17021, East Waterford, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17021, East Waterford, Pennsylvania is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.52 percent of the residents in 17021 has some form of health insurance. 44.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.21 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 17021 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 141 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17021. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 299 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 884 health care providers accessible to residents in 17021, East Waterford, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17021 & Primary Care in East Waterford

Analyzing the breast cancer care landscape within ZIP code 17021 and the availability of primary care in the surrounding East Waterford area necessitates a multi-faceted approach. We must consider physician accessibility, the quality of available resources, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. This analysis will provide a "Breast Cancer Score" framework, indirectly assessing the likelihood of patients receiving timely and comprehensive breast cancer care, based on the availability and quality of supporting primary care services.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios & Accessibility in 17021**

The foundation of effective breast cancer care begins with accessible primary care. Examining physician-to-patient ratios within 17021 is critical. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of primary care physicians (PCPs) relative to the population, can create significant barriers. Patients may face lengthy wait times for appointments, hindering early detection and prompt referrals to specialists. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and improved outcomes. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide insights into these ratios. We must also consider the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code. Are they concentrated in specific areas, leaving underserved pockets? This spatial analysis is crucial for understanding accessibility disparities.

**Primary Care Availability in East Waterford: A Critical Link**

East Waterford, as a surrounding area, plays a pivotal role in the healthcare ecosystem of 17021. The availability of primary care in East Waterford directly impacts the residents of 17021, particularly those who may live near the border or seek care outside their immediate ZIP code. Analyzing the presence of primary care practices, including family medicine, internal medicine, and women's health specialists, is essential. The number of practices, their operating hours, and their acceptance of various insurance plans are all factors influencing accessibility. Further, the geographic distribution of these practices in relation to the population of East Waterford, and its proximity to 17021, determines the ease of access for potential patients.

**Standout Practices: Identifying Centers of Excellence**

Within 17021 and the surrounding area, identifying standout primary care practices is crucial. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, early detection, and patient education – all critical elements in the fight against breast cancer. We need to assess practices based on several criteria. Do they offer comprehensive wellness exams, including breast cancer screenings (mammograms) and education on self-exams? Do they have established referral pathways to specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons? Do they actively participate in community outreach programs to promote breast cancer awareness? Practices that excel in these areas can significantly improve the "Breast Cancer Score" for the region.

**Telemedicine Adoption: Bridging the Gap**

The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices is a significant factor. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals can improve the accessibility of care. This is especially important for follow-up appointments, medication management, and addressing patient concerns. The integration of telemedicine can streamline the care process and reduce the burden on patients, contributing to a higher "Breast Cancer Score."

**Mental Health Resources: A Holistic Approach**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental health. The availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is a crucial component of comprehensive care. Practices that prioritize mental health by offering counseling services, support groups, or referrals to psychiatrists and therapists demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being. This contributes to a more positive patient experience and can improve adherence to treatment plans. The integration of mental health services significantly boosts the "Breast Cancer Score."

**Specific Examples and Considerations**

To provide a more concrete analysis, we need specific data. For example, identifying the names of primary care practices in 17021 and East Waterford, their physician-to-patient ratios, and their adoption of telemedicine would be essential. We would need to evaluate the availability of mammography services within the ZIP code and surrounding areas. We should also assess the availability of support groups and mental health resources for breast cancer patients. The presence of patient navigators, who can guide patients through the complexities of the healthcare system, would also be a significant positive factor.

**The "Breast Cancer Score" Framework**

The "Breast Cancer Score" would be a composite metric based on several weighted factors:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** (Weight: 25%) A higher ratio indicates greater accessibility.
* **Primary Care Practice Quality:** (Weight: 30%) Based on the availability of preventative services, referral pathways, and patient education.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** (Weight: 15%) The extent to which practices utilize virtual consultations and online portals.
* **Mental Health Resources:** (Weight: 20%) The availability of counseling, support groups, and referrals.
* **Mammography Availability:** (Weight: 10%) Proximity to screening centers.

This framework allows for a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the breast cancer care landscape.

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

Understanding the landscape of primary care in 17021 and East Waterford is essential for assessing the potential for timely and comprehensive breast cancer care. Factors like physician accessibility, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources all contribute to a higher "Breast Cancer Score."

To visualize and further analyze the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and patient demographics in the area, we encourage you to explore the power of data visualization with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can help you understand the complex relationships between healthcare access, population needs, and geographic factors.