidence-based guidelines. This can be achieved by reviewing publicly available data, such as patient reviews, hospital quality reports, and data from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Practices that demonstrate a commitment to early detection through robust screening programs, utilize multidisciplinary care teams, and offer comprehensive patient support services would score higher.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, particularly in rural areas like Falls Creek, by providing access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, specifically for breast cancer care, is vital. This includes evaluating whether local practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals for communication and access to medical records. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine technologies to enhance patient access and convenience would receive a higher score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked, but they play a critical role in the overall well-being of breast cancer patients. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. Assessing the availability of mental health services, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, within the community is essential. This includes evaluating whether primary care practices offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals specializing in oncology.

Furthermore, access to breast cancer screening is a critical component of the "Breast Cancer Score." This involves assessing the availability of mammography services, including the types of equipment used (e.g., 3D mammography), the frequency of screening recommendations, and the ease of scheduling appointments. Practices that offer convenient screening options, such as extended hours or mobile mammography units, and actively promote early detection would score higher.

The availability of treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions, is also a key consideration. While Falls Creek may not have a comprehensive cancer center, assessing the proximity to such facilities and the ease of access to these services is essential. This includes evaluating the transportation options available to patients and the coordination of care between primary care physicians and specialized cancer centers.

In addition to the above factors, it is also important to assess the availability of patient support services. This includes access to patient navigators, who can help patients navigate the healthcare system, financial assistance programs, and support groups. Practices that offer comprehensive patient support services, aimed at addressing the physical, emotional, and financial needs of breast cancer patients, would score higher.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for doctors in 15840 and primary care availability in Falls Creek would ultimately be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of these various factors. The weights assigned to each factor would depend on their relative importance in determining the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care. The final score would provide a valuable benchmark for evaluating the healthcare landscape in the region and identifying areas for improvement.

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in a specific area like Falls Creek is complex. The "Breast Cancer Score" provides a framework for evaluating the quality and accessibility of care, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Falls Creek and visualize the location of these resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, allowing for a more informed assessment of healthcare access and quality.