17801, Sunbury, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17801, Sunbury, Pennsylvania is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.93 percent of the residents in 17801 has some form of health insurance. 44.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.51 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 17801 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,566 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 35 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17801. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,133 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,436 health care providers accessible to residents in 17801, Sunbury, Pennsylvania.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17801 and Primary Care Availability in Sunbury**

Analyzing the landscape of breast cancer care within ZIP code 17801, encompassing Sunbury, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will evaluate primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial factors in determining the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive ‘Breast Cancer Score’ assessment for this specific geographic area.

Primary care forms the bedrock of preventative care, including early breast cancer detection. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Sunbury is a critical starting point. A scarcity of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses, as patients may face challenges in scheduling appointments for routine screenings, such as mammograms. This can be especially problematic for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, those with limited transportation, or those lacking health insurance. Assessing the ratio of PCPs to the population within 17801 is essential. A higher ratio, indicating more PCPs per capita, generally correlates with better access to care and, consequently, improved breast cancer outcomes.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a key indicator of healthcare access. The ideal ratio varies depending on the source, but a lower ratio (more physicians per patient) generally translates to easier access to appointments, reduced wait times, and more personalized care. In the context of breast cancer, this means quicker referrals to specialists, timely follow-up appointments, and more opportunities for patient education and support. Analyzing the specific physician-to-patient ratios within 17801, including PCPs, oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons specializing in breast cancer, provides a crucial insight into the overall capacity of the healthcare system to effectively manage breast cancer cases.

Identifying standout medical practices is vital. These practices often demonstrate superior patient outcomes, innovative approaches to care, and a commitment to patient education and support. This analysis will consider factors such as the practice's accreditation status, the experience and qualifications of its physicians, the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, and the practice's participation in clinical trials. Practices that offer comprehensive breast cancer services, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship care, will receive higher scores.

The rise of telemedicine has significantly impacted healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to increase access to specialists, reduce travel burdens, and improve patient convenience. Evaluating the adoption rate of telemedicine within 17801 is crucial. Are local practices utilizing telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education? Practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly for breast cancer-related services, will receive higher scores, reflecting their commitment to improving access to care.

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment are often accompanied by significant emotional and psychological distress. The availability of mental health resources, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, is a crucial aspect of comprehensive breast cancer care. This analysis will assess the availability of these resources within 17801. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or readily refer patients to mental health professionals will receive higher scores. The presence of local support groups, such as those affiliated with the American Cancer Society or other cancer organizations, will also be considered.

The ‘Breast Cancer Score’ for 17801 will be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weighting will reflect the relative importance of each factor. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and primary care availability will likely be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care within the specified ZIP code. This score will be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The assessment will also consider the integration of patient navigation services. Patient navigators guide patients through the complexities of the healthcare system, helping them access resources, schedule appointments, and understand their treatment options. Practices that employ patient navigators will receive higher scores, reflecting their commitment to providing patient-centered care.

Furthermore, the analysis will examine the availability of financial assistance programs for breast cancer patients. The cost of breast cancer treatment can be substantial, and financial barriers can significantly impact patient outcomes. Practices that assist patients in accessing financial aid programs, such as those offered by the Cancer Research Institute or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, will receive higher scores.

The presence of community outreach programs will also be considered. These programs can raise awareness about breast cancer, promote early detection, and provide education and support to the community. Practices that actively participate in community outreach initiatives will receive higher scores, reflecting their commitment to improving the health of the community.

Finally, the analysis will incorporate data on patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided by local practices. Practices with high patient satisfaction scores will receive higher scores, reflecting their ability to provide patient-centered care and meet the needs of their patients.

This comprehensive ‘Breast Cancer Score’ analysis provides a valuable assessment of the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 17801. It highlights areas of strength and weakness, offering insights that can inform healthcare planning and resource allocation. By understanding the availability of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, we can gain a clearer picture of the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care in Sunbury.

Want to visualize the data and see how healthcare access in 17801 compares to other areas? Explore the power of geographic data with CartoChrome maps. Visualize the ‘Breast Cancer Score’ and other relevant healthcare data to gain a deeper understanding of the landscape.