15925, Cassandra, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15925, Cassandra, Pennsylvania is 82 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.08 percent of the residents in 15925 has some form of health insurance. 28.66 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.71 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 15925 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 47 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15925. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 24 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,246 health care providers accessible to residents in 15925, Cassandra, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Cassandra, PA (ZIP Code 15925)

This analysis delves into the availability of breast cancer care and related resources within ZIP code 15925, focusing specifically on the town of Cassandra, Pennsylvania. The objective is to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, evaluating the quality and accessibility of care for individuals in this rural community. This score considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health support, all crucial elements in a patient's journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

The primary challenge in Cassandra, like many rural areas, is limited access to healthcare specialists. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) serves as the foundation of this analysis, as they are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms or seeking preventative screenings. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. This ratio indicates the number of patients each PCP is responsible for, directly impacting appointment wait times and the overall capacity of the local healthcare system. A higher ratio can strain resources, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Publicly available data, such as information from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the U.S. Census Bureau, and professional medical directories, will be analyzed to determine the physician-to-patient ratio within the 15925 ZIP code.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices must be considered. This involves evaluating factors such as the range of services offered, the experience and specialization of the physicians, and the practice's commitment to preventative care, including breast cancer screenings. Practices that proactively offer mammograms, provide patient education, and have established referral pathways to specialists receive higher scores. Conversely, practices with limited services or a lack of focus on preventative care will negatively impact the overall score. The analysis will examine the websites and patient reviews of local practices to assess these factors.

A critical component of the "Breast Cancer Score" is the availability of specialists, particularly oncologists and surgeons, who are essential for treating breast cancer. Due to the rural nature of Cassandra, it is highly probable that these specialists are located outside of the immediate ZIP code. The analysis will therefore assess the distance and accessibility of the nearest oncology centers and surgical practices. This involves examining travel times, transportation options, and the availability of appointments. The presence of affiliations between local primary care practices and larger hospitals or cancer centers will be a significant positive factor, as these affiliations often facilitate seamless referrals and coordinated care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for improving access to healthcare, especially in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by local primary care practices is a key indicator of their commitment to patient care and their ability to overcome geographical barriers. The analysis will determine which practices offer telemedicine consultations, remote monitoring, or virtual follow-up appointments. Practices that have embraced telemedicine will receive a higher score, as they provide greater convenience and accessibility for patients.

The emotional and psychological toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is significant. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the "Breast Cancer Score." The analysis will assess the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, within the Cassandra area or easily accessible to residents. The presence of these resources, especially those specializing in cancer-related issues, will significantly improve the score. Collaboration between medical practices and mental health providers, such as shared patient records and referral pathways, will also be evaluated.

The "Breast Cancer Score" will also consider the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, financial assistance programs, and educational resources. Patient navigators can help patients navigate the complex healthcare system, coordinate appointments, and access support services. Financial assistance programs can help alleviate the financial burden associated with cancer treatment. Educational resources, such as brochures, websites, and support groups, can empower patients with knowledge and provide emotional support. The presence of these resources will positively impact the overall score.

Standout practices within the 15925 ZIP code, or those serving patients within it, will be identified. These practices will be those that demonstrate a strong commitment to patient care, offer a comprehensive range of services, and have embraced telemedicine and mental health support. They will serve as models for other practices in the area. The analysis will highlight their strengths and best practices.

The final "Breast Cancer Score" will be a composite measure, taking into account all the factors discussed above. It will provide a clear and concise assessment of the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care in Cassandra, PA. This score can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to allocate resources effectively. The score will be presented on a scale, with higher scores indicating better access to and quality of care.

The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on access to care. Poverty, lack of insurance, and transportation challenges can significantly affect a patient's ability to receive timely diagnosis and treatment. The analysis will identify any disparities in access to care and recommend strategies to address these issues. This may include advocating for increased access to affordable healthcare, expanding transportation options, and providing financial assistance to patients in need.

The assessment of primary care availability in Cassandra specifically involves a detailed examination of the practices located within the town or serving its residents. This will include an assessment of their staffing levels, appointment availability, and the range of services offered. The analysis will also consider the reputation of the practices, based on patient reviews and feedback. Practices with positive reviews and a strong reputation for patient care will receive higher scores.

In conclusion, the "Breast Cancer Score" analysis for Cassandra, PA, will provide a valuable assessment of the availability and quality of breast cancer care in this rural community. This comprehensive analysis will consider physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, mental health resources, and socioeconomic factors. The ultimate goal is to provide a clear and actionable assessment that can be used to improve the lives of individuals affected by breast cancer in Cassandra and the surrounding areas.

For a visual representation of healthcare access in Cassandra and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and demographic data, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps.