16410, Cranesville, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 16410, Cranesville, Pennsylvania is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.13 percent of the residents in 16410 has some form of health insurance. 31.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.07 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 16410 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 429 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16410. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 311 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 625 health care providers accessible to residents in 16410, Cranesville, Pennsylvania.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16410 & Primary Care Availability in Cranesville**

The task at hand is to evaluate the landscape of breast cancer care and primary care accessibility within ZIP code 16410, encompassing Cranesville, Pennsylvania, and to assess the resources available for patients. This analysis will delve into physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health support, culminating in a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment. It's important to remember that a definitive, numerical score isn't possible with the provided constraints. Instead, this will be a qualitative assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

The foundation of any robust healthcare system lies in the availability of primary care physicians. Cranesville, and the surrounding area within 16410, needs a sufficient number of primary care providers to act as gatekeepers, guiding patients through screenings, referrals, and ongoing care. Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial metric. A high ratio, meaning fewer doctors for a larger population, can lead to longer wait times, reduced access, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratio within 16410 is the first step. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with information on practicing physicians, is necessary to determine this ratio.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices are vital. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer same-day or next-day appointments for urgent concerns? Do they have extended hours or weekend availability? These factors directly impact a patient's ability to receive timely care. The presence of female physicians, who may be preferred by some patients for breast cancer screening and care, is another important consideration.

Once the primary care foundation is assessed, the focus shifts to breast cancer-specific resources. The presence of radiologists specializing in mammography is critical. Are there accredited imaging centers within a reasonable driving distance? The availability of these centers, along with their equipment (e.g., 3D mammography, or tomosynthesis), plays a role in early detection. The speed with which imaging results are returned to the patient and the primary care physician is also important.

The next step is to consider the availability of oncologists and surgeons specializing in breast cancer. While these specialists may not be located directly within 16410, their accessibility within a reasonable travel radius is crucial. Are there established referral networks between primary care physicians and these specialists? This ensures a smooth transition for patients needing more advanced care. The presence of multidisciplinary cancer care teams, which include surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, nurses, and other specialists, is a significant advantage, offering a holistic approach to treatment.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and specialists in 16410 can significantly improve access to care. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances. Assessing the availability of telemedicine platforms, the types of services offered virtually, and the ease of use for patients is crucial.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked, yet critical, component of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in supporting cancer patients is essential. Does the local hospital or cancer center offer support groups or individual counseling services? Are these services readily accessible and affordable? Integrating mental health support into the overall care plan is a hallmark of a patient-centered approach.

Identifying standout practices within 16410 requires a deeper dive into their operations. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, early detection, and comprehensive treatment are the ones to highlight. These might include practices that offer:

* **Proactive screening programs:** Offering reminders for mammograms and other screenings.
* **Patient navigation services:** Providing assistance with appointments, insurance, and other logistical challenges.
* **Strong communication:** Maintaining open communication channels with patients and other healthcare providers.
* **Integration of technology:** Utilizing electronic health records and patient portals for improved efficiency and access.

To assess the Breast Cancer Score, a qualitative evaluation is necessary. The score is not a simple number. The assessment considers the availability of primary care physicians, the characteristics of those practices, the availability of breast cancer specialists and resources, the adoption of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health support. The score would be "High," "Moderate," or "Low."

* **High:** Indicates a strong healthcare infrastructure, with sufficient primary care availability, accessible specialists, robust telemedicine options, and comprehensive mental health support.
* **Moderate:** Suggests adequate resources, but with potential areas for improvement, such as longer wait times for appointments or limited telemedicine options.
* **Low:** Signals significant challenges, such as a shortage of primary care physicians, limited access to specialists, and a lack of support services.

Based on the analysis, the final assessment provides a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of breast cancer care and primary care availability within 16410. The findings can be used to identify areas for improvement and to advocate for better resources for patients.

For a comprehensive understanding of healthcare resources in your area, including physician locations, practice details, and access to specialists, explore CartoChrome maps.