17776, Waterville, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17776, Waterville, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.13 percent of the residents in 17776 has some form of health insurance. 40.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.11 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 17776 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17776. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 47 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 791 health care providers accessible to residents in 17776, Waterville, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Waterville, PA (ZIP Code 17776)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of breast cancer care within ZIP code 17776, focusing on primary care physician (PCP) accessibility in Waterville, PA, and evaluating factors crucial for early detection and comprehensive patient support. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately aiding informed decision-making for residents.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in accessible and proactive primary care. In Waterville, the availability of PCPs is a critical starting point. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed screenings, and potentially reduced opportunities for early detection. Conversely, a lower ratio, signifying greater access, generally translates to more frequent checkups, increased patient education, and a higher likelihood of timely interventions. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from local hospitals and clinics, is essential to establish an accurate physician-to-patient ratio for Waterville. This data should be regularly updated to reflect population shifts and changes in physician availability.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves assessing the practices' commitment to breast cancer screening guidelines, including mammograms and clinical breast exams. Practices that actively remind patients of their screening appointments and provide comprehensive patient education on risk factors and self-exams demonstrate a higher level of commitment to preventative care. Evaluating the electronic health record (EHR) systems used by local practices is also important. EHRs that seamlessly integrate with imaging centers and specialists facilitate efficient communication and coordination of care, leading to better patient outcomes.

Standout practices within Waterville should be identified based on their commitment to these factors. This could involve recognizing clinics that consistently exceed national screening rates, offer extended hours for patient convenience, or employ bilingual staff to cater to diverse populations. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, such as health fairs or educational seminars, demonstrate a commitment to preventative care beyond the clinic walls. Such practices should be highlighted as models for others to emulate.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of modern healthcare. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments or initial consultations regarding symptoms, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas like Waterville. Practices that offer telemedicine options can reduce travel burdens, improve patient convenience, and potentially facilitate earlier diagnoses. Evaluating the availability of telemedicine services, the types of services offered, and patient satisfaction with these services is essential.

The emotional and psychological well-being of breast cancer patients is equally important as physical health. Mental health resources, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups, are integral to comprehensive cancer care. Assessing the availability of these resources in Waterville requires examining the partnerships between local practices, hospitals, and mental health providers. Practices that proactively screen patients for depression and anxiety, and that have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, are better equipped to support patients through the emotional challenges of diagnosis and treatment.

The availability of specialized breast cancer care, such as surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology, is also a significant factor. While Waterville may not have these specialized services directly, the proximity to larger medical centers in nearby cities, such as Williamsport or Lock Haven, is crucial. Evaluating the ease of access to these specialists, including the travel time and the availability of transportation assistance for patients, is necessary. The coordination of care between primary care physicians and specialists is also important. Practices that have established referral protocols and that actively communicate with specialists to ensure seamless patient care are essential.

The analysis should also consider the availability of patient navigators. Patient navigators are healthcare professionals who help patients navigate the complex healthcare system, providing support and guidance throughout the diagnostic, treatment, and survivorship phases. The presence of patient navigators can significantly improve patient outcomes by reducing barriers to care and ensuring that patients receive the necessary support.

The analysis should also consider the availability of financial assistance programs. Breast cancer treatment can be expensive, and financial burdens can create additional stress for patients. Identifying the availability of programs that help patients with the cost of treatment, such as grants, insurance assistance, and payment plans, is important.

Furthermore, the analysis should assess the availability of support groups and educational resources. Support groups provide a valuable platform for patients to connect with others who have experienced similar challenges, offering emotional support and practical advice. Educational resources, such as pamphlets, websites, and workshops, can empower patients with knowledge about their condition and treatment options.

Finally, the analysis should consider the demographics of the population in Waterville. Understanding the age, race, and socioeconomic status of the residents is crucial for tailoring healthcare services to meet the specific needs of the community. For example, practices that offer culturally sensitive care and that address health disparities are better positioned to serve the diverse needs of the population.

This comprehensive assessment, encompassing physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and specialized care access, provides a robust foundation for understanding the breast cancer care landscape in Waterville, PA. By identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement, this analysis can inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents alike, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes.

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