16229, Freeport, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 16229, Freeport, Pennsylvania is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.52 percent of the residents in 16229 has some form of health insurance. 35.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.68 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 16229 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,298 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16229. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,030 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 776 health care providers accessible to residents in 16229, Freeport, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Freeport, PA (ZIP Code 16229)

This analysis delves into the landscape of breast cancer care within the Freeport, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16229) area, focusing on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and their capacity to support patients through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, considering factors beyond simple physician counts. This score is not a single number but rather a composite understanding of the healthcare ecosystem's strengths and weaknesses.

The foundation of good breast cancer care rests on accessible primary care. PCPs are often the first point of contact, crucial for early detection through screenings and referrals. In Freeport, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors for a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a high ratio suggests better access, allowing for more proactive care and patient education. Assessing this ratio requires examining the total number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and comparing it to the area's population, taking into account the age and gender demographics, as women over 40 are at higher risk.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices themselves. Are they equipped with state-of-the-art technology for breast cancer screening, such as digital mammography or 3D mammography (tomosynthesis)? Do they have established protocols for patient education about breast cancer risk factors, self-exams, and the importance of regular screenings? Practices that proactively engage in these activities, offering patient-centered care, will score higher. This includes the availability of multilingual services, especially important in communities with diverse populations.

Standout practices in Freeport, if any, would be those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care. This includes not only early detection but also robust referral networks to specialists like oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists. A practice that has established relationships with local hospitals and cancer centers, facilitating seamless transitions for patients requiring further treatment, would be highly valued. Furthermore, practices that participate in clinical trials or offer access to cutting-edge treatments would significantly enhance their score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and addressing patient concerns, can greatly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in more rural areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering secure and convenient virtual appointments, would receive a higher score. This includes assessing the ease of use of the telemedicine platform and the availability of technical support for patients.

Mental health resources are integral to breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. Therefore, the availability of mental health support, such as counseling services, support groups, and access to psychiatrists, is a crucial component of a comprehensive care model. Practices that integrate mental health services, either in-house or through referrals to local providers, would be viewed favorably. This includes assessing the accessibility of these services, including cost and insurance coverage.

The assessment also considers the availability of patient navigators. These individuals act as guides, helping patients navigate the complex healthcare system, coordinating appointments, providing emotional support, and ensuring patients receive the resources they need. Practices that employ patient navigators or have established partnerships with organizations that offer these services would be considered to provide more holistic care.

Furthermore, the score takes into account the practice's commitment to patient education. This includes providing educational materials about breast cancer, treatment options, and survivorship. Practices that actively promote patient education through workshops, seminars, or online resources would receive a higher score. The accessibility of these resources, including language options and readability levels, is also important.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Freeport, PA (ZIP Code 16229) is ultimately a dynamic assessment, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape. It is not a static ranking but rather a snapshot of the current state of care. This analysis aims to identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement, ultimately contributing to better outcomes for patients.

The final score would reflect a weighted average of the factors discussed. The physician-to-patient ratio would be a significant component, with a lower ratio (more doctors per patient) contributing positively. The quality of care, including technology, referral networks, and patient education, would also be heavily weighted. Telemedicine adoption and mental health resources would contribute positively, as would the availability of patient navigators.

This detailed analysis provides a framework for understanding the breast cancer care landscape in Freeport, PA. It emphasizes the importance of accessible primary care, the quality of care provided by practices, the role of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. This understanding is crucial for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Freeport, including physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, providing a valuable tool for patients seeking care and healthcare providers seeking to improve their services.