15924, Cairnbrook, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15924, Cairnbrook, Pennsylvania is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.41 percent of the residents in 15924 has some form of health insurance. 45.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.31 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 15924 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 233 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15924. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 219 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,782 health care providers accessible to residents in 15924, Cairnbrook, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Cairnbrook, PA (ZIP Code 15924)

Analyzing the availability of breast cancer care and primary care within Cairnbrook, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15924) requires a multifaceted approach. We must consider not only the raw numbers of physicians but also the quality of care provided, the accessibility of services, and the integration of supportive resources. This analysis will offer a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, taking into account various factors that contribute to a comprehensive healthcare environment.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Landscape:**

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on a robust primary care infrastructure. In Cairnbrook, understanding the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) is crucial. A low ratio, indicating a high number of patients per doctor, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and publicly available physician directories must be analyzed to determine the current ratio. This data should be coupled with information on the demographics of the area, including age and socioeconomic factors, as these can influence healthcare needs.

The availability of primary care is also impacted by the presence of urgent care facilities and walk-in clinics. These can serve as entry points for patients, particularly those experiencing symptoms suggestive of breast cancer or needing routine check-ups. The proximity and operational hours of these facilities are vital components of the overall score.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into the quality of care offered by healthcare providers in the area. This involves evaluating several key elements. First, the availability of board-certified physicians, particularly in areas like internal medicine, family medicine, and gynecology, is paramount. Board certification signifies a commitment to rigorous training and adherence to the highest standards of care.

Second, the practices' adoption of evidence-based guidelines for breast cancer screening and diagnosis is critical. This includes adherence to recommendations from organizations like the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Practices should offer mammography services, and ideally, access to advanced imaging technologies such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) and ultrasound.

Third, patient satisfaction surveys and reviews provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Analyzing patient feedback can reveal strengths and weaknesses in communication, empathy, and the overall quality of care. Look for practices that consistently receive positive reviews and demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Accessibility:**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Cairnbrook. Its adoption can significantly enhance access to care, especially for patients who face geographical barriers or mobility limitations. The "Breast Cancer Score" must therefore assess the extent to which practices offer telemedicine services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals.

The availability of telemedicine can improve access to specialists, such as oncologists and radiologists, who may not be readily available in the immediate area. It can also facilitate follow-up appointments and provide ongoing support for patients undergoing treatment. The quality of telemedicine services, including the technology used and the training of providers, should also be evaluated.

**Mental Health Resources and Supportive Care:**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the "Breast Cancer Score." This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the community or accessible through referral networks.

Practices should ideally offer or have strong referral partnerships with mental health providers specializing in oncology or women's health. Support groups, counseling services, and access to resources for managing stress, anxiety, and depression are essential. The integration of these resources into the overall care plan demonstrates a holistic approach to patient well-being.

**Specific Considerations for Cairnbrook:**

Given the rural nature of Cairnbrook, specific challenges and opportunities must be considered. Transportation limitations can hinder access to care. Therefore, the availability of transportation assistance programs or partnerships with local organizations is a positive factor.

The presence of community health centers or federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) can also play a significant role in providing affordable and accessible care to underserved populations. These centers often offer a range of services, including primary care, mental health services, and social support.

**Overall "Breast Cancer Score" Assessment:**

Based on the factors discussed, a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" can be developed. This score would reflect the overall quality and accessibility of breast cancer care and primary care in Cairnbrook. The score would be a composite of several sub-scores, each weighted based on its importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratios might be weighted at 15%, the availability of advanced imaging at 20%, telemedicine adoption at 10%, and mental health resources at 25%.

The final score would provide a clear indication of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare environment in Cairnbrook, allowing for targeted improvements and resource allocation.

**Conclusion:**

This analysis highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to evaluating breast cancer care and primary care availability. Understanding the physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources is crucial for assessing the overall healthcare environment in Cairnbrook.

For a visual representation of this data and a detailed mapping of healthcare resources in the 15924 ZIP code, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can provide a dynamic and interactive view of the healthcare landscape, helping you to identify areas of strength and areas where improvements are needed.