16248, Rimersburg, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 16248, Rimersburg, Pennsylvania is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.83 percent of the residents in 16248 has some form of health insurance. 54.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.70 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 16248 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 621 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16248. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 770 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 874 health care providers accessible to residents in 16248, Rimersburg, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Rimersburg, PA (ZIP Code 16248)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of breast cancer-related healthcare within Rimersburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16248). We'll examine factors crucial to patient outcomes, including physician accessibility, primary care resources, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, culminating in a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape for individuals concerned about breast cancer.

Rimersburg, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The rural nature of the area often translates to limited resources compared to larger metropolitan centers. Therefore, our analysis will consider these constraints while evaluating the available services.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

A strong foundation of primary care is critical for early detection and ongoing management of breast cancer. Regular check-ups, screenings, and referrals are all initiated by primary care physicians (PCPs). Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. In Rimersburg, the availability of PCPs is likely a significant factor. We must consider the number of active PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated population to determine the ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses.

We need to investigate the specific practices within the area. Are there solo practitioners, or are there group practices that can share the burden of patient care? The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants can also impact access, as they often provide a significant portion of primary care services. We must ascertain their involvement and their scope of practice within the community.

Furthermore, we need to assess the geographic distribution of primary care providers. Are they centrally located, easily accessible to all residents, or are there pockets of the population with limited access due to distance or transportation challenges? Transportation is a known barrier to care in rural communities.

**Standout Practices and Specialization**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. These include the quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the availability of specialized services. Does the area have any practices that demonstrate a commitment to breast cancer screening and early detection? This might involve offering mammograms on-site or having established relationships with local radiology centers.

We need to investigate the referral pathways. Do PCPs have established relationships with oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists who can provide expert care for breast cancer patients? The efficiency of these referral processes is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

The presence of specialized services within the local area or nearby is a significant advantage. Are there any oncology practices or cancer centers within a reasonable driving distance? Access to these specialists can significantly improve patient outcomes.

**Telemedicine Adoption**

Telemedicine has the potential to bridge the gap in healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption can significantly impact breast cancer care. We need to assess the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education.

Telemedicine can be especially beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling or who live far from specialists. It can also facilitate access to specialists who may not be physically present in the area.

We need to investigate the types of telemedicine services offered. Are they limited to virtual appointments, or do they include remote monitoring of patients' health? The availability of these services is a crucial indicator of the area's commitment to patient-centered care.

**Mental Health Resources**

The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be emotionally challenging. Access to mental health resources is crucial for supporting patients through this difficult journey. We need to evaluate the availability of mental health services within Rimersburg and the surrounding areas.

Are there therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists who specialize in cancer-related mental health issues? Do local practices offer support groups or other forms of emotional support? The availability of these resources can significantly improve patients' quality of life and their ability to cope with the challenges of cancer.

We must also consider the integration of mental health services into the overall care plan. Do PCPs and specialists routinely screen patients for mental health concerns? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? The integration of mental health care is essential for holistic patient care.

**Breast Cancer Score Assessment**

Based on the factors discussed above, we can assign a "Breast Cancer Score" to the healthcare landscape of Rimersburg, PA (ZIP code 16248). This score would be a composite measure, taking into account the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialized services, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources.

A high score would indicate a healthcare environment that is well-equipped to address the needs of breast cancer patients, with good access to primary care, specialized services, and mental health support. A low score would indicate potential challenges in accessing care, highlighting the need for improvements in areas such as physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support.

The score would be a dynamic measure, subject to change as healthcare services evolve. Regular reassessment would be necessary to ensure that the score accurately reflects the current state of healthcare in the area.

**Conclusion**

The healthcare landscape in Rimersburg, PA (ZIP code 16248), presents unique challenges and opportunities for breast cancer patients. While the rural nature of the area may limit access to certain resources, the availability of primary care, specialized services, telemedicine, and mental health support are all critical factors in determining the quality of care.

This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the local healthcare environment. By considering these factors, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Call to Action**

For a detailed, interactive map of healthcare resources in Rimersburg, PA (ZIP code 16248), including physician locations, practice information, and more, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, allowing you to explore the data and make informed decisions about your healthcare.