16422, Harmonsburg, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 16422, Harmonsburg, Pennsylvania is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 16422 has some form of health insurance. 30.96 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.72 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 16422 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 117 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16422. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 31 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 273 health care providers accessible to residents in 16422, Harmonsburg, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below focuses on breast cancer care access within ZIP code 16422, encompassing Harmonsburg, Pennsylvania, and evaluates the availability of primary care services. The assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, noteworthy practices, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, all crucial factors influencing a patient's journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. Within 16422, a comprehensive understanding of this ratio requires data beyond simple population figures. It involves factoring in the number of primary care physicians (PCPs), oncologists, surgeons specializing in breast cancer, and other relevant specialists actively practicing within the area. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and professional medical associations can provide this information. However, the data's timeliness is a challenge; the information needs to be current to be useful. A low ratio of physicians to patients can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment, which can significantly impact patient outcomes. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and potentially improved patient experiences.

Harmonsburg, as a relatively small community, might face challenges in attracting and retaining a large number of specialists. This situation necessitates examining the proximity of specialists in neighboring areas, such as Meadville or Conneaut Lake, and the ease of transportation to those locations. The availability of public transportation or the need for personal vehicles also impacts access. The presence of a hospital or medical center within or immediately adjacent to 16422 is a key factor. These facilities typically house specialists and provide crucial diagnostic and treatment services, including mammography, biopsies, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The quality of these services, as measured by patient satisfaction scores, outcomes data, and accreditations from organizations like the American College of Surgeons (ACS), is also critical.

Identifying standout practices within and around 16422 is vital. This involves researching medical practices and hospitals to ascertain their specific focus on breast cancer care. Some practices may have dedicated breast cancer centers, offering a multidisciplinary approach with a team of specialists working collaboratively. These centers often provide comprehensive services, including early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship care. Evaluating the credentials and experience of the physicians at these practices is crucial. Board certifications, fellowships, and years of experience in treating breast cancer patients are all important indicators of expertise. Patient reviews and testimonials, while not always definitive, can offer valuable insights into the patient experience.

Telemedicine adoption is another important factor to consider. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online educational resources, can significantly enhance access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas. The availability of telemedicine services can reduce the need for frequent travel, saving patients time and money. It also allows patients to connect with specialists who may not be physically located nearby. The level of telemedicine integration varies widely among practices. Some may offer only basic virtual consultations, while others have adopted more advanced technologies, such as remote monitoring devices and online patient portals. Assessing the availability and quality of telemedicine services is essential for understanding the accessibility of breast cancer care in 16422.

Mental health resources are a critical but often overlooked aspect of breast cancer care. A diagnosis of breast cancer can have a profound emotional impact on patients, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Access to mental health support, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential for helping patients cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of the disease. Evaluating the availability of these resources involves identifying mental health professionals in the area, assessing the types of services they offer, and determining whether they have experience working with cancer patients. The presence of support groups, either in-person or online, is also important. Hospitals and cancer centers often provide these services, but the availability of these services varies.

The analysis also requires a deeper dive into the specific insurance plans accepted by the physicians and practices in the area. Breast cancer treatment can be expensive, and the cost of care can be a significant barrier for patients. Understanding which insurance plans are accepted is crucial for ensuring that patients can access the care they need. The availability of financial assistance programs, such as those offered by hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, or charitable organizations, should also be considered. These programs can help patients manage the cost of treatment and improve their access to care.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of breast cancer care in 16422 involves a multifaceted evaluation. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and insurance coverage. The specifics of the healthcare landscape in Harmonsburg, including the proximity of specialists, the availability of transportation, and the quality of local medical facilities, all contribute to the overall picture. The data for this analysis needs to be constantly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

To gain a comprehensive visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in 16422, including the location of physicians, hospitals, and support services, and to analyze the accessibility of care, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing you to identify areas with limited access to care and to understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources.