The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 16370, West Hickory, Pennsylvania is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 86.52 percent of the residents in 16370 has some form of health insurance. 66.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 37.83 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 16370 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 3 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16370. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 63 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 875 health care providers accessible to residents in 16370, West Hickory, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 16370, West Hickory, Pennsylvania
Breast Cancer Score | 81 |
---|---|
People Score | 97 |
Provider Score | 51 |
Hospital Score | 67 |
Travel Score | 26 |
16370 | West Hickory | Pennsylvania | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: West Hickory, PA (ZIP Code 16370)**
This analysis provides an assessment of the breast cancer care landscape within West Hickory, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16370), focusing on the availability and quality of primary care, physician resources, and support services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem, with specific attention to factors impacting breast cancer detection, treatment, and patient well-being. The analysis considers several critical aspects, including physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of standout practices, and the availability of mental health resources.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Access**
A fundamental aspect of assessing breast cancer care is the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs serve as the initial point of contact for patients, providing crucial preventative care, including breast cancer screenings and referrals to specialists. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 16370 is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau can provide estimates of the population and the number of practicing PCPs in the area. A lower ratio, indicating more PCPs per capita, generally suggests better access to care. However, this data alone doesn't paint the full picture. Factors such as the age and health status of the population, the presence of underserved communities, and the geographic distribution of physicians all influence the actual accessibility of primary care.
Primary care availability is further assessed by considering the number of clinics and practices within the ZIP Code and the surrounding areas. The analysis should identify the types of practices available, including family medicine, internal medicine, and general practice clinics. The analysis should also consider the hours of operation of these practices, their appointment availability, and their acceptance of various insurance plans. This information is crucial for determining whether residents can readily access timely primary care services.
**Standout Practices and Their Impact**
Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating clinics and physicians who demonstrate excellence in breast cancer care. This assessment can be based on several factors, including patient reviews, accreditations from organizations like the American College of Radiology (ACR), and the use of advanced screening technologies. Practices that offer comprehensive services, including mammography, ultrasound, and potentially MRI, are particularly valuable. Furthermore, the analysis should investigate whether these practices have established relationships with oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists, ensuring seamless referrals and coordinated care for patients diagnosed with breast cancer.
Standout practices often prioritize patient education and support. They may offer educational materials about breast cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and treatment options. They may also provide support groups or connect patients with resources like patient navigators who can guide them through the complexities of the healthcare system. The presence of these additional services can significantly improve the patient experience and outcomes.
**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Role**
Telemedicine has the potential to expand access to healthcare services, especially in rural areas like West Hickory. The analysis should evaluate the extent to which local practices have adopted telemedicine technologies. This includes assessing whether physicians offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and online access to medical records. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for breast cancer patients, allowing them to receive follow-up care, discuss treatment plans, and access mental health support without traveling long distances.
The availability of telemedicine services can also improve access to specialists. For example, a patient in West Hickory might be able to consult with a breast cancer specialist in a larger city via video conferencing, eliminating the need for a potentially lengthy and costly trip. The analysis should identify any telemedicine programs offered by local practices or hospitals and assess their impact on patient access and care quality.
**Mental Health Resources: A Crucial Component**
Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on patients' mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges are common. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical factor in the overall quality of breast cancer care. The analysis should identify the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the ZIP Code and surrounding areas.
It is essential to determine whether local practices and hospitals offer mental health services or have established partnerships with mental health providers. The availability of support groups, counseling services, and other resources specifically tailored to breast cancer patients is particularly important. The analysis should also consider the accessibility of these resources, including their cost, insurance coverage, and availability of appointments. Integrating mental health support into breast cancer care can significantly improve patients' emotional well-being and their ability to cope with the challenges of their illness.
**Conclusion**
Assessing the breast cancer care landscape in West Hickory, PA (ZIP Code 16370) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considered physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem, with specific attention to factors impacting breast cancer detection, treatment, and patient well-being.
For a more detailed visualization of the healthcare landscape in West Hickory and surrounding areas, including physician locations, clinic locations, and demographic data, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for understanding healthcare access and identifying potential gaps in care.
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