Health Scores Near 15963, Windber, Pennsylvania
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The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15963, Windber, Pennsylvania is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 95.59 percent of the residents in 15963 has some form of health insurance. 41.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.02 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 15963 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 2,028 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15963. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,304 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 807 health care providers accessible to residents in 15963, Windber, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 15963, Windber, Pennsylvania
| Breast Cancer Score | 70 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 18 |
| Provider Score | 81 |
| Hospital Score | 50 |
| Travel Score | 72 |
| 15963 | Windber | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Windber, PA (ZIP Code 15963)
This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of breast cancer care accessibility and quality for residents of Windber, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15963). The evaluation considers factors crucial to early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support, focusing on the availability and capabilities of primary care physicians and the broader healthcare ecosystem.
The primary focus is on primary care availability, as these physicians often serve as the first point of contact for patients and play a vital role in screening, referral, and patient education. The analysis also considers the presence of specialists, the adoption of innovative technologies, and the availability of mental health resources, all of which significantly impact patient outcomes and overall quality of life.
Windber, a community with a population of approximately 4,000, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare access. The rural nature of the area can impact the availability of specialists and the adoption of advanced technologies. However, the close-knit community can also foster a supportive environment and facilitate strong patient-physician relationships.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**
A critical indicator of healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric reflects the number of physicians available to serve a given population. In a rural area like Windber, a lower physician-to-patient ratio can indicate potential challenges in accessing timely medical care. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) provides insights into these ratios. However, data specific to ZIP code 15963 may require further investigation, including contacting local healthcare providers and community organizations.
The availability of primary care physicians is paramount. This includes family medicine physicians, internal medicine physicians, and general practitioners. The presence of these physicians is crucial for routine screenings, such as mammograms and clinical breast exams, which are essential for early detection of breast cancer. The proximity of these practices to residential areas, as well as their acceptance of various insurance plans, further impacts accessibility.
**Standout Practices and Physician Profiles:**
Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several factors. This includes the number of physicians at a practice, the range of services offered, the patient reviews and ratings, and the practice’s commitment to preventative care, including breast cancer screening. Practices that offer comprehensive services, including on-site mammography or readily available referrals to diagnostic imaging centers, are particularly valuable.
Physician profiles offer additional insights. Examining a physician's education, experience, board certifications, and areas of specialization provides a deeper understanding of their capabilities. Physicians with experience in women's health and a demonstrated commitment to breast cancer screening and early detection are highly desirable.
**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**
Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care physicians in Windber can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment.
The availability of telemedicine platforms and the willingness of physicians to utilize them are critical factors. Practices that offer telemedicine services can improve patient convenience and reduce the burden of travel, particularly for those with mobility issues or limited transportation options.
**Mental Health Resources and Support:**
Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health resources is therefore crucial. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in cancer care.
The presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices or through readily available referrals is highly beneficial. Support groups, either in-person or virtual, can provide a valuable source of emotional support and peer-to-peer learning. The integration of mental health services into the overall cancer care plan is essential for holistic patient care.
**Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection:**
The cornerstone of breast cancer care is early detection. This involves regular mammograms, clinical breast exams, and patient self-awareness. Primary care physicians play a vital role in educating patients about the importance of screening and providing referrals for mammograms.
The availability of screening facilities, such as mammography centers, within a reasonable distance is crucial. Practices that proactively remind patients about screening appointments and offer convenient scheduling options are highly valued. The adoption of advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), can further improve the accuracy of early detection.
**Referral Networks and Specialist Access:**
While primary care physicians are essential for initial screening and care, access to specialists is critical for diagnosis and treatment. This includes access to breast surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists.
The strength of referral networks is a key factor. Primary care physicians who have established relationships with specialists at regional hospitals or cancer centers can ensure timely and appropriate referrals for their patients. The proximity of these specialists to Windber and the ease of access to their services are also important considerations.
**Overall Assessment and Recommendations:**
Assessing the quality of breast cancer care in Windber requires a comprehensive evaluation of all the factors discussed. This analysis should be ongoing, with regular updates to reflect changes in physician availability, technology adoption, and the availability of resources.
The community can benefit from initiatives that improve access to care, such as:
* Recruiting and retaining primary care physicians and specialists.
* Promoting the adoption of telemedicine.
* Expanding the availability of mental health resources.
* Increasing patient awareness about breast cancer screening and early detection.
* Strengthening referral networks between primary care physicians and specialists.
**Conclusion:**
Understanding the healthcare landscape in Windber, PA (ZIP code 15963) is crucial for ensuring that residents have access to the best possible breast cancer care. This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the current state of care and identifying areas for improvement.
For a more detailed and visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Windber, including physician locations, service availability, and other relevant data, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps offer a powerful tool for understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and identifying potential gaps in care.
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