17771, Trout Run, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17771, Trout Run, Pennsylvania is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.15 percent of the residents in 17771 has some form of health insurance. 45.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.76 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 17771 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 706 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17771. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 656 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 862 health care providers accessible to residents in 17771, Trout Run, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Trout Run, PA (ZIP Code 17771)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of breast cancer care resources within the 17771 ZIP code, focusing on primary care physician (PCP) availability in Trout Run, Pennsylvania. We will assess factors impacting a patient's journey, from initial screening to mental health support, aiming to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment. This score, though not numerically quantifiable in this format, will highlight strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of any effective breast cancer care pathway lies in accessible and proactive primary care. In Trout Run, a rural community, the availability of PCPs is a critical determinant of overall care quality. Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is the first step. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the US Census Bureau, when combined with information on practicing physicians, can offer a preliminary understanding. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments, preventative screenings, and ongoing care coordination. The analysis will consider the presence of family medicine practices, internal medicine specialists, and any nurse practitioners or physician assistants providing primary care services within the area.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices' commitment to breast cancer screening guidelines. Do they proactively recommend mammograms based on age and risk factors? Do they offer patient education materials on breast self-exams and early detection? Are they connected to local specialists for timely referrals if a concern arises? Practices demonstrating a strong commitment to preventative care, including robust patient education and proactive screening protocols, will be viewed more favorably in the overall score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas where geographical barriers can hinder access to care. The analysis will investigate the availability of telehealth services among PCPs and specialists serving the 17771 ZIP code. Do practices offer virtual consultations for routine follow-ups, medication management, or preliminary discussions about breast cancer concerns? The ability to connect with healthcare providers remotely can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Practices actively utilizing telehealth technologies will receive a higher score.

Specialist availability is another crucial element. The analysis will investigate the proximity of oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, and other specialists involved in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Are there local specialists within a reasonable driving distance? If not, what are the referral patterns to specialists in nearby towns or cities? The efficiency of the referral process and the ease of access to specialized care are critical factors in the patient experience. The analysis will also consider the availability of multidisciplinary cancer care teams, which can offer a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to treatment.

Mental health resources play a vital role in supporting patients through the emotional and psychological challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The analysis will examine the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the Trout Run area or readily accessible via referral networks. Are there support groups for breast cancer patients? Do local hospitals or cancer centers offer psychological support services? The presence of readily available mental health resources will significantly improve the overall score, reflecting the importance of holistic patient care.

Specific practices within the 17771 ZIP code, if identifiable through publicly available information, will be evaluated based on the criteria mentioned above. Practices demonstrating a strong commitment to preventative care, patient education, and access to specialists will be considered standout practices. For example, a family medicine practice that proactively schedules mammograms, offers telehealth appointments, and has established referral pathways to oncologists would receive a high score. Conversely, a practice with limited preventative care protocols and no apparent connections to specialist care would receive a lower score.

The analysis will also consider the presence of community resources, such as cancer support organizations, patient advocacy groups, and financial assistance programs. These resources can provide valuable support to patients throughout their journey, from diagnosis to survivorship. The availability of these resources, and the ease with which patients can access them, will contribute to the overall score.

Furthermore, the analysis will assess the availability of patient navigation services. Patient navigators can help patients navigate the complex healthcare system, coordinate appointments, and provide emotional support. The presence of patient navigation services within local hospitals or cancer centers will be considered a significant positive factor.

Finally, the analysis will take into account the availability of information and resources in multiple languages, if applicable, to ensure that all members of the community have access to the information and support they need.

In conclusion, the "Breast Cancer Score" for the 17771 ZIP code, specifically focusing on primary care availability in Trout Run, is determined by a complex interplay of factors. These include physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care practices, telemedicine adoption, specialist access, mental health resources, and community support. While a definitive numerical score is not provided, the analysis highlights the strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare ecosystem, offering insights into the accessibility and quality of breast cancer care.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, including physician locations, specialist access, and community resource locations, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a detailed, interactive view of the healthcare resources available in the 17771 ZIP code and beyond, helping you to better understand the accessibility of care and make informed decisions.