17945, Locustdale, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17945, Locustdale, Pennsylvania is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.47 percent of the residents in 17945 has some form of health insurance. 39.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.13 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 17945 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 20 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17945. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 25 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,802 health care providers accessible to residents in 17945, Locustdale, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Locustdale, PA (ZIP Code 17945)

This analysis delves into the availability of breast cancer care resources within the Locustdale, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17945) area. The goal is to assess the overall "Breast Cancer Score" for the region, considering factors like physician access, primary care availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, all critical components of a comprehensive breast cancer treatment and survivorship plan. The analysis is designed to provide a granular understanding of the local landscape for patients seeking care.

The foundation of any breast cancer care pathway is access to qualified physicians. In Locustdale, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) is a crucial starting point. Data from various sources, including the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, must be consulted to ascertain the current PCP density. This data will then be compared against national averages to determine whether the area is underserved, adequately served, or over-served in terms of primary care. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, could potentially create delays in diagnosis and treatment, impacting the Breast Cancer Score negatively.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. Evaluating practices in Locustdale requires looking at factors such as board certifications, years of experience, patient reviews, and the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for breast cancer screening and referral. Practices that actively promote preventative care, including regular mammograms and early detection strategies, will score higher. Furthermore, the presence of nurse navigators or patient advocates within a practice can significantly improve the patient experience, helping individuals navigate the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

The availability of specialists, such as oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons, is another critical factor. While Locustdale itself may not have these specialists, the proximity to larger cities and medical centers offering these services is essential. The travel time and ease of access to these specialists must be considered. A Breast Cancer Score would be penalized if patients in Locustale had to travel excessive distances for specialist consultations or treatment. The presence of a local hospital or clinic that offers breast cancer screening and diagnostic services would significantly boost the score.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by local primary care practices and specialists can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate remote consultations. Practices that offer telehealth appointments for follow-up visits, medication management, and even initial consultations will score higher. Evaluating the availability of telemedicine services requires examining the technology infrastructure in place, the training of healthcare providers in telehealth, and the patient acceptance and utilization of these services.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but vital component of breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential. The Breast Cancer Score will reflect the availability of these resources, including the presence of mental health professionals specializing in oncology or cancer-related issues. The integration of mental health services within the primary care setting or oncology practices would be highly beneficial.

Standout practices in Locustdale, if any, should be identified. These practices may excel in specific areas, such as patient communication, early detection programs, or patient satisfaction. Highlighting these practices can serve as a model for others and help patients make informed decisions about their care. Identifying practices with strong patient-centered care models, a focus on shared decision-making, and a commitment to continuous improvement will be crucial.

The overall Breast Cancer Score for Locustdale (ZIP code 17945) will be a composite score reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape. This score will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care practices, the availability of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score will be designed to provide a clear and concise assessment of the area's capacity to provide high-quality breast cancer care.

The analysis will also consider the impact of social determinants of health on breast cancer outcomes. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to transportation, and insurance coverage can significantly influence a patient's ability to access care and adhere to treatment plans. The Breast Cancer Score will take these factors into account, recognizing that disparities in care can exist and must be addressed.

Primary care availability is a key indicator of overall health system strength. In Locustdale, the analysis will assess the accessibility of primary care services, including the hours of operation, appointment availability, and acceptance of various insurance plans. Practices that offer extended hours, same-day appointments, and accept a wide range of insurance plans will be viewed favorably. The analysis will also consider the diversity of the primary care workforce, ensuring that patients have access to providers who can meet their specific needs.

Finally, the analysis will consider the community resources available to breast cancer patients. This includes the presence of local support groups, patient advocacy organizations, and educational programs. The Breast Cancer Score will reflect the strength of these community resources, recognizing that they play a vital role in supporting patients throughout their journey.

Understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources is critical for both patients and healthcare providers. Visualizing this data can provide valuable insights into access to care, disparities in services, and opportunities for improvement.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in Locustdale and surrounding areas, and to visualize the data presented in this analysis, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides powerful tools for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, allowing you to identify areas of need, assess access to care, and make informed decisions about your healthcare journey.