17921, Ashland, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17921, Ashland, Pennsylvania is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.80 percent of the residents in 17921 has some form of health insurance. 32.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.29 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 17921 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 916 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17921. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,103 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,779 health care providers accessible to residents in 17921, Ashland, Pennsylvania.

The task of assessing breast cancer care availability within a specific geographic region necessitates a multifaceted approach. For ZIP Code 17921 (Ashland, Pennsylvania), the creation of a "Breast Cancer Score" demands a comprehensive evaluation, going beyond simple physician counts. This analysis will delve into the nuances of care, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals concerned about breast cancer within this community.

Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is a critical first step. While a raw count of physicians in the area provides a starting point, it fails to capture the true accessibility of care. We must consider the number of oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, and primary care physicians (PCPs) who actively participate in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the American Medical Association, and local hospital systems must be compiled. This data needs to be cross-referenced with population figures for ZIP Code 17921 to determine the ratio of each specialist type per capita. A low ratio for any critical specialist could indicate potential bottlenecks in care, leading to delayed diagnoses or treatment.

Beyond the numbers, the specific characteristics of local medical practices require scrutiny. Are there any practices that stand out in terms of their breast cancer care offerings? This includes examining factors such as the availability of state-of-the-art imaging equipment (mammography, MRI, ultrasound), the presence of multidisciplinary care teams (involving surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and nurses), and the accreditation status of the facilities (e.g., accreditation by the American College of Surgeons). Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, such as offering support groups, patient navigators, and genetic counseling services, would score higher.

The adoption of telemedicine is another key factor. The ability to consult with specialists remotely, receive virtual follow-up appointments, and access educational resources online can significantly improve access to care, particularly for residents in rural areas. Assessing the extent to which local practices have embraced telemedicine technologies, including the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and patient portals, is crucial. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine platforms can potentially score higher.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but essential component of breast cancer care. The emotional toll of a diagnosis, treatment, and recovery can be significant. Evaluating the availability of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) specializing in oncology or providing support to cancer patients is critical. This includes assessing whether practices have integrated mental health services into their care models or have established referral pathways to mental health providers. The presence of support groups, both in-person and virtual, is another positive indicator.

Primary care availability in Ashland specifically needs examination. PCPs play a crucial role in breast cancer screening and early detection. Evaluating the availability of PCPs in the area, along with their screening practices (adherence to recommended guidelines for mammograms and other screenings), is essential. Are there enough PCPs to meet the needs of the community? Do they have a good track record of referring patients to specialists when necessary? The quality of primary care directly impacts the early detection rates and, consequently, the overall prognosis for breast cancer patients.

To create a robust "Breast Cancer Score," each of these factors must be weighted appropriately. Physician-to-patient ratios should be given significant weight, as they directly impact access to care. Practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources should also be weighted heavily, reflecting their importance in providing comprehensive and patient-centered care. Primary care availability should be weighted to reflect its importance in screening and early detection. The final score should be a composite measure, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of breast cancer care in the region.

The compilation of this data and the calculation of a "Breast Cancer Score" is a complex undertaking. It requires gathering information from multiple sources, analyzing the data, and applying appropriate weighting to the various factors. The resulting score should be presented in a clear and concise manner, allowing residents of Ashland to understand the strengths and weaknesses of their local healthcare system. It should also provide a benchmark for healthcare providers, allowing them to identify areas for improvement and to strive to enhance the quality of care they provide.

The analysis should also consider any disparities in care. Are there differences in access to care or treatment outcomes based on socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity? Addressing such disparities is crucial to ensuring that all residents of Ashland have equal access to high-quality breast cancer care. This requires examining the demographics of the patient population and assessing whether any groups are underserved or experience poorer outcomes.

The availability of patient education and awareness programs also contributes to the overall "Breast Cancer Score." Do local practices or hospitals offer educational materials, workshops, or support groups? Are there community outreach initiatives to promote breast cancer awareness and screening? The presence of such programs can significantly improve early detection rates and empower patients to take an active role in their care.

Finally, the "Breast Cancer Score" should be updated regularly. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and best practices emerging. Regular updates will ensure that the score remains relevant and reflects the most current state of breast cancer care in Ashland.

For a dynamic, visual representation of this data, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can transform the raw data into an interactive map, highlighting key areas of strength and weakness in breast cancer care within ZIP Code 17921 and beyond. Visualizing the data allows for easier understanding and can help identify patterns and trends that might not be apparent from a static report.