17313, Dallastown, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17313, Dallastown, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.31 percent of the residents in 17313 has some form of health insurance. 34.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.84 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 17313 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,064 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17313. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,520 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,923 health care providers accessible to residents in 17313, Dallastown, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on evaluating the quality of breast cancer care and primary care availability in Dallastown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17313). This assessment goes beyond simple metrics, attempting to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape. The aim is to inform residents about the resources available and identify areas where improvements are needed, ultimately promoting better health outcomes.

A crucial factor in evaluating healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. In Dallastown, this ratio for primary care physicians directly impacts the ability of patients to receive timely screenings and follow-up care for breast cancer. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access, allowing for more proactive preventative care. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau would be essential to calculate this ratio accurately. This data would need to be combined with information on the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 17313 ZIP code.

Standout practices in Dallastown deserve recognition for their commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care. This would involve identifying clinics and hospitals that offer a range of services, including mammography, diagnostic imaging (ultrasound, MRI), biopsy services, and access to oncologists and surgeons. These practices would ideally have dedicated breast cancer programs with specialized staff and a focus on patient-centered care. Information about these practices can be obtained through online searches, patient reviews, and recommendations from local community organizations. The quality of these services, including the experience and qualifications of the staff, and the patient outcomes, should be considered when determining the standout practices.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important for healthcare access, especially in rural areas like Dallastown. The ability to consult with physicians remotely can significantly improve access to care, particularly for those who have mobility issues, transportation limitations, or live in remote areas. The availability of telemedicine services for breast cancer screening, follow-up appointments, and consultations with specialists should be assessed. Practices that offer telemedicine options, especially those that provide virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital communication with patients, should be recognized. The ease of use of the telemedicine platforms, the availability of technical support, and the integration of telemedicine with the practice's overall care delivery system are critical aspects to consider.

Mental health resources are an integral component of comprehensive breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and psychologically challenging for patients. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, is essential to address the emotional distress associated with breast cancer. The analysis should identify practices and organizations that offer mental health support services, including the types of services offered, the qualifications of the providers, and the accessibility of the services. The integration of mental health services with breast cancer care, such as the availability of on-site counselors or referrals to mental health specialists, is a key indicator of a patient-centered approach.

Evaluating the availability of primary care in Dallastown extends beyond just physician-to-patient ratios. It involves assessing the range of services offered by primary care physicians, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and referrals to specialists. The analysis should consider the availability of services such as annual physical exams, vaccinations, and screening tests for other cancers. The ability of primary care physicians to coordinate care with specialists, including oncologists and surgeons, is a crucial factor in ensuring seamless and comprehensive care for breast cancer patients. The analysis should also assess the availability of after-hours care, including urgent care clinics and telemedicine options, to ensure that patients have access to care when they need it.

The analysis should also consider factors such as insurance acceptance, the availability of financial assistance programs, and the cultural sensitivity of the healthcare providers. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans and offer financial assistance to patients who need it are better positioned to serve the community. The cultural sensitivity of healthcare providers is important to ensure that patients from diverse backgrounds receive culturally appropriate care. This would involve assessing the diversity of the staff, the availability of language services, and the practice's commitment to providing care that is respectful of patients' cultural beliefs and practices.

The evaluation of breast cancer care and primary care availability in Dallastown should incorporate data from various sources, including public health agencies, healthcare providers, and patient surveys. The data should be analyzed to identify areas of strength and weakness in the healthcare system. The findings should be presented in a clear and concise manner, with recommendations for improvement. The goal is to provide residents of Dallastown with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare and to advocate for improvements in the local healthcare system.

The analysis should also consider the impact of social determinants of health on breast cancer outcomes. Social determinants of health are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes, such as socioeconomic status, education, access to transportation, and housing. These factors can significantly impact a patient's ability to access and receive quality healthcare. The analysis should consider the impact of these factors on breast cancer outcomes in Dallastown and identify strategies to address health disparities. This may involve partnering with community organizations to provide transportation assistance, offering health education programs, and addressing other social needs that impact health.

The final analysis would ideally present a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape in Dallastown, providing valuable insights for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers. This analysis would serve as a starting point for ongoing efforts to improve the quality of breast cancer care and primary care availability in the community. The goal is to create a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, and patient-centered, ensuring that all residents of Dallastown have the opportunity to live long and healthy lives.

For a more detailed and visually insightful understanding of healthcare access and resources in Dallastown, and to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare providers, services, and potential areas of need, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. Their interactive mapping tools can help you visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your community.