17076, Oakland Mills, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17076, Oakland Mills, Pennsylvania is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17076 has some form of health insurance. 0.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 17076 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17076. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,502 health care providers accessible to residents in 17076, Oakland Mills, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Oakland Mills, PA (ZIP Code 17076)

Analyzing the landscape of breast cancer care within Oakland Mills, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17076) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the availability and quality of care, focusing on primary care physician access, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. This comprehensive assessment will provide a “Breast Cancer Score” for the area, reflecting the overall preparedness and support system for individuals facing this disease.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in accessible primary care. Early detection and preventative measures are crucial, and a strong primary care network is the first line of defense. Assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 17076 ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This includes general practitioners, family medicine physicians, and internal medicine specialists. Furthermore, it is essential to consider the patient-to-physician ratio. A high ratio suggests potential difficulties in scheduling appointments and receiving timely care, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Researching appointment wait times and the acceptance of new patients is also essential to gauge the ease of access.

Determining the presence of “standout practices” involves identifying medical facilities that demonstrate excellence in breast cancer care. This includes hospitals, clinics, and private practices that offer comprehensive services. These practices often have dedicated breast cancer centers, staffed with multidisciplinary teams of specialists, including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and nurses. They may also offer advanced diagnostic tools like 3D mammography and genetic testing, as well as access to clinical trials. Examining patient reviews and ratings, as well as accreditations from organizations like the American College of Surgeons (ACS), can help identify these exemplary practices.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Oakland Mills. Its adoption can significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals who may face geographical barriers or mobility limitations. Evaluating telemedicine adoption involves assessing whether local practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online support groups. The availability of telehealth services for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment can greatly enhance patient convenience and reduce the burden of travel. The level of integration of these technologies into existing workflows is also important.

The emotional and psychological impact of a breast cancer diagnosis is profound. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of a comprehensive care system. This analysis will assess the presence of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the 17076 ZIP code and the surrounding areas. It will also evaluate the availability of support groups, both in-person and online, specifically designed for breast cancer patients and their families. The integration of mental health services into the broader care continuum, such as offering counseling within cancer centers, is a significant advantage.

To arrive at a “Breast Cancer Score,” each of these factors will be weighted and assessed. Primary care availability and physician-to-patient ratios will be assigned a significant weight, as they directly impact access to screening and early detection. The presence of standout practices, with their comprehensive services and specialized expertise, will also carry considerable weight. Telemedicine adoption and the integration of mental health resources will contribute to the overall score, reflecting the ability of the local healthcare system to provide holistic and patient-centered care.

The final score will be a composite measure, reflecting the overall strength and preparedness of the Oakland Mills area in providing breast cancer care. A higher score would indicate a more robust and accessible system, with readily available resources and a strong emphasis on patient support. A lower score would indicate areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, enhancing telemedicine capabilities, or expanding mental health services.

It is important to note that this analysis is a snapshot in time. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and care models emerging regularly. Therefore, this “Breast Cancer Score” should be considered a starting point for ongoing assessment and improvement. Regular monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that the residents of Oakland Mills have access to the best possible breast cancer care.

The analysis of primary care availability will involve examining the number of PCPs, their patient load, and the ease with which new patients can schedule appointments. This information can be obtained through online directories, insurance provider websites, and direct inquiries to local practices. The goal is to determine the overall accessibility of primary care services within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas.

Regarding physician-to-patient ratios, data from the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health will be utilized. This data will be combined with information on the number of practicing physicians in the area to calculate the ratio. A high ratio may indicate a shortage of physicians, potentially leading to longer wait times and reduced access to care.

The identification of “standout practices” will involve a review of local hospital websites, cancer center directories, and patient reviews. The presence of dedicated breast cancer centers, multidisciplinary teams, and advanced diagnostic and treatment options will be key indicators. Accreditation from organizations like the ACS will be another factor.

Telemedicine adoption will be assessed by examining the websites of local practices and hospitals to determine if they offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online support groups. The availability of telehealth services for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment will be a critical factor.

The integration of mental health resources will be evaluated by identifying local therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, as well as support groups specifically for breast cancer patients and their families. The presence of mental health services within cancer centers will also be considered.

This detailed analysis will provide a comprehensive assessment of breast cancer care in Oakland Mills, PA (ZIP Code 17076). By examining these key factors, a “Breast Cancer Score” can be developed, providing valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identifying areas for improvement.

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