16740, Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 16740, Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.92 percent of the residents in 16740 has some form of health insurance. 55.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.34 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 16740 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 236 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16740. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 158 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 344 health care providers accessible to residents in 16740, Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Mount Jewett (16740) Primary Care Landscape

Analyzing the breast cancer care landscape within ZIP code 16740, Mount Jewett, requires a multifaceted approach. It necessitates evaluating the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs), as they serve as the crucial initial point of contact for women seeking breast cancer screening and early detection. This analysis will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and examine the availability of mental health resources, all critical factors in determining a ‘Breast Cancer Score’ for the area. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem’s capacity to support women navigating the complexities of breast cancer prevention and treatment.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Mount Jewett is a primary indicator of accessibility. A low ratio, meaning a limited number of PCPs serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potential delays in diagnosis. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and local healthcare providers would be crucial to ascertain the precise ratio. Factors such as the age and health profile of the population in 16740 also influence this. A higher proportion of elderly residents or those with pre-existing health conditions could exacerbate the demand on available primary care services.

Identifying standout practices in Mount Jewett involves evaluating several criteria. These include the availability of female PCPs, which can be a significant factor for some women. Practices that actively promote and facilitate breast cancer screening, such as mammograms and clinical breast exams, earn higher marks. The presence of certified nurse practitioners (CNPs) and physician assistants (PAs) within a practice can also improve access, as they often provide high-quality care under the supervision of a physician. Practices that offer extended hours or weekend appointments further enhance accessibility, catering to the needs of working women.

Telemedicine adoption plays a vital role in modern healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas like Mount Jewett. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with PCPs for consultations, follow-up appointments, and even some forms of preventative care. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, offering secure video conferencing and remote monitoring capabilities, are better positioned to serve patients efficiently. This is particularly important for women who may face challenges in traveling to appointments due to distance, lack of transportation, or other constraints.

The availability of mental health resources is another critical component of the ‘Breast Cancer Score.’ A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a woman's emotional well-being. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is essential to support patients through the emotional challenges of the disease. Practices that have established partnerships with mental health providers or offer in-house counseling services are providing a more holistic approach to patient care. This can include referral networks to local support groups or organizations specializing in cancer support.

To arrive at a comprehensive ‘Breast Cancer Score’ for Mount Jewett, a weighted scoring system would be employed. The physician-to-patient ratio would carry significant weight, reflecting the fundamental importance of access. The presence of female PCPs and the availability of screening services would be factored in, along with telemedicine adoption and the availability of mental health resources. Each practice would be assessed based on these criteria, and a composite score would be calculated. This score would then be used to rank the practices within the 16740 ZIP code.

The specific practices within Mount Jewett would be evaluated based on their individual characteristics. For example, a practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio, a high percentage of female PCPs, and robust telemedicine capabilities would receive a higher score. Conversely, a practice with limited access, no telemedicine offerings, and no mental health support would receive a lower score. The goal is to identify the practices that are best equipped to provide comprehensive breast cancer care.

Data collection would be a critical aspect of this analysis. Information would be gathered from various sources, including the Pennsylvania Department of Health, local healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patient surveys. This data would be used to assess the availability of PCPs, the types of services offered, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This would involve direct contact with healthcare providers to gather information on their services and patient demographics.

The findings of this analysis would be valuable to several stakeholders. Women in Mount Jewett could use the ‘Breast Cancer Score’ to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Healthcare providers could use the analysis to identify areas for improvement and enhance their services. Public health officials could use the data to identify gaps in care and develop strategies to address them. This would involve community outreach to promote awareness of breast cancer screening and early detection.

Furthermore, the analysis would provide insights into the broader healthcare landscape in rural Pennsylvania. It would highlight the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare providers in these areas, such as the need for more physicians, the importance of telemedicine, and the need for mental health support. This would allow for the development of targeted interventions to improve healthcare access and quality.

The ‘Breast Cancer Score’ is not just a ranking; it is a snapshot of the healthcare ecosystem’s ability to support women facing a serious health challenge. It emphasizes the importance of accessible, comprehensive, and patient-centered care. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, women can take proactive steps to protect their health. This includes regular screenings, early detection, and access to the resources they need to navigate their healthcare journey.

This analysis underscores the need for continuous monitoring and improvement in the Mount Jewett healthcare landscape. The ‘Breast Cancer Score’ should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the availability of PCPs, the adoption of new technologies, and the evolving needs of the community. This ongoing evaluation will ensure that women in Mount Jewett have access to the best possible care.

For a visual representation of this data and a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Mount Jewett and surrounding areas, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can display physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data, offering a powerful tool for healthcare decision-making.