16724, Crosby, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 16724, Crosby, Pennsylvania is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 16724 has some form of health insurance. 44.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.43 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 16724 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 14 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16724. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 20 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 126 health care providers accessible to residents in 16724, Crosby, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Crosby, PA (ZIP Code 16724)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of breast cancer care within the Crosby, PA area (ZIP Code 16724), focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to establish a "Breast Cancer Score" that reflects the overall preparedness of the local healthcare system to address the needs of breast cancer patients, from prevention and early detection to treatment and survivorship. This score will be based on the factors discussed below, ultimately providing a valuable resource for residents and healthcare providers alike.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in accessible and proactive primary care. In Crosby, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. Assessing this involves examining the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 16724 ZIP code, as well as the geographic distribution of these physicians. Are they concentrated in one area, or are they spread throughout the community to serve diverse populations? The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other community health clinics is also a key indicator of access, particularly for underserved populations.

Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. This metric reflects the workload of primary care physicians and their capacity to provide comprehensive care. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, could potentially limit the time available for preventative screenings, patient education, and personalized care plans. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests a greater opportunity for physicians to focus on individual patient needs, including breast cancer risk assessment, screening recommendations, and coordination of care with specialists. The ideal ratio varies, but a lower ratio generally translates to better access and potentially improved outcomes.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. This involves evaluating the services offered, including the availability of mammography screening within the practice or through close partnerships with imaging centers. Do practices actively promote breast cancer awareness and offer patient education materials? Are they equipped to provide comprehensive risk assessments based on family history and other factors? The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and the ability to seamlessly share patient information with specialists are also important indicators of quality and efficiency.

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant tool in expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Crosby. Its adoption within primary care practices is a key component of our Breast Cancer Score. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health support. It can also enable access to specialists who may not be physically located in the area. The availability of telemedicine options can significantly improve the convenience and accessibility of care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote locations.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but essential aspect of breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the community is crucial. Assessing this involves examining the number of mental health providers, the types of services they offer (individual therapy, group therapy, support groups), and their willingness to work with cancer patients. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices or through close referrals is also a positive indicator.

Standout practices within the 16724 ZIP code will be identified based on their commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care. This includes practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to prevention, early detection, and patient education. They will have a strong focus on patient-centered care, with a commitment to providing individualized treatment plans and addressing the emotional and psychological needs of patients. These practices often excel in areas such as patient communication, care coordination, and the use of technology to enhance patient care.

The Breast Cancer Score for Crosby, PA (16724) will be a composite score based on the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance, and the overall score will reflect the community's preparedness to address the needs of breast cancer patients. This score will provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

The analysis will also consider the presence of specialized breast cancer services, such as surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology. The proximity and accessibility of these specialists are crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. The availability of support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and survivorship programs, will also be evaluated. These services play a vital role in helping patients navigate the complexities of cancer care and improve their quality of life.

The assessment will also consider the demographics of the population served by the local healthcare system. This includes factors such as age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Understanding the demographics of the community is essential for identifying potential disparities in access to care and ensuring that all patients receive the services they need. Tailoring outreach and education efforts to specific populations can improve screening rates and early detection.

The Breast Cancer Score will not only provide a snapshot of the current state of breast cancer care in Crosby, PA, but also identify areas for improvement. This information can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations to develop strategies to enhance access to care, improve the quality of services, and reduce disparities in outcomes. Regular updates to the score will track progress and ensure that the community remains focused on providing the best possible care for breast cancer patients.

This comprehensive analysis will be a valuable resource for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers in the Crosby, PA area. It will provide a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, and it will help to guide efforts to improve breast cancer care and outcomes. By focusing on key factors such as primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, the Breast Cancer Score will provide a valuable tool for assessing and improving the health of the community.

For a visual representation of this data, including geographic distribution of physicians, access to care, and other relevant factors, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can transform complex healthcare data into easily understandable visualizations, helping you gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Crosby, PA (16724).