16154, Transfer, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 16154, Transfer, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.91 percent of the residents in 16154 has some form of health insurance. 43.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.47 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 16154 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 247 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16154. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 495 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,156 health care providers accessible to residents in 16154, Transfer, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Transfer, PA (ZIP Code 16154)

Analyzing the breast cancer landscape within Transfer, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16154) requires a nuanced approach, moving beyond simple statistics to assess the true accessibility and quality of care. This analysis will focus on several key areas: physician availability, the presence of standout practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial factors in the patient experience. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment for the area, highlighting strengths and weaknesses to inform both patients and healthcare providers.

The foundation of any healthcare system is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Transfer, understanding the PCP-to-patient ratio is paramount. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, can significantly impact access to timely screenings, referrals, and overall care coordination. This ratio, along with the average wait times for appointments, provides a crucial baseline for evaluating the local healthcare infrastructure. Data on the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code, coupled with population demographics, will allow for a preliminary assessment of accessibility. The analysis will need to consider the geographic distribution of these physicians within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas, as transportation limitations can significantly impact access to care, particularly for those with mobility challenges.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is critical. This involves evaluating the practices' commitment to preventative care, including breast cancer screenings. This includes the availability of mammography referrals, patient education materials, and the use of evidence-based guidelines for screening protocols. The analysis will need to examine the practices' integration of electronic health records (EHRs) and their ability to share patient information seamlessly with specialists, a critical aspect of coordinated care. A practice that actively promotes early detection through screening and patient education will naturally score higher in this assessment.

Identifying "standout practices" involves a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. This requires considering factors beyond basic metrics. The presence of patient-centered care models, such as those offering extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day appointments for urgent needs, can significantly improve patient satisfaction and access. The analysis will need to consider the practices' responsiveness to patient feedback, their commitment to ongoing staff training, and their involvement in community outreach programs related to breast cancer awareness. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education and support groups will be viewed favorably.

Telemedicine has emerged as a vital tool in modern healthcare, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Transfer is crucial. The ability to offer virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in geographically isolated areas. The analysis will examine the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of access for patients, and the integration of telemedicine platforms with existing EHR systems. Practices that proactively embrace telemedicine and offer a range of virtual services will score higher in this assessment.

The emotional toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is significant. The availability of mental health resources within the community is, therefore, a critical component of comprehensive care. This analysis will assess the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in supporting patients with cancer. It will also evaluate the presence of support groups, both in-person and virtual, that provide a safe space for patients to share their experiences and receive emotional support. The analysis will consider the integration of mental health services into the primary care setting, such as referrals to mental health professionals and the availability of brief counseling sessions. Practices that prioritize mental health support for their patients will receive higher scores.

The Breast Cancer Score for Transfer (ZIP code 16154) will be a composite score, reflecting all the factors discussed above. Each area – PCP availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – will be assigned a weighted score based on its importance to patient outcomes. The final score will provide a comprehensive overview of the breast cancer care landscape in the area, highlighting areas of strength and areas needing improvement. This score will be a valuable tool for patients seeking care, as well as for healthcare providers looking to improve their services.

The final score will not only reflect the current state of care but also identify opportunities for improvement. Recommendations for enhancing the quality of care might include increasing the number of PCPs in the area, encouraging practices to adopt telemedicine, and promoting the integration of mental health services into primary care. The analysis will also highlight the importance of patient education and community outreach programs to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote early detection.

The analysis will also consider the impact of insurance coverage on access to care. The presence of practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, is essential for ensuring that all residents have access to quality care. The analysis will also consider the availability of financial assistance programs for patients who are unable to afford the cost of care.

In conclusion, the Breast Cancer Score for Transfer, PA (ZIP code 16154) will provide a valuable assessment of the healthcare landscape, allowing patients and providers to make informed decisions. This analysis will serve as a baseline for future improvements, ultimately leading to better outcomes for those affected by breast cancer.