16156, Volant, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 16156, Volant, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 77.37 percent of the residents in 16156 has some form of health insurance. 30.26 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.43 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 16156 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,010 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16156. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 521 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,433 health care providers accessible to residents in 16156, Volant, Pennsylvania.

Breast cancer care, a multifaceted field demanding specialized expertise and compassionate support, requires careful evaluation when considering the availability of healthcare resources within a specific geographic area. This analysis focuses on the quality of breast cancer care in ZIP code 16156, encompassing the town of Volant, Pennsylvania, and examines the availability of primary care physicians, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape for individuals seeking breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment in this area.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests upon the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs serve as the initial point of contact for patients, providing preventative care, screening recommendations, and referrals to specialists. The density of PCPs within a community significantly impacts access to care. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. In Volant, assessing the PCP availability involves examining the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This includes considering the types of practices, such as family medicine, internal medicine, and general practice, and their capacity to accept new patients. The presence of urgent care facilities and their ability to provide initial breast cancer screening referrals also plays a role.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare access. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can strain the healthcare system, potentially leading to poorer outcomes. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio in 16156 requires data from various sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau and state medical boards. This data helps determine the number of practicing physicians in the area and the population they serve. Comparing this ratio to state and national averages provides context, revealing whether the area faces a shortage or has adequate physician coverage. Furthermore, the specialization of physicians is essential. While PCPs are the gatekeepers, access to specialists, such as oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons, is crucial for comprehensive breast cancer care. Evaluating the availability of these specialists within a reasonable distance is a vital part of the assessment.

Identifying standout practices in Volant and its surrounding areas involves examining several factors. Reputation, patient reviews, and the quality of care provided are essential considerations. Practices with a strong track record of patient satisfaction, positive outcomes, and a commitment to evidence-based medicine should be highlighted. Accreditation by reputable organizations, such as the American College of Radiology (ACR), can also indicate a practice's commitment to quality. Furthermore, the use of advanced technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), can improve the accuracy of breast cancer detection. Examining the availability of these technologies in local practices is crucial. Finally, the integration of a multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between various specialists, can significantly enhance patient care.

Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare delivery, offering patients increased access to care, particularly in rural areas. Assessing telemedicine adoption in Volant involves examining the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. Practices that offer telemedicine services can provide patients with convenient access to specialists, second opinions, and follow-up appointments, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving outcomes. The availability of telemedicine for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment is a crucial factor in evaluating the quality of care in the area. This includes the availability of virtual consultations with radiologists to review mammograms and the use of remote monitoring devices to track patient progress.

The emotional and psychological impact of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is significant. Mental health resources are an integral part of comprehensive breast cancer care. Evaluating the availability of these resources in Volant involves assessing the presence of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, who specialize in oncology. The availability of support groups, both in-person and virtual, is also essential. Support groups provide patients with a safe space to share their experiences, receive emotional support, and connect with others facing similar challenges. Furthermore, the integration of mental health services into the overall care plan, including access to psychologists, psychiatrists, and support groups, is a crucial factor in evaluating the quality of breast cancer care in the area.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of breast cancer care in ZIP code 16156 requires a comprehensive evaluation of various factors. The availability of PCPs, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources all play a vital role in determining the level of care available to patients. Understanding these factors is essential for individuals seeking breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment in Volant. This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the healthcare landscape and highlights areas where improvements may be needed.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Volant and the surrounding areas, including the location of healthcare providers, physician-to-patient ratios, and access to resources, we recommend exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their platform allows you to visualize the data discussed in this analysis and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in your community.