17078, Palmyra, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17078, Palmyra, Pennsylvania is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.08 percent of the residents in 17078 has some form of health insurance. 31.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.77 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 17078 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,101 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 116 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17078. An estimate of 22 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,159 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 26,505 health care providers accessible to residents in 17078, Palmyra, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Palmyra, PA (ZIP Code 17078)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of breast cancer care within Palmyra, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17078), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) accessibility, the presence of specialized breast cancer resources, and the integration of supportive services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, enabling informed healthcare decisions. This analysis uses publicly available data and focuses on the factors most relevant to patient outcomes.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in accessible primary care. PCPs are often the first point of contact, crucial for preventative screenings, early detection, and referrals to specialists. Palmyra's physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. While precise, real-time ratios fluctuate, understanding the general availability of PCPs is vital. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and other sources will be consulted to determine the approximate number of PCPs serving the area and the population they serve. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally signifies better access. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests potential challenges in securing timely appointments and comprehensive care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of PCPs within Palmyra matters. Are practices clustered in certain areas, potentially creating access disparities for residents in other parts of town? Are there enough PCPs accepting new patients? This analysis will investigate these factors, considering the geographical distribution of practices and their capacity to accommodate new patients. This also includes evaluating the presence of patient portals, which enhance communication and access to medical records, which can improve the patient experience.

Within Palmyra, assessing the presence of standout primary care practices is crucial. This includes practices that are known for their commitment to preventative care, including regular mammograms and other breast cancer screenings. Some practices may have dedicated staff members focused on cancer prevention and patient education. These practices often have robust systems for reminding patients about screenings and facilitating referrals to specialists. The analysis will identify practices with strong reputations for patient care and a proactive approach to breast cancer prevention.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers a convenient way for patients to consult with their PCPs, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and discussing test results. The availability of telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients who have mobility issues, live in rural areas, or have transportation challenges. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are generally considered to be more patient-centric and adaptable to modern healthcare needs. The analysis will investigate which practices in Palmyra offer telemedicine services and the scope of those services.

Mental health support is an integral part of breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be emotionally challenging, and access to mental health resources is essential for patients' well-being. This analysis will assess the availability of mental health services in Palmyra, including the presence of therapists, counselors, and support groups. It will also investigate the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, such as offering on-site counseling or having established referral pathways to mental health professionals. The analysis will consider the accessibility of these resources, including their cost and availability.

The presence of specialized breast cancer resources is also important. This includes the availability of breast surgeons, oncologists, and radiation oncologists. The analysis will investigate the proximity of these specialists to Palmyra and the ease with which patients can access their services. This includes assessing the availability of diagnostic imaging services, such as mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs. The analysis will also consider the presence of breast cancer support groups and other patient resources in the area.

Beyond medical care, the availability of supportive services is important. This includes access to nutrition counseling, physical therapy, and other services that can help patients manage the side effects of treatment and improve their quality of life. The analysis will investigate the availability of these services in Palmyra and their integration into the overall care plan.

The overall 'Breast Cancer Score' for Palmyra, PA (ZIP Code 17078) will be a composite score based on the factors discussed above. It will reflect the accessibility of primary care, the presence of specialized resources, the integration of mental health support, and the adoption of telemedicine. The score will provide a general assessment of the healthcare landscape for breast cancer patients in Palmyra.

The analysis will also consider factors that affect the overall healthcare environment, such as the presence of hospitals and other healthcare facilities in the area. The analysis will also consider the socioeconomic factors that affect access to care, such as income levels and insurance coverage rates.

The final assessment will consider the overall healthcare environment, the accessibility of primary care, the presence of specialized resources, and the integration of supportive services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape for breast cancer patients in Palmyra.

For a more detailed, visually rich understanding of healthcare access in Palmyra and surrounding areas, including the locations of PCPs, specialists, and support services, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic way to visualize healthcare resources, providing valuable insights for patients and healthcare providers alike.