17210, Amberson, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17210, Amberson, Pennsylvania is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17210 has some form of health insurance. 26.04 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 17210 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 55 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17210. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 41 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,398 health care providers accessible to residents in 17210, Amberson, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17210 and Amberson Primary Care

This analysis explores the landscape of breast cancer care within ZIP code 17210 (Chambersburg, Pennsylvania) and assesses the availability of primary care services in the nearby Amberson area, considering factors crucial to patient outcomes. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses to inform both patient choices and healthcare provider strategies.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on accessible and high-quality primary care. Amberson, while a smaller community, serves as a feeder for the healthcare system in Chambersburg. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Amberson directly impacts the early detection and management of breast cancer. A robust primary care system facilitates regular screenings, promotes patient education, and provides timely referrals to specialists. Conversely, a shortage of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer patient outcomes. Assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of PCPs per capita, the average wait times for appointments, and the range of services offered, including preventative care programs.

Within ZIP code 17210, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment durations, and potentially, a less personalized approach to patient care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility and the potential for more comprehensive care. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and local healthcare systems are essential to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within 17210. This ratio needs to be considered in the context of specialty care, including oncology and radiology, to accurately gauge the overall accessibility of breast cancer services.

Identifying standout medical practices within 17210 requires a multi-faceted evaluation. This includes assessing the expertise and experience of oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists specializing in breast cancer. Factors such as the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment (e.g., 3D mammography, MRI), the use of evidence-based treatment protocols, and the patient satisfaction levels are all crucial. Practices with accreditations from organizations like the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer often demonstrate a commitment to quality and comprehensive care. Furthermore, the presence of multidisciplinary teams, including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and support staff, is a significant indicator of a well-rounded and patient-centered approach.

The adoption of telemedicine has become increasingly relevant in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate remote consultations. For breast cancer patients, telemedicine can be valuable for follow-up appointments, consultations with specialists, and access to support groups. Assessing the telemedicine adoption rate within 17210 involves evaluating the availability of virtual appointments, the types of services offered remotely, and the technological infrastructure in place to support telemedicine. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their care models are likely to receive higher scores in this analysis.

The integration of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, is essential. Assessing this involves evaluating the presence of mental health professionals within the healthcare system, the availability of support groups specifically for breast cancer patients, and the integration of mental health screening into routine care. Practices that prioritize mental health support demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

The Breast Cancer Score for 17210 and Amberson, therefore, is not a single number but a composite assessment. It is derived from a careful consideration of the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The score is designed to highlight areas of strength and weakness, providing a roadmap for improvement and empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care. The analysis should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape and to ensure its continued relevance.

In Amberson, the primary care availability plays a crucial role in the overall score. The presence of accessible and comprehensive primary care services directly impacts the early detection and management of breast cancer. The analysis will evaluate the number of PCPs per capita, the average wait times for appointments, and the range of services offered.

The success of breast cancer treatment depends on a coordinated and patient-centered approach. This means that the analysis should consider the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, who can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. Patient navigators can provide emotional support, assist with scheduling appointments, and connect patients with resources.

The analysis must also account for the diversity of the population. Breast cancer affects women of all ages, races, and ethnicities. The analysis should consider the availability of culturally sensitive care and the efforts made to address health disparities. This includes assessing the availability of interpreters, the provision of culturally appropriate educational materials, and the efforts made to reach underserved populations.

By considering all these factors, the Breast Cancer Score provides a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in 17210 and Amberson. It can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to improve the quality of breast cancer care and ensure that all women have access to the resources they need.

The analysis must also consider the impact of social determinants of health. These are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes, such as socioeconomic status, education, access to transportation, and housing. The analysis should assess the extent to which these factors are addressed by the healthcare system. This includes assessing the availability of financial assistance programs, the provision of transportation services, and the efforts made to address food insecurity and other social needs.

The final Breast Cancer Score is a dynamic measure that reflects the evolving nature of healthcare. The analysis should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape and to ensure its continued relevance. This includes monitoring changes in physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of new technologies, and the integration of new services.

For a visual representation of this data and to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in 17210 and surrounding areas, including Amberson, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful platform for visualizing healthcare data, allowing you to identify areas with limited access to care and to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape.