17868, Riverside, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17868, Riverside, Pennsylvania is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.61 percent of the residents in 17868 has some form of health insurance. 32.87 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.42 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 17868 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 177 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 34 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17868. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 297 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,339 health care providers accessible to residents in 17868, Riverside, Pennsylvania.

This analysis provides an overview of breast cancer care quality and primary care access within ZIP code 17868 (Riverside, Pennsylvania), aiming to assess the landscape for patients seeking these vital services. The evaluation considers factors relevant to patient experience and outcomes, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, ultimately offering insights for healthcare consumers.

The foundation of any healthcare system is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Access to a PCP is often the first step in breast cancer screening and early detection. In Riverside, determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires a comprehensive data analysis. The US Census Bureau provides population data, and the Pennsylvania Medical Board maintains physician licensing information. Combining these sources allows for an estimate of the number of PCPs per 1,000 residents. A higher ratio generally indicates better access, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and improved outcomes. However, the mere presence of physicians is insufficient.

Beyond sheer numbers, the type of practice matters. Are the PCPs in Riverside primarily solo practitioners, or do they belong to larger group practices? Group practices can offer advantages, such as shared resources, extended hours, and access to a wider range of specialists. Solo practices may provide a more personalized, patient-centered approach, but may lack the same breadth of services. The ideal scenario often involves a balance, with a variety of practice models to cater to diverse patient preferences and needs.

Breast cancer screening, primarily through mammography, is a crucial component of early detection. The availability of imaging services within Riverside, or in close proximity, is a significant factor. Patients should ideally have convenient access to accredited imaging centers that offer advanced technologies and experienced radiologists. The presence of these facilities can significantly impact the timeliness of diagnosis and treatment.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in Riverside can enhance access to care, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations. Telemedicine can reduce travel burdens for patients and improve communication between patients and providers. Assessing the extent of telemedicine integration requires examining the practices' websites and patient portals, as well as reviewing patient feedback regarding their experiences with virtual appointments.

Mental health is an often-overlooked but critical aspect of cancer care. A breast cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health resources is essential for patients. The availability of on-site or referral-based mental health services within the primary care practices in Riverside is a key indicator of a patient-centered approach. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and provide these services are better equipped to support patients throughout their journey.

Evaluating the quality of care also involves examining the practices' adherence to evidence-based guidelines for breast cancer screening and management. Do the PCPs follow the recommendations of organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network? This can be assessed by reviewing practice websites, asking questions of the practices, and consulting with patient advocacy groups.

Identifying standout practices requires a multi-faceted approach. Patient reviews, collected from sources such as Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews, offer valuable insights into patient experiences. These reviews can highlight practices that excel in areas such as patient communication, appointment scheduling, and overall satisfaction. Additionally, the presence of board-certified physicians, particularly in areas such as internal medicine and family medicine, can be a sign of a commitment to quality care.

Beyond primary care, the availability of specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons, is critical for breast cancer treatment. Assessing the proximity of these specialists to Riverside is crucial. Patients often benefit from having access to a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals who can provide comprehensive care. The presence of a local hospital or cancer center that offers a range of services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology, is a significant advantage.

The analysis also considers the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, support groups, and financial assistance programs. These resources can help patients navigate the complexities of cancer care and provide emotional and practical support. Practices that offer these services demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care.

The overall assessment of breast cancer care and primary care availability in Riverside is based on a combination of these factors. While providing a precise "score" requires detailed data collection and analysis, this overview offers a framework for understanding the key elements that contribute to quality care.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Riverside, based on available data, appears to be within the national average, suggesting reasonable access to primary care. However, the distribution of these physicians, and the types of practices they represent, requires further investigation.

The adoption of telemedicine appears to be moderate, with some practices offering virtual appointments. However, the full extent of telemedicine integration and its impact on patient access and satisfaction requires more in-depth evaluation.

Mental health resources appear to be somewhat limited within primary care practices in Riverside. This highlights an area where improvement is needed to ensure comprehensive patient care.

The availability of specialized breast cancer services, such as imaging and oncology, is adequate, given the proximity to larger medical centers. However, the specific services offered and the experience of the providers should be further assessed.

Overall, the healthcare landscape in Riverside, Pennsylvania, appears to offer a reasonable level of access to primary care and breast cancer screening. However, improvements are needed in the areas of mental health support and telemedicine integration. Patients are encouraged to research practices thoroughly, considering factors such as patient reviews, practice characteristics, and the availability of support services.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Riverside and surrounding areas, including the location of physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their mapping tools provide a visual representation of healthcare resources, enabling informed decision-making for patients seeking quality care.