16507, Erie, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 16507, Erie, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.50 percent of the residents in 16507 has some form of health insurance. 51.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.36 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 16507 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,860 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16507. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,023 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,019 health care providers accessible to residents in 16507, Erie, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score: Erie, PA (ZIP Code 16507) & Primary Care Landscape

This analysis provides a comprehensive 'Breast Cancer Score' assessment for physicians practicing within ZIP Code 16507 in Erie, Pennsylvania, and evaluates the broader primary care landscape of the city. The scoring methodology considers factors crucial to breast cancer detection, treatment, and patient support, including physician availability, practice quality, access to specialized services, and integration of mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment relevant to breast cancer patients and those at risk.

The foundation of any strong breast cancer care system rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Erie, and specifically within the 16507 ZIP code, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and early detection. Data analysis of this ratio, considering factors like the age and demographics of the population within 16507, is essential. This involves assessing the number of active PCPs, their patient load, and the presence of any physician shortages, particularly in underserved areas.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. This includes evaluating the practices' commitment to preventive care, specifically breast cancer screenings. Are the practices actively tracking patient screening rates? Do they have robust systems for reminding patients about mammograms and follow-up appointments? The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is another key indicator. EHRs streamline information sharing, allowing for better coordination between PCPs, radiologists, and oncologists. Practices with integrated EHR systems, facilitating seamless data exchange, score higher in this assessment.

Specialized services are crucial for breast cancer care. The presence and accessibility of local radiologists, oncologists, surgeons, and support staff directly impact patient outcomes. This analysis will identify the number of specialized physicians practicing within or near 16507, their affiliations with hospitals and cancer centers, and the types of services they offer. This includes assessing the availability of advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), and the existence of multidisciplinary cancer care teams that collaborate to develop personalized treatment plans.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in modern healthcare. The ability to offer virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations with specialists, can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. This analysis evaluates the extent to which practices in 16507 and Erie have adopted telemedicine platforms, the types of services offered virtually, and the ease of access for patients.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but critical component of breast cancer care. A diagnosis of breast cancer can be emotionally devastating, and patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. This analysis assesses the availability of mental health resources within the practices and in the broader community. This includes identifying therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in cancer care, and evaluating the integration of mental health services into the overall treatment plan. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and offer referrals to appropriate resources receive a higher score.

Standout practices within 16507 and Erie will be identified based on their performance across these key indicators. These practices will be recognized for their commitment to patient care, their adoption of innovative technologies, and their integration of mental health services. The evaluation will consider factors like patient satisfaction scores, physician experience, and participation in quality improvement initiatives.

The primary care landscape in Erie, beyond 16507, is also assessed. This involves evaluating the overall distribution of PCPs across the city, identifying areas with potential shortages, and assessing the availability of specialized services at the regional level. This broader perspective provides context for understanding the healthcare environment within 16507 and its connection to the wider healthcare system.

The 'Breast Cancer Score' for physicians in 16507 and the primary care landscape in Erie is not a static measure. It is an ongoing process of evaluation and improvement. The analysis will be updated regularly to reflect changes in physician availability, practice quality, and the availability of specialized services. This continuous assessment will help to identify areas for improvement and to promote the delivery of high-quality breast cancer care.

This analysis, while providing a comprehensive overview, is limited by the availability of public data. The accuracy of the assessment depends on the completeness and reliability of the information sources. Further investigation, including direct outreach to practices and patient surveys, could provide a more detailed and nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment.

To gain a deeper, visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Erie, including the distribution of physicians, access to specialized services, and the location of key resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive, data-driven maps that visualize healthcare information, allowing you to explore the healthcare environment in Erie in a dynamic and engaging way.