Health Scores Near 17020, Duncannon, Pennsylvania
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The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17020, Duncannon, Pennsylvania is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 94.64 percent of the residents in 17020 has some form of health insurance. 36.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.48 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 17020 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 1,661 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 47 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17020. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,798 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 17,394 health care providers accessible to residents in 17020, Duncannon, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 17020, Duncannon, Pennsylvania
| Breast Cancer Score | 76 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 50 |
| Provider Score | 79 |
| Hospital Score | 37 |
| Travel Score | 64 |
| 17020 | Duncannon | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Duncannon, PA (ZIP Code 17020)
Analyzing the availability of breast cancer care and primary care resources within Duncannon, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17020) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, resulting in a hypothetical "Breast Cancer Score," will consider factors impacting early detection, treatment access, and overall patient support. The focus is on the quality and accessibility of care, specifically within the context of primary care physician availability and the presence of supportive services.
Duncannon, a small community, faces inherent challenges in healthcare access. The rural nature of the area often translates to fewer healthcare providers and limited specialized services compared to urban centers. This analysis will explore these realities, attempting to provide a realistic assessment of the situation.
**Primary Care Physician Availability and Impact on Breast Cancer Screening**
The cornerstone of any effective breast cancer screening program is access to a primary care physician (PCP). PCPs are vital for several reasons: they can order mammograms, provide referrals to specialists, and offer ongoing support throughout a patient's journey. The physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 17020 is a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to delayed screenings, increased wait times for appointments, and reduced opportunities for preventative care.
The availability of PCPs also affects the frequency of breast cancer screenings. Guidelines from organizations like the American Cancer Society recommend regular mammograms for women of a certain age and risk profile. However, if patients struggle to secure timely appointments with their PCP, they may miss these crucial screenings. This delay can significantly impact the chances of early detection and successful treatment.
**Standout Practices and Their Contributions**
Identifying "standout" practices in Duncannon is challenging given the limited scope of the area. However, if any practices demonstrate a commitment to proactive breast cancer care, they would be recognized. This could involve offering extended hours, providing patient education materials, or having a dedicated nurse navigator to guide patients through the screening and referral process. Practices that actively promote breast cancer awareness events within the community would also be considered positively.
**Telemedicine Adoption and its Role**
Telemedicine offers a promising solution to address some of the access challenges in rural areas. The ability to consult with specialists remotely, receive follow-up care, and even participate in support groups online can significantly improve patient outcomes. The adoption rate of telemedicine among PCPs in Duncannon is a key factor in this analysis. Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring, will receive higher scores.
Telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists who may not be readily available in the immediate vicinity. For example, a patient in Duncannon could consult with a breast surgeon or oncologist located in a larger city via video conferencing. This removes geographical barriers and ensures patients receive the specialized care they need.
**Mental Health Resources and Their Significance**
The emotional toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be immense. Access to mental health resources is crucial for patients navigating this difficult journey. This analysis considers the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, within the Duncannon area. Practices that collaborate with mental health providers or offer in-house counseling services will be viewed favorably.
Support groups, both in-person and online, are also essential. These groups provide a safe space for patients to share their experiences, receive emotional support, and connect with others who understand their challenges. The presence and accessibility of such support groups are an important component of the overall "Breast Cancer Score."
**Specifics and Challenges**
To provide a more concrete assessment, the following specific factors will be considered:
* **Number of PCPs per 1,000 residents:** This directly reflects the availability of primary care.
* **Mammography accessibility:** The presence of mammography services within Duncannon or nearby communities.
* **Referral pathways:** The efficiency of referral processes to specialists.
* **Telemedicine infrastructure:** The availability of technology and training for telemedicine consultations.
* **Mental health support:** The presence of therapists, counselors, and support groups.
* **Patient education:** The availability of educational materials on breast cancer prevention and screening.
The limited population of Duncannon creates challenges in finding specific data for all these factors. Publicly available data sources, such as the U.S. Census Bureau, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and healthcare provider directories, would be used to gather as much information as possible. However, gaps in data are expected, particularly regarding practice-specific details.
**Conclusion**
The "Breast Cancer Score" for Duncannon, PA (ZIP code 17020) would likely reflect the inherent challenges of a rural community. The score would be influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of mammography services, the adoption of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health support. While the score might not be as high as in a more urbanized area, it would highlight the crucial role of primary care, the potential of telemedicine, and the importance of community support in improving breast cancer outcomes. The analysis would emphasize the need for ongoing efforts to improve access to care and support for patients in Duncannon.
**Call to Action**
To gain a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare access and resource distribution in Duncannon and surrounding areas, explore the power of geospatial analysis. CartoChrome maps can visualize healthcare data, allowing for a deeper understanding of physician locations, patient demographics, and resource availability. Use CartoChrome maps to visualize the data discussed in this analysis and gain a more granular understanding of healthcare access in your community.
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