17062, Millerstown, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17062, Millerstown, Pennsylvania is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.73 percent of the residents in 17062 has some form of health insurance. 30.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.81 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 17062 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,047 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 45 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17062. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 702 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,189 health care providers accessible to residents in 17062, Millerstown, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Millerstown, PA (ZIP Code 17062)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning breast cancer care, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will focus on the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and ultimately, a subjective “Breast Cancer Score” for the Millerstown, PA (ZIP Code 17062) area. This score will reflect the overall ease of access to comprehensive breast cancer care within the local healthcare ecosystem.

Millerstown, a small community in Perry County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. Its rural nature often translates to a lower density of healthcare providers compared to more urbanized areas. This geographical reality significantly impacts the availability of primary care physicians, a crucial first point of contact for patients concerned about breast health.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. While precise, up-to-the-minute data is difficult to obtain, publicly available resources and data from the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with information from state medical boards, can provide a reasonable estimate. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a greater availability of doctors per capita, generally translates to easier access to appointments and potentially more personalized care. Conversely, a high ratio suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and may lead to longer wait times for routine checkups and screenings. In Millerstown, the ratio is likely less favorable than in more populated areas, which underscores the importance of evaluating alternative care models and resources.

Primary care availability is the cornerstone of preventative breast cancer care. Regular checkups, screenings, and early detection are vital for improving patient outcomes. The presence of local primary care practices, their acceptance of new patients, and their capacity to offer comprehensive services, including referrals to specialists, are paramount. A shortage of primary care physicians can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes. Researching the number of primary care practices in the area, their patient load, and their specific services offered, like mammogram referrals, is critical to assessing the overall quality of care.

Standout practices in Millerstown would be those that actively address the challenges of rural healthcare. This includes practices that are open to new patients, offer extended hours, and have strong referral networks to specialists, including oncologists and surgeons. Furthermore, practices that proactively educate patients about breast cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and self-examination techniques deserve recognition. Practices that prioritize patient communication and build strong relationships with their patients are more likely to foster trust and encourage early detection.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in overcoming geographical barriers. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialists who may not be readily available in Millerstown. The availability of telemedicine consultations for primary care, breast health screenings, and follow-up appointments can significantly improve the patient experience and enhance the overall quality of care. Practices that have integrated telemedicine into their service offerings, particularly for consultations and follow-up care, are likely to score higher in our analysis.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but crucial aspect of breast cancer care. A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in oncology or women's health, is essential. Practices that offer or facilitate access to mental health support, either through in-house services or referrals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. Access to support groups and educational resources can also significantly benefit patients.

Considering all these factors, assigning a subjective “Breast Cancer Score” to the Millerstown area is complex. Based on the likely challenges of rural healthcare, the score is likely to be moderate. The low population density and potential for a lower physician-to-patient ratio suggest that access to primary care might be a challenge. However, the presence of dedicated practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources could mitigate some of these challenges. The score would reflect the balance between these factors, with a higher score indicating better access to comprehensive breast cancer care.

The overall score would reflect the balance between the challenges of rural healthcare and the efforts of local providers to overcome those challenges. The score would be less about the absolute numbers and more about the relative access to care, the quality of services offered, and the proactive approach of healthcare providers in addressing the specific needs of the Millerstown community. This is a snapshot, and continuous monitoring and assessment are crucial to ensure that the community has access to the best possible care.

For a more in-depth understanding of healthcare access and geographical analysis, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of healthcare resources, physician locations, and other relevant data points, allowing for a more comprehensive and data-driven assessment of the healthcare landscape in Millerstown and the surrounding areas.