17007, Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17007, Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania is 82 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.19 percent of the residents in 17007 has some form of health insurance. 29.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.09 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 17007 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,543 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 46 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17007. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,371 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 16,449 health care providers accessible to residents in 17007, Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania.

The following analysis provides a preliminary assessment of breast cancer care within the 17007 ZIP code, focusing on primary care availability in Boiling Springs, PA. This evaluation considers factors relevant to patient access, quality of care, and supportive services. The goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape, rather than a definitive ranking.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access. In Boiling Springs, the availability of primary care physicians directly impacts a patient's ability to receive timely breast cancer screenings and referrals. A high ratio of patients per physician can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial diagnoses and treatment. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is often used to determine primary care physician shortages. Analyzing HRSA data for Cumberland County, where Boiling Springs is located, would provide a baseline understanding of the general availability of primary care. This data, however, needs to be supplemented with local information.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate excellence in breast cancer care. Identifying these practices requires a multi-faceted approach. Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys, available through platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals, can provide insights into patient experiences. These reviews often highlight factors like physician communication, empathy, and the overall care environment. Further, understanding if practices have specific accreditations, such as those from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), can indicate a commitment to quality. These centers often adhere to rigorous standards for screening, diagnosis, treatment, and support services.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly for patients in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for follow-up appointments, consultations, and mental health support. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of primary care practices and specialists in the 17007 area is vital. This includes determining whether practices offer virtual appointments, the types of services available through telemedicine, and the ease of use for patients. Analyzing the availability of telehealth platforms, the types of devices used, and the technology used by the practice is important.

Mental health resources are an integral part of comprehensive breast cancer care. The emotional and psychological toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be significant. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, is crucial for patients. Evaluating the availability of these resources in Boiling Springs involves identifying mental health providers who specialize in oncology or have experience working with cancer patients. This includes understanding the types of services offered (individual therapy, group therapy, support groups), insurance acceptance, and wait times for appointments.

The presence of support groups and patient advocacy organizations is also a critical factor. These groups provide a sense of community, offer emotional support, and can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. Researching local support groups, such as those affiliated with the American Cancer Society or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, can provide information on meeting schedules, topics covered, and the types of support offered.

Specific examples of practices in the 17007 area would be beneficial. However, due to the dynamic nature of healthcare and privacy concerns, a comprehensive list is not possible. Instead, the analysis focuses on the types of information that should be gathered. For example, a practice known for its commitment to patient education might offer regular workshops on breast cancer prevention and screening. Another practice might have a dedicated nurse navigator who guides patients through the treatment process. These are the types of characteristics that contribute to a practice’s overall score.

The availability of screening services is also critical. This includes the accessibility of mammography services, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), and the availability of breast ultrasound and MRI. Understanding the wait times for these procedures and the location of screening facilities is essential. The proximity of these services to Boiling Springs residents is also a factor.

The analysis also looks at the availability of specialized breast cancer care. This includes the presence of breast surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists in the area or nearby. The coordination of care between these specialists is a key indicator of quality. This includes understanding how referrals are managed, how treatment plans are developed, and how communication is maintained between the patient and the care team.

The integration of patient navigation services is another key consideration. Nurse navigators or patient navigators help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, coordinating appointments, providing information, and offering emotional support. The availability of these services can significantly improve the patient experience.

Furthermore, the analysis considers the availability of financial assistance programs. Breast cancer treatment can be expensive, and financial burdens can be a significant stressor for patients. Information on local and national financial assistance programs, such as those offered by the Cancer Research Foundation, is essential.

The analysis also considers the availability of genetic counseling and testing services. For patients with a family history of breast cancer, genetic testing can help assess their risk and inform decisions about prevention and treatment. The availability of these services in the 17007 area is an important factor.

Data on outcomes, such as survival rates and recurrence rates, is also valuable. However, accessing this data can be challenging due to privacy concerns and the complexity of data collection. If available, this data can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of care in the area.

The analysis should also consider the cultural competency of healthcare providers. Healthcare providers should be able to effectively communicate with patients from diverse backgrounds and provide culturally sensitive care. This includes understanding the specific needs of different patient populations.

Finally, the analysis should be updated regularly. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and the availability of services and the quality of care can change over time. Regular updates are essential to ensure that the information remains current and accurate. This is a snapshot of the healthcare landscape in the 17007 ZIP code.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in the 17007 area, including physician locations, primary care availability, and the proximity of specialized services, explore the power of geographic data visualization. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and insightful view of the healthcare resources in Boiling Springs and surrounding areas. Visit CartoChrome to discover how geospatial analysis can transform your understanding of healthcare access and quality.