16374, Kennerdell, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 16374, Kennerdell, Pennsylvania is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.08 percent of the residents in 16374 has some form of health insurance. 43.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.83 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 16374 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 261 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16374. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 417 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 417 health care providers accessible to residents in 16374, Kennerdell, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on assessing breast cancer care quality and primary care accessibility within the 16374 ZIP code (Kennerdell, Pennsylvania) and its surrounding area. This assessment aims to provide a 'Breast Cancer Score' reflecting the availability and quality of care, encompassing physician-to-patient ratios, practice strengths, telemedicine integration, and mental health support.

The foundation of a robust breast cancer care system lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Kennerdell, a small rural community, faces inherent challenges in primary care access. Low population density often translates to a lower physician-to-patient ratio compared to urban areas. A critical metric is the number of PCPs per 1,000 residents within a reasonable driving distance (e.g., 30 minutes). This ratio directly impacts the ability of patients to obtain timely preventative screenings, such as mammograms, and early diagnosis, which is crucial for positive outcomes.

The analysis must consider the presence of any primary care clinics or practices within the 16374 ZIP code and its immediate vicinity. Are these practices accepting new patients? What are the typical wait times for appointments? Are extended hours or weekend appointments available to accommodate patient needs? Further, the analysis should examine the types of insurance accepted, as this impacts accessibility for various socioeconomic groups.

Beyond primary care, the presence of specialists is vital. Specifically, the availability of oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons specializing in breast cancer care is a key indicator of care quality. The distance patients must travel to access these specialists is a significant factor. Ideally, a comprehensive cancer center or a hospital with a dedicated breast cancer program should be within a reasonable radius.

Standout practices are identified based on several factors. These include the utilization of advanced diagnostic technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), and the implementation of patient-centered care models. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to early detection, such as offering convenient screening programs, are highly valued. The availability of nurse navigators, who guide patients through the complex cancer care journey, is another positive indicator.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to specialists, provide remote monitoring, and facilitate virtual consultations for follow-up care. The analysis must assess the extent to which local practices and hospitals utilize telemedicine platforms for breast cancer care. Are virtual consultations available for initial consultations, follow-up appointments, or support groups?

Mental health resources are an integral part of comprehensive breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being. The analysis must evaluate the availability of mental health services, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, for breast cancer patients. Are these services integrated into the cancer care program? Are they covered by insurance?

The 'Breast Cancer Score' will reflect the availability of these resources. The score will be based on a weighted system, with higher scores assigned to areas with greater access to primary care, specialized care, advanced technologies, telemedicine capabilities, and mental health support. The analysis will also consider patient satisfaction data, if available, to provide a more holistic assessment.

The primary care landscape in Kennerdell presents specific challenges. The rural setting often limits the number of available physicians. The analysis should identify any initiatives aimed at addressing this shortage, such as recruitment programs or partnerships with larger healthcare systems. The presence of community health centers or mobile health clinics can also improve access to care.

The analysis must also examine the quality of the local hospitals. Are they accredited by reputable organizations? Do they have a dedicated breast cancer program? What is the hospital's experience with breast cancer surgery and treatment? The analysis should consider the hospital's patient outcomes and survival rates, if publicly available.

The integration of technology is crucial. Practices that use electronic health records (EHRs) can improve care coordination and communication. The analysis should assess the interoperability of EHRs between different healthcare providers. This allows for seamless sharing of patient information, which is particularly important in cancer care.

The analysis should consider the availability of patient education resources. Are there educational materials available on breast cancer prevention, screening, and treatment options? Are these materials available in multiple languages? Patient education is critical for empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care.

The analysis must also consider the affordability of care. The cost of breast cancer treatment can be substantial. The analysis should assess the availability of financial assistance programs and resources to help patients manage the costs of care. Are there programs to help patients with transportation costs, medication costs, or other expenses?

The analysis will also examine the diversity of the healthcare workforce. Does the healthcare workforce reflect the diversity of the community it serves? This is important for ensuring culturally competent care.

The final 'Breast Cancer Score' for the 16374 ZIP code will provide a valuable snapshot of the breast cancer care landscape in Kennerdell and its surrounding areas. This score will be a useful tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It will highlight areas of strength and areas where improvement is needed.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Kennerdell and beyond, explore the power of geographic data visualization with CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps allow you to explore the distribution of healthcare resources, identify areas of need, and make informed decisions about your healthcare.