17353, Orrtanna, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17353, Orrtanna, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.34 percent of the residents in 17353 has some form of health insurance. 31.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.75 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 17353 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 623 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17353. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 494 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,732 health care providers accessible to residents in 17353, Orrtanna, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17353 & Primary Care in Orrtanna

This analysis delves into the availability of breast cancer care resources within ZIP code 17353 (a location encompassing areas near Orrtanna, Pennsylvania) and specifically examines primary care availability in Orrtanna, a crucial factor in early detection and overall patient well-being. We will assess the quality of care by evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, exploring telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources, all critical components in the fight against breast cancer. This evaluation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and areas needing improvement.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in accessible primary care. In Orrtanna, the proximity of primary care physicians to the population is paramount. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests a potential strain on resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potentially reduced access to preventative screenings. Conversely, a favorable ratio indicates a more readily available healthcare system, which is crucial for early detection through regular checkups and mammograms. The specific physician-to-patient ratio within Orrtanna needs to be ascertained through detailed data analysis, ideally comparing it to regional and national averages. This data would then allow for a more precise assessment of the community's access to primary care.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of primary care practices within and serving Orrtanna is critical. We need to assess the practices’ integration of breast cancer screening protocols, their commitment to patient education, and their referral pathways to specialized care. Standout practices are those that actively promote preventative screenings, provide comprehensive patient education materials on breast health, and have established efficient referral systems to oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons. These practices often utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient history, schedule reminders for screenings, and facilitate seamless communication between different healthcare providers. Identifying these practices and understanding their best practices can serve as a model for improvement across the region.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor in evaluating the accessibility of breast cancer care. Telemedicine offers a valuable opportunity to expand access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Orrtanna. Telehealth consultations can provide initial assessments, follow-up appointments, and even access to specialists who might not be readily available locally. The extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care physicians and specialists in the area needs to be examined. This includes the types of telehealth services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), the technology infrastructure available, and the level of patient acceptance. A high level of telemedicine adoption can significantly improve access to care and reduce the burden on patients, particularly those with mobility issues or transportation challenges.

The psychological impact of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is substantial. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an essential component of comprehensive care. Patients dealing with breast cancer often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Access to therapists, counselors, and support groups is vital for providing emotional support and improving patient outcomes. The analysis must examine the availability of mental health services within the local community, including the number of mental health professionals, the types of services offered, and the accessibility of these services to patients with breast cancer. Collaboration between primary care physicians, oncologists, and mental health professionals is also crucial to ensure integrated and coordinated care.

When evaluating the healthcare landscape, we need to consider the specific challenges faced by the population in ZIP code 17353 and the surrounding areas. Factors such as socioeconomic status, age demographics, and cultural backgrounds can significantly impact access to care and patient outcomes. Analyzing these factors can help identify specific barriers to care and inform the development of targeted interventions. For example, if a significant portion of the population lacks health insurance, efforts to improve access to affordable care options are crucial. If there are language barriers, providing resources in multiple languages can enhance patient understanding and engagement.

The overall "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP code 17353 and primary care availability in Orrtanna would be a composite measure based on the factors discussed above. This score should reflect the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The score should also consider the specific challenges faced by the local population. A higher score would indicate a more robust and accessible healthcare system, while a lower score would highlight areas needing improvement.

Improving the "Breast Cancer Score" requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, expanding access to mental health services, and improving patient education. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is crucial to achieving these goals. Regular monitoring and evaluation of the healthcare landscape are also necessary to track progress and identify areas where further improvements are needed. This is a continuous cycle of assessment and action.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 17353 and Orrtanna, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital locations, and the availability of mental health services, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of the data, making it easier to identify areas with limited access to care and to assess the overall quality of the healthcare system.