17745, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17745, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.64 percent of the residents in 17745 has some form of health insurance. 38.44 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.88 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 17745 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,177 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17745. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,098 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 684 health care providers accessible to residents in 17745, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Lock Haven, PA (ZIP Code 17745)

This analysis delves into the breast cancer care landscape within Lock Haven, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17745), evaluating the availability and quality of resources for patients. The focus is on primary care physician (PCP) accessibility, the presence of specialized breast cancer care, and the integration of supportive services. This assessment aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem and identify areas for potential improvement. The goal is to determine a "Breast Cancer Score" reflecting the overall capacity of the community to address the needs of individuals facing this disease.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on accessible primary care. PCPs are often the first point of contact, responsible for screening, early detection, and referral. In Lock Haven, the availability of PCPs is a crucial factor. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per patient, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to preventative care. Researching the current ratio within 17745, comparing it to state and national averages, is essential. This includes identifying the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and estimating the patient population they serve.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are they concentrated in a single clinic, or are they dispersed throughout the community? Geographic accessibility is vital, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Analyzing the locations of primary care practices within Lock Haven, considering factors like public transportation availability and proximity to residential areas, is critical. Further, the acceptance of new patients by the local PCPs and the availability of same-day or next-day appointments is a key factor.

The next layer of the analysis involves assessing the availability of specialized breast cancer care. This includes access to oncologists, surgeons specializing in breast cancer, radiologists skilled in mammography and other imaging techniques, and certified breast health navigators. The presence of a comprehensive cancer center, or affiliations with larger regional cancer centers, would significantly boost the Breast Cancer Score. Evaluating the availability of these specialists within Lock Haven, or the ease of referral to specialists in nearby areas, is crucial. Travel time to these specialists is an important consideration.

Standout practices within the community deserve special recognition. Identifying clinics or hospitals that demonstrate excellence in breast cancer care, perhaps through accreditations, patient satisfaction scores, or innovative treatment approaches, is essential. These practices may serve as models for other providers and contribute to a higher overall score. This may include clinics that offer advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography, or those that participate in clinical trials.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly relevant in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. The ability to access consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources remotely can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients facing geographical challenges. Evaluating the extent to which local providers offer telemedicine services, and the types of services available via telemedicine, is important. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations with PCPs, oncologists, and other specialists.

Mental health support is a vital component of breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be emotionally challenging, and access to mental health resources can significantly impact a patient's well-being. This analysis must evaluate the availability of therapists, counselors, and support groups within Lock Haven. Are there mental health professionals specializing in oncology or cancer-related issues? Are support groups readily accessible, either in-person or online? The integration of mental health services into the broader cancer care pathway is a key indicator of a supportive healthcare environment.

Additional factors can influence the Breast Cancer Score. The availability of financial assistance programs, such as those offered by local hospitals or charitable organizations, can help patients manage the costs of treatment. The presence of patient education programs, which provide information about breast cancer prevention, screening, and treatment options, is also important. Community outreach initiatives, such as free mammogram screenings or awareness campaigns, contribute to a higher score.

The Breast Cancer Score itself will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted contribution of each of the factors discussed above. The weighting assigned to each factor should reflect its relative importance in the overall care process. For instance, the availability of specialized care might carry a higher weight than the availability of patient education programs. The final score will provide a numerical representation of the breast cancer care landscape in Lock Haven, allowing for comparisons with other communities and highlighting areas for improvement.

The final score is also dependent on the availability of data. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Cancer Society (ACS) can be used to gather information on physician-to-patient ratios, cancer incidence rates, and other relevant metrics. Data from local hospitals and clinics, though often more difficult to obtain, can provide valuable insights into the services offered and patient outcomes.

Ultimately, a high Breast Cancer Score indicates a community that is well-equipped to support individuals facing breast cancer. It signifies accessible primary care, specialized medical expertise, a focus on mental health and supportive services, and a commitment to patient education and community outreach. Conversely, a lower score highlights areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the availability of specialists, expanding telemedicine services, or enhancing mental health support. This score serves as a tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to assess the local healthcare environment and make informed decisions to improve the quality of breast cancer care.

To visualize the spatial distribution of healthcare resources in Lock Haven and the surrounding areas, including the locations of PCPs, specialists, and support services, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, allowing for a better understanding of accessibility and identifying potential gaps in care.