16360, Townville, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 16360, Townville, Pennsylvania is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.97 percent of the residents in 16360 has some form of health insurance. 43.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.49 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 16360 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 364 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16360. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 230 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,442 health care providers accessible to residents in 16360, Townville, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Townville, PA (ZIP Code 16360)

This analysis delves into the landscape of breast cancer care availability and quality within Townville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16360), focusing on physician accessibility, resource allocation, and the overall preparedness of the local healthcare system. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately offering actionable insights for residents seeking comprehensive breast cancer care.

The foundation of any robust breast cancer care system lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). These physicians act as the initial point of contact, guiding patients through screenings, providing referrals, and coordinating care. In Townville, the assessment begins with an examination of the PCP-to-patient ratio. A healthy ratio ensures reasonable access to primary care, allowing for timely screenings and preventative measures. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. This initial evaluation will be crucial in determining the baseline score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the analysis will investigate the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code. Are practices concentrated in specific areas, creating potential access disparities for residents in more rural or underserved pockets of Townville? The analysis will also consider the types of practices available: are they primarily solo practices, small group practices, or part of larger healthcare networks? The size and structure of practices can impact the resources available, including access to specialists and advanced diagnostic equipment.

Next, the focus shifts to the availability of specialists directly involved in breast cancer care. This includes radiologists for mammograms and other imaging, surgeons for biopsies and treatment, and oncologists for chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The analysis will evaluate the proximity of these specialists to Townville, considering travel times and the potential impact on patient convenience and access. The presence of a dedicated breast cancer center within a reasonable distance would significantly boost the score, indicating a commitment to specialized care.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical gaps, particularly in rural areas like Townville, by providing remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists who may not be physically located nearby. The analysis will assess the extent to which local practices have embraced telemedicine, including the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and patient portals for secure communication.

The analysis will also examine the availability of mental health resources. A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally taxing, and access to mental health support is crucial for patient well-being. The assessment will investigate the presence of therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in oncology or cancer-related issues. The integration of mental health services within the healthcare system, such as on-site counseling or referrals to mental health professionals, would be a significant positive factor.

To identify standout practices, the analysis will consider factors beyond basic service provision. This includes patient satisfaction scores, the availability of comprehensive patient education materials, and the implementation of evidence-based best practices in breast cancer care. Practices that prioritize patient-centered care, offer personalized treatment plans, and actively participate in clinical trials would receive higher scores.

The analysis will also delve into the availability of resources for financial assistance and support. Breast cancer treatment can be expensive, and access to financial aid programs, grants, and insurance navigation services is essential for patients. The assessment will consider the presence of social workers or patient navigators within practices or healthcare networks who can assist patients with navigating the financial complexities of treatment.

The final "Breast Cancer Score" for Townville will be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of all the factors discussed above. The weighting will be based on the relative importance of each factor in ensuring access to high-quality, comprehensive breast cancer care. The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, with a breakdown of the individual components and their respective scores.

This analysis is not intended to be a definitive ranking, but rather a snapshot of the current state of breast cancer care in Townville. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and the availability of resources and services can change over time. However, this analysis will provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and help residents make informed decisions about their breast cancer care.

The analysis will also consider the presence of any community outreach programs or initiatives focused on breast cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection. These programs can play a crucial role in educating the public, promoting screenings, and reducing disparities in access to care.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the integration of technology in breast cancer care. This includes the use of electronic health records, patient portals, and other digital tools to improve communication, streamline workflows, and enhance patient outcomes. Practices that are at the forefront of technological innovation would receive higher scores.

In summary, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Townville will be a comprehensive assessment of the local healthcare system's ability to provide high-quality, accessible, and patient-centered breast cancer care. It will consider factors ranging from physician-to-patient ratios and specialist availability to telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and financial assistance programs. The goal is to provide residents with a clear understanding of the resources available to them and to identify areas where improvements can be made.

For a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, specialist availability, and potential access disparities within Townville (ZIP Code 16360), we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a visual representation of healthcare data, allowing you to analyze the landscape of breast cancer care in detail.