17009, Burnham, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17009, Burnham, Pennsylvania is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.61 percent of the residents in 17009 has some form of health insurance. 44.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.07 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 17009 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 421 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17009. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 380 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,033 health care providers accessible to residents in 17009, Burnham, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on the availability of breast cancer care resources within ZIP code 17009, encompassing Burnham, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas. It examines the quality and accessibility of care, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This assessment aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the breast cancer care landscape for residents in this specific geographic area.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a critical indicator of access to care. Determining the exact ratio requires meticulous data collection, which includes identifying the number of primary care physicians (PCPs), oncologists, radiologists specializing in breast imaging, and surgeons within the designated ZIP code and its immediate vicinity. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and professional medical directories can provide a baseline. However, this information needs to be cross-referenced and validated to account for factors such as physician specialization, practice size, and patient demographics. The goal is to ascertain the number of patients each physician is responsible for, which directly impacts appointment wait times, the time spent with each patient, and the overall quality of care. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per patient, generally signifies reduced access and potentially lower quality.

Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided by local healthcare providers. This evaluation considers several factors. First, the practice's accreditation and certifications are important. Accreditation by reputable organizations like the American College of Surgeons (ACS) for cancer programs or the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) indicates a commitment to high standards of care. Second, the availability of comprehensive services is crucial. This includes access to advanced imaging technologies like 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), breast MRI, and ultrasound. Third, the practice's multidisciplinary approach to care is assessed. This means the presence of a team of specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and nurses, working collaboratively to develop and implement personalized treatment plans. Finally, patient outcomes and satisfaction are key metrics. Publicly available data on survival rates, complication rates, and patient feedback (through surveys and online reviews) can provide insights into the effectiveness of the care provided.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve access to breast cancer care, especially in rural or underserved areas like Burnham. Assessing the extent of telemedicine integration involves determining which practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. The availability of telemedicine can reduce travel time and costs for patients, making it easier for them to access specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources. The analysis also examines the types of telemedicine services offered. Are virtual consultations available for initial screenings, follow-up appointments, or consultations with specialists? Are remote monitoring tools used to track patient progress and manage side effects? The level of integration of telemedicine into the practice's workflow and the availability of technical support for patients are also considered.

Mental health resources are an essential component of comprehensive breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis examines the availability of mental health services within the local healthcare system. This includes assessing whether practices offer on-site counseling or referrals to mental health professionals specializing in cancer care. The presence of support groups, both in-person and online, is also evaluated. These groups provide patients with a safe space to share their experiences, connect with others facing similar challenges, and receive emotional support. The accessibility of these resources, including insurance coverage and wait times, is also considered.

Primary care availability in Burnham, Pennsylvania, is a crucial element of this analysis. The presence of accessible primary care physicians (PCPs) is the cornerstone of preventative care, including breast cancer screening. The analysis considers the number of PCPs practicing within Burnham and the surrounding areas. It also looks at the availability of appointments, the acceptance of new patients, and the types of insurance accepted. The proximity of primary care practices to residential areas and the availability of transportation options are also important factors. The analysis also examines the integration of primary care practices with breast cancer screening programs. Do PCPs actively encourage and facilitate mammograms for their patients? Do they have established referral pathways to specialists and diagnostic services?

The analysis of breast cancer care in ZIP code 17009, encompassing Burnham, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves assessing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices based on accreditation, comprehensive services, and patient outcomes. The adoption of telemedicine and the availability of mental health resources are also crucial. The analysis considers the availability of primary care services and their integration with breast cancer screening programs. This comprehensive assessment helps to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identify areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of the breast cancer care landscape in Burnham, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a valuable visual aid for understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and making informed decisions about your care.