17763, Ralston, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17763, Ralston, Pennsylvania is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.49 percent of the residents in 17763 has some form of health insurance. 47.44 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.75 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 17763 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 28 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17763. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 45 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 555 health care providers accessible to residents in 17763, Ralston, Pennsylvania.

This analysis provides a hypothetical "Breast Cancer Score" for primary care physicians (PCPs) in the 17763 ZIP code, focusing on factors relevant to breast cancer detection and care. It also assesses primary care availability within the nearby community of Ralston, PA, a critical element in ensuring timely access to essential medical services. This score is a composite, considering various elements, and aims to offer a snapshot of the healthcare landscape as it pertains to breast cancer care in this specific geographic area.

The 17763 ZIP code encompasses the town of Williamsport, PA, and surrounding areas. Assessing the quality of breast cancer care begins with evaluating the availability and quality of primary care. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients, and their ability to provide preventative care, including breast cancer screenings, is paramount. The "Breast Cancer Score" considers the physician-to-patient ratio, a metric indicating the number of patients served by each PCP. A lower ratio generally suggests more time and attention per patient, potentially leading to improved screening practices and earlier detection. Data on this ratio would be sourced from publicly available data, insurance provider information, and potentially, practice websites, if available.

Standout practices within the 17763 ZIP code would be identified based on several criteria. Practices with a strong emphasis on preventative care, including consistent breast cancer screening recommendations, would receive higher scores. The utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) to track screening compliance and patient follow-up is also a key indicator of quality. Practices that actively engage in patient education regarding breast cancer risk factors and self-examination techniques would be highly rated. Furthermore, the availability of on-site mammography services or strong referral partnerships with local imaging centers would be considered a significant advantage.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element in the "Breast Cancer Score." The ability of PCPs to offer virtual consultations can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Telemedicine can facilitate initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and even the delivery of test results. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms and integrated them seamlessly into their workflow would receive higher scores. This includes the availability of secure video conferencing, patient portals for communication, and the ability to share medical records electronically.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but play a vital role in breast cancer care. A diagnosis of breast cancer can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. The "Breast Cancer Score" considers the availability of mental health services within the PCP's practice or through referral partnerships. Practices that offer on-site counseling services or have established relationships with local therapists and support groups would be viewed favorably. This includes access to resources for managing anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Evaluating primary care availability in Ralston, PA, is essential. Ralston, as a smaller community near Williamsport, relies on access to PCPs in the surrounding areas. The analysis would consider the distance to the nearest primary care practices, the availability of appointments, and the acceptance of various insurance plans. The "Breast Cancer Score" would reflect the ease with which Ralston residents can access timely primary care services, as this is a critical factor in early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

Specific examples of practices within the 17763 ZIP code would be examined. For example, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, a dedicated nurse navigator for cancer patients, and a robust telemedicine program would likely receive a high score. Conversely, a practice with limited appointment availability, no telemedicine options, and no established mental health referral network would likely receive a lower score. The analysis would also assess the patient reviews and ratings for each practice, considering feedback related to communication, patient experience, and the overall quality of care.

The analysis would also consider the demographic characteristics of the population served by the PCPs. Factors such as age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status can influence breast cancer risk and access to care. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to serving diverse populations and addressing health disparities would be viewed more positively. This might include offering multilingual services, providing culturally sensitive care, and actively participating in community outreach programs.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is not a definitive ranking but a tool for understanding the healthcare landscape in the 17763 ZIP code and the surrounding areas. It is designed to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system as it relates to breast cancer care. It emphasizes the importance of preventative care, early detection, and access to comprehensive support services. The overall goal is to provide valuable insights for patients seeking primary care in the area, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

The final "Breast Cancer Score" would be presented as a composite score, reflecting the performance of each practice across the various criteria. The score would be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology and the factors considered. This transparency is crucial to ensure the credibility and utility of the analysis. It is also important to note that the score is based on publicly available data and information provided by the practices themselves.

To further visualize and analyze this healthcare landscape, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can display physician locations, practice characteristics, and patient demographics, providing a powerful visual representation of the data. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment and facilitates the identification of areas where access to care may be limited. Explore the possibilities with CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and quality in the 17763 ZIP code and beyond.