15960, Twin Rocks, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15960, Twin Rocks, Pennsylvania is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.06 percent of the residents in 15960 has some form of health insurance. 34.12 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.35 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 15960 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 15 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15960. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 30 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 941 health care providers accessible to residents in 15960, Twin Rocks, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Twin Rocks, PA (ZIP Code 15960)

This analysis delves into the landscape of breast cancer care within the Twin Rocks, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15960) area, focusing on the availability and quality of care, particularly for primary care physicians and their practices. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for early detection, effective treatment, and holistic patient support. The analysis will explore physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and examine the availability of mental health resources, all within the context of this specific geographic region.

The foundation of any robust breast cancer care system is access to primary care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) serve as the initial point of contact, crucial for screening, early detection, and referral to specialists. In Twin Rocks, the availability of PCPs directly impacts the Breast Cancer Score. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning a scarcity of PCPs, would negatively impact the score. Conversely, a high ratio, indicating sufficient access, would boost the score. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with local healthcare directories, are essential for determining this ratio. The analysis needs to consider the number of practicing PCPs within the 15960 ZIP code, or within a reasonable radius if the local supply is limited, and compare that to the estimated population served.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality of primary care practices matters. The analysis will assess practices based on their commitment to breast cancer screening guidelines. This includes the frequency and type of screening offered (mammograms, clinical breast exams), the age groups targeted, and the utilization of evidence-based recommendations from organizations like the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Practices that actively promote screening, provide patient education materials, and offer convenient appointment scheduling (including evening and weekend hours) will receive higher scores. The presence of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate tracking of screening compliance and automated reminders will also be considered a positive factor.

Standout practices within the Twin Rocks area, if any, deserve specific recognition. These practices may excel in patient communication, offer comprehensive care coordination, or demonstrate a strong commitment to community outreach. Identifying these practices requires a combination of research, including online reviews, interviews with local healthcare professionals (if possible), and analysis of practice websites and promotional materials. Practices that have received awards or recognition for their patient care, or that participate in quality improvement initiatives related to breast cancer screening and treatment, would be highlighted. The analysis would focus on practices that actively work to improve patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element in the Breast Cancer Score. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient education, can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas. The analysis will examine the extent to which PCPs in Twin Rocks utilize telemedicine for breast cancer-related services. This includes assessing whether practices offer virtual consultations for initial screenings, follow-up appointments, or consultations with specialists. Practices that have implemented secure online patient portals for communication, appointment scheduling, and access to medical records will be viewed favorably. The availability of telemedicine can improve access to care for those who may face transportation challenges or other barriers to in-person visits.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in breast cancer care, but they are essential for supporting patients through the emotional and psychological challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. The analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health services within the Twin Rocks area. This includes assessing the presence of licensed therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in cancer care. The analysis will consider the accessibility of these resources, including their location, cost, and acceptance of insurance. Practices that integrate mental health services into their breast cancer care programs, either through in-house counselors or referrals to external providers, will receive higher scores. The availability of mental health support can significantly impact a patient's overall well-being and their ability to cope with the disease.

The Breast Cancer Score will also consider the availability of specialized care, such as access to oncologists, surgeons, and radiation therapists. While the 15960 ZIP code may not have these specialists directly, the analysis will assess the proximity to these services in nearby areas, such as Johnstown or Ebensburg. The ease of access to these specialists, including travel time and transportation options, will be factored into the score. The presence of a local hospital or clinic with a dedicated breast cancer program would significantly improve the score. The analysis will also consider the availability of patient navigation services, which can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and access the resources they need.

Finally, the analysis will consider the overall community environment. The presence of local support groups, educational programs, and community health initiatives related to breast cancer awareness and prevention will positively impact the score. The analysis will also consider the socioeconomic factors that may impact access to care, such as poverty rates and insurance coverage rates. The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the breast cancer care landscape in Twin Rocks, considering all factors that contribute to early detection, effective treatment, and holistic patient support. The final score will be a reflection of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and the community's commitment to breast cancer care.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and other relevant data points within the Twin Rocks area, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of the data analyzed, allowing for a more comprehensive and insightful understanding of the breast cancer care landscape.