17923, Branchdale, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17923, Branchdale, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.21 percent of the residents in 17923 has some form of health insurance. 59.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.80 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 17923 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 14 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17923. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 70 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,678 health care providers accessible to residents in 17923, Branchdale, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Branchdale, PA (ZIP Code 17923)

This analysis delves into the landscape of breast cancer care within Branchdale, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17923), focusing on the availability and quality of care provided by local physicians and the supporting infrastructure, particularly primary care. The goal is to provide a comprehensive “Breast Cancer Score” assessment, taking into account various factors crucial for effective breast cancer management. This analysis does not offer medical advice.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in early detection and consistent follow-up. This necessitates a robust primary care system, acting as the initial point of contact for patients. In Branchdale, the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical determinant of the overall score. The physician-to-patient ratio in this ZIP code is a key metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and referrals. Research into the current ratio, comparing it to state and national averages, is essential for a proper evaluation. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau will be needed to establish this baseline.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices significantly impacts the breast cancer score. The presence of well-established practices with a history of preventative care, including routine mammograms and breast exams, is a positive indicator. Conversely, practices with limited resources or a history of under-referral for suspicious findings would negatively impact the score. Assessing the practices’ commitment to patient education, including providing information on risk factors, self-exams, and genetic testing, is also crucial. The availability of bilingual staff or resources to serve the diverse population in the area is another factor to consider.

The availability of specialists is another critical factor in the breast cancer score. The presence of oncologists, surgeons specializing in breast cancer, and radiologists equipped with advanced imaging technology within a reasonable distance of Branchdale significantly enhances the score. Long travel times to access these specialists can create undue stress for patients and potentially delay treatment. Assessing the proximity of these specialists, the types of services they offer (e.g., surgical oncology, radiation therapy, chemotherapy), and their acceptance of various insurance plans are all critical components of the evaluation.

Telemedicine adoption is a rapidly evolving aspect of healthcare, and its impact on breast cancer care cannot be ignored. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, can potentially improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. The availability of telemedicine services, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations, would positively influence the score. Evaluating the types of telemedicine platforms used, their security measures, and the patient experience with these platforms is essential.

Mental health support is often overlooked but is an integral part of comprehensive breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be emotionally taxing, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, such as counselors, therapists, and support groups, within the community is a crucial element in assessing the breast cancer score. Practices that proactively screen for mental health issues and provide referrals to mental health professionals are highly valued. Assessing the accessibility of these resources, the types of support offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, support groups), and the availability of financial assistance for mental health services are all important considerations.

Standout practices within Branchdale would be those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care. These practices would likely exhibit several key characteristics. They would have a strong primary care foundation, emphasizing preventative care and early detection. They would have established referral networks with specialists in oncology, surgery, and radiology. They would embrace telemedicine to improve access to care and patient convenience. They would prioritize patient education, providing information on risk factors, self-exams, and treatment options. They would also actively address the mental health needs of their patients, offering access to mental health resources.

The overall "Breast Cancer Score" for Branchdale, PA (ZIP Code 17923) would be a composite score derived from the factors discussed above. The score would be based on a weighted assessment of each factor, reflecting their relative importance in providing quality breast cancer care. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the availability of specialists, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources would all contribute to the final score.

Data collection would involve several steps. Researching the physician-to-patient ratio using publicly available data sources is the initial step. Contacting local primary care practices to gather information on their services, referral networks, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support is also necessary. Investigating the availability of specialists and their proximity to Branchdale is crucial. Gathering information on local mental health resources, including counselors, therapists, and support groups, is essential.

Ultimately, the "Breast Cancer Score" provides a snapshot of the breast cancer care landscape in Branchdale. It highlights strengths and weaknesses, allowing for informed decision-making by patients seeking care and healthcare providers striving to improve their services. This assessment is a starting point for further investigation and improvement efforts.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the landscape of healthcare providers in Branchdale and surrounding areas, we recommend utilizing the power of location intelligence. Explore the spatial relationships between healthcare providers, patient populations, and available resources with CartoChrome maps. Gain valuable insights and make informed decisions.