17110, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17110, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.64 percent of the residents in 17110 has some form of health insurance. 39.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.60 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 17110 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,672 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 50 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17110. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,734 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 18,243 health care providers accessible to residents in 17110, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Harrisburg, PA (ZIP Code 17110)

This analysis provides a nuanced understanding of breast cancer care within Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, specifically focusing on ZIP code 17110. We will assess the availability and quality of care, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice excellence, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, ultimately providing a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment. This score is a qualitative evaluation based on the available data and aims to inform residents about the healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). In ZIP code 17110, the availability of PCPs is a critical factor. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can create bottlenecks, delaying crucial screenings and referrals. Conversely, a higher ratio, indicating greater access, can improve early detection rates and overall patient outcomes. Publicly available data, such as that from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, can provide insights into these ratios. However, this data often requires careful interpretation, as it may not fully capture the nuances of practice capacity, patient demographics, and insurance coverage.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Practices that emphasize preventative care, offer comprehensive health screenings, and have established referral pathways to specialists are more likely to facilitate timely breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Evaluating these aspects requires a deeper dive into practice profiles, patient reviews, and accreditation statuses. The presence of certified Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs) is often a positive indicator, as these practices are designed to provide coordinated, patient-focused care.

Specialist availability is another crucial component. The presence of oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons within or near ZIP code 17110 is essential for providing comprehensive breast cancer care. Analyzing the number of specialists, their board certifications, and their affiliations with hospitals and cancer centers is vital. Furthermore, the existence of multidisciplinary teams, where specialists collaborate to develop individualized treatment plans, significantly improves patient outcomes. The proximity of specialized facilities like the Penn State Health Cancer Institute or UPMC Hillman Cancer Center can also be factored in, as they offer advanced treatments and clinical trials.

Telemedicine adoption is rapidly changing healthcare delivery, and its impact on breast cancer care is noteworthy. Practices that embrace telemedicine can offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up appointments, improving access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in underserved areas. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the technological infrastructure supporting these services is essential.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but play a significant role in the patient journey. A breast cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, and access to mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services is crucial for patient well-being. Evaluating the availability of these resources, including the presence of on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health organizations, and access to support groups specifically designed for breast cancer patients, is essential.

Standout practices within ZIP code 17110 can be identified by analyzing various factors. Practices with a strong emphasis on preventative care, early detection, and patient education are often more effective in managing breast cancer. Patient reviews, accreditation statuses, and the presence of specialized programs (e.g., breast cancer screening programs, survivorship programs) can highlight exceptional practices. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials and research can also be considered standout performers, as they contribute to advancements in breast cancer treatment.

In Harrisburg, the presence of established healthcare systems like UPMC and Penn State Health can positively influence the quality of breast cancer care. These systems often have extensive networks of specialists, advanced treatment options, and access to cutting-edge research. However, even within these systems, variations in quality can exist between individual practices. Therefore, a granular analysis of each practice is required.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP code 17110 would be a composite score, reflecting the availability and quality of care across all the factors discussed. It is a qualitative assessment, not a rigid numerical score, and would be based on the following criteria:

* **Primary Care Access:** Physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality (preventative care, referral pathways).
* **Specialist Availability:** Number of oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, board certifications, multidisciplinary teams.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telemedicine services.
* **Mental Health Resources:** Availability of therapists, support groups, and counseling services.
* **Standout Practices:** Practices with strong preventative care, patient education, and participation in research.

The final score would be expressed as a qualitative assessment (e.g., "Excellent," "Good," "Fair," "Poor") based on the evaluation of these criteria. This score is not intended to be a definitive ranking, but rather a starting point for patients seeking breast cancer care in Harrisburg.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations of this analysis. Data availability is a significant constraint. Publicly available data may not always be comprehensive or up-to-date. Furthermore, patient experiences and preferences are subjective and difficult to quantify. This analysis relies on publicly accessible information and cannot fully capture the nuances of individual patient experiences.

Despite these limitations, this analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding the breast cancer care landscape in ZIP code 17110. By considering the factors discussed, residents can make more informed decisions about their healthcare and advocate for improved access and quality of care.

The availability of accurate and accessible healthcare data is crucial for informed decision-making. To further explore the healthcare landscape in Harrisburg and gain a visual understanding of physician locations, specialist availability, and access to care, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping tools offered by CartoChrome. These maps can provide valuable insights into the distribution of healthcare resources and help you navigate the healthcare system more effectively.