17271, Willow Hill, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17271, Willow Hill, Pennsylvania is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.58 percent of the residents in 17271 has some form of health insurance. 35.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.67 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 17271 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 102 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17271. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 79 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,819 health care providers accessible to residents in 17271, Willow Hill, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below examines breast cancer care quality in ZIP code 17271, focusing on primary care physician availability in Willow Hill, Pennsylvania, and evaluating factors that impact patient outcomes. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on robust primary care. Willow Hill, within ZIP code 17271, serves as a critical access point for initial screenings, referrals, and ongoing patient management. Assessing the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is paramount. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Conversely, a low ratio suggests better access and more opportunities for preventative care. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the American Medical Association (AMA) can be used to determine these ratios. The analysis would investigate the average patient panel size for PCPs in the area.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of PCPs within Willow Hill is crucial. Are physicians concentrated in certain areas, leaving others underserved? Are there barriers to access, such as transportation limitations or language differences? The analysis would consider the geographic distribution of practices, the availability of transportation options to reach those practices, and the linguistic diversity of the patient population. This would help to identify potential healthcare deserts and areas where targeted interventions are needed.

Standout practices, those demonstrating excellence in breast cancer care, warrant specific attention. These practices often exhibit a commitment to preventative care, early detection, and patient education. Key indicators of excellence include a high rate of mammography screenings, a robust referral system to specialists, and a patient-centered approach. The analysis would identify practices with these characteristics, drawing on publicly available data, patient reviews, and potentially, interviews with healthcare professionals. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement programs, such as those offered by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), would be given additional consideration.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The use of telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. The analysis would investigate the extent to which practices in Willow Hill utilize telemedicine for breast cancer-related care, including the types of services offered, the platforms used, and patient satisfaction with these services.

Mental health resources are often overlooked, but they are an essential component of comprehensive breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient’s mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health professionals, support groups, and other resources can help patients cope with the challenges of their illness. The analysis would examine the availability of mental health services within the Willow Hill area, including the number of mental health professionals, the types of services offered, and the integration of mental health care into the broader healthcare system. The analysis would also investigate the presence of support groups, educational programs, and other resources that promote mental well-being for breast cancer patients.

The analysis would consider the availability of navigators or care coordinators. These professionals play a crucial role in guiding patients through the complexities of the healthcare system, providing support, and ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care. The analysis would investigate the presence of navigators or care coordinators in the practices within Willow Hill, and the services they provide to breast cancer patients.

Furthermore, the analysis would assess the extent to which practices adhere to evidence-based guidelines for breast cancer screening and treatment. This includes guidelines from organizations such as the American Cancer Society (ACS), the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The analysis would investigate the practices’ adherence to these guidelines, including the frequency of mammography screenings, the use of appropriate diagnostic tests, and the implementation of evidence-based treatment protocols.

The analysis would also explore the practices’ commitment to patient education and empowerment. This includes providing patients with information about their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential side effects. The analysis would investigate the availability of educational materials, support groups, and other resources that empower patients to make informed decisions about their care.

Data sources for this analysis would include public records from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Patient satisfaction surveys, online reviews, and interviews with healthcare professionals would also be considered. The analysis would synthesize this information to provide a comprehensive overview of the breast cancer care landscape in Willow Hill.

The analysis would consider the presence of any disparities in care. This includes examining whether certain populations, such as racial or ethnic minorities, or those with lower socioeconomic status, experience barriers to accessing care or receive lower-quality care. The analysis would identify any disparities and recommend strategies to address them.

By evaluating these factors, the analysis aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the breast cancer care landscape in ZIP code 17271, specifically in Willow Hill. This information can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to improve access to care, enhance the quality of care, and ultimately, improve patient outcomes. This analysis will inform the development of strategies to improve breast cancer care in the region.

To fully visualize the healthcare landscape of Willow Hill and surrounding areas, including physician locations, patient demographics, and access to resources, consider exploring the power of geospatial analysis. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to understand the complexities of healthcare access and identify areas for improvement.