16153, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 16153, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.95 percent of the residents in 16153 has some form of health insurance. 39.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.84 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 16153 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 563 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16153. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 377 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,741 health care providers accessible to residents in 16153, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Stoneboro, PA (ZIP Code 16153)**

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning breast cancer care, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and the potential impact on breast cancer detection and treatment within Stoneboro, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16153). The goal is to provide a data-driven "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for a holistic approach to patient well-being.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on robust primary care. Early detection through regular screenings and timely referrals are critical. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, when combined, can provide an estimate of this ratio within the 16153 ZIP code. Further, the demographics of the population, including age and socioeconomic factors, influence the demand for healthcare services. A larger elderly population, for example, often necessitates more frequent medical visits, potentially increasing the burden on existing primary care providers.

Identifying standout practices is essential. These are medical offices that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, including breast cancer screening. Examining patient reviews, practice websites, and publicly available data on quality metrics (if available) can help identify practices that excel in this area. Practices that actively promote mammography screenings, offer patient education materials, and have streamlined referral processes for specialists deserve recognition. Additionally, the presence of certified breast health navigators, who guide patients through the complex process of diagnosis and treatment, is a significant positive factor.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Stoneboro. Telemedicine can improve access to care by allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and minimizing disruptions to daily life. For breast cancer care, telemedicine can be used for initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and even for providing remote access to specialists who might not be readily available in the immediate area. The availability of telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of use of the technology all contribute to a practice's score.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, within the local community or through referral networks, is a crucial factor in assessing the overall quality of care. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues, offer on-site counseling, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

To assess the "Breast Cancer Score" for Stoneboro, a weighted scoring system should be implemented. Each factor – physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might be assigned a higher weight due to its direct impact on access to care. Each practice or the overall community would then receive a score for each factor, and these scores would be combined to produce an overall "Breast Cancer Score." This score provides a snapshot of the community's ability to support breast cancer patients.

Data collection would involve several steps. First, public data sources would be used to determine the physician-to-patient ratio and identify the availability of healthcare facilities. Second, practice websites and patient reviews would be analyzed to assess the services offered and the quality of care. Third, surveys or interviews with local healthcare providers could be conducted to gather information on telemedicine adoption and mental health resources.

The analysis should also consider the presence of any breast cancer support organizations in the area. Organizations that provide support groups, educational programs, and financial assistance can significantly improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients. The presence of these organizations would be considered a positive factor in the scoring system.

Furthermore, the analysis should examine the availability of specialized breast cancer services, such as surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology. While these services might not be available directly within the 16153 ZIP code, the proximity to these services in neighboring communities is important. The ease of access to these specialized services, including transportation options, is a crucial factor in assessing the overall quality of care.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is not a static measure. It should be updated regularly to reflect changes in healthcare availability and quality. This could be done annually or biannually, depending on the availability of data and resources. The score should be made publicly available to inform residents about the healthcare landscape and to encourage improvements in breast cancer care.

The final score would be presented in a clear and concise format, perhaps using a numerical scale or a color-coded system to indicate the overall quality of care. The analysis would also include recommendations for improvement, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding mental health services.

In conclusion, assessing breast cancer care in Stoneboro (16153) requires a comprehensive evaluation of primary care availability, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. A data-driven "Breast Cancer Score" can provide valuable insights into the community's ability to support breast cancer patients and identify areas for improvement. By using a weighted scoring system and regularly updating the analysis, the community can work towards ensuring that all residents have access to high-quality breast cancer care.

To further understand the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential gaps in access, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can visually represent the data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Stoneboro and surrounding areas.