16048, North Washington, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 16048, North Washington, Pennsylvania is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.41 percent of the residents in 16048 has some form of health insurance. 65.87 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.08 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 16048 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 40 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16048. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 45 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,404 health care providers accessible to residents in 16048, North Washington, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of breast cancer care within ZIP code 16048, coupled with an assessment of primary care availability in North Washington, necessitates a multifaceted approach. This evaluation considers the critical components of accessible healthcare, focusing on physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of crucial mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, specifically concerning breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, and the overall health and well-being of the community.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a foundational metric. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, a less personalized healthcare experience. Conversely, a lower ratio can suggest greater accessibility and a more attentive approach to patient care. Examining the specific ratios within 16048 requires detailed data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or state medical boards. This data should be cross-referenced with population demographics to accurately determine the accessibility of primary care physicians, oncologists, and other specialists vital to breast cancer care. Furthermore, the analysis must differentiate between various physician specializations, recognizing that the availability of oncologists is particularly critical for breast cancer patients.

Identifying standout medical practices within the area involves examining factors beyond physician-to-patient ratios. The presence of accredited cancer centers, such as those recognized by the American College of Surgeons (ACoS), is a significant indicator of quality. These centers typically offer a multidisciplinary approach, integrating surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care. The availability of advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography and MRI, is also crucial for early detection and accurate diagnosis. Patient satisfaction surveys, often available through online platforms or healthcare rating agencies, provide valuable insights into the patient experience, including communication, empathy, and the overall quality of care. Reviews from patients who have navigated breast cancer treatment can provide invaluable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of specific practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in assessing healthcare accessibility. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online support groups, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The extent to which practices in 16048 utilize telemedicine platforms, including the types of services offered and the ease of access for patients, should be thoroughly examined. This analysis should consider the technology infrastructure available in the area, including internet access and digital literacy, as these factors can impact the effectiveness of telemedicine initiatives. The availability of virtual support groups and educational resources specifically for breast cancer patients is also a valuable consideration.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked but is a crucial component of comprehensive breast cancer care. A diagnosis of breast cancer can have profound emotional and psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and fear. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, who specialize in oncology or have experience working with cancer patients is essential. This analysis should assess the presence of on-site mental health services within medical practices or cancer centers, as well as the availability of referrals to external mental health providers. The integration of mental health support into the overall treatment plan, recognizing the importance of addressing the emotional needs of patients, is a hallmark of high-quality care.

Primary care availability in North Washington, which encompasses the broader area surrounding ZIP code 16048, requires a broader perspective. This involves assessing the distribution of primary care physicians across the region, considering geographic barriers to access, and evaluating the availability of transportation options for patients. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other community health clinics, which often serve underserved populations, should be noted. The analysis should also consider the availability of preventive care services, such as mammograms and other screenings, within the primary care setting. The goal is to determine the ease with which residents can access the initial point of contact for their healthcare needs, which is often critical for early detection and effective management of breast cancer.

To create a comprehensive breast cancer score, these factors must be weighted and combined. The weighting should reflect the relative importance of each factor, with physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of accredited cancer centers, and the integration of mental health resources likely receiving higher weights. The data collected from various sources should be analyzed to generate a score for each practice or area, providing a comparative assessment of the healthcare landscape. This score should be transparent and easily understandable, allowing residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

The assessment of breast cancer care in 16048 and primary care availability in North Washington highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making. By carefully analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and assessing the integration of mental health resources, a clear picture of the healthcare landscape emerges. This comprehensive approach allows for informed decisions, improving the quality of care.

The findings of this analysis can be further enhanced by visualizing the data using interactive maps. CartoChrome maps can transform complex healthcare data into easily understandable visual representations. These maps can display physician locations, cancer center locations, telemedicine adoption rates, and mental health resource availability, providing a powerful tool for both healthcare providers and patients. Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 16048 and North Washington.