17952, Mary D, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17952, Mary D, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.61 percent of the residents in 17952 has some form of health insurance. 38.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.77 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 17952 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 39 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17952. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 49 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 894 health care providers accessible to residents in 17952, Mary D, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17952 & Primary Care in Mary D

This analysis delves into the landscape of breast cancer care within ZIP Code 17952, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services, a critical foundation for early detection and treatment. The assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, identifies standout practices, explores telemedicine adoption, and examines the availability of mental health resources, all vital components of a comprehensive approach to breast cancer management. The geographical focus includes the town of Mary D, providing a localized perspective on healthcare accessibility.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on robust primary care. Regular check-ups, screenings, and referrals are all initiated by primary care physicians (PCPs). In ZIP Code 17952, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. A low ratio, reflecting fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to delayed appointments, limited access to preventative care, and potentially, delayed diagnoses. Assessing this ratio requires analyzing the number of practicing PCPs within the zip code, combined with population data. Furthermore, the distribution of these physicians within the area is vital. Are they clustered in one location, leaving other areas underserved? This spatial analysis is critical for understanding true accessibility.

Identifying standout practices requires a multi-faceted approach. Beyond basic metrics like patient volume and years in practice, the evaluation needs to consider patient satisfaction scores, the availability of on-site screening services (like mammography), and the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for breast cancer screening and management. Practices actively participating in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on reducing wait times or improving patient communication, should be prioritized. Examining the practice's integration with local hospitals and specialists is also important. Seamless referral pathways are crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve access to care, especially in rural or underserved areas. Within ZIP Code 17952, the extent to which primary care practices utilize telehealth for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education needs to be assessed. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely, potentially reducing the need for travel and improving convenience. Practices that offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and online patient portals are likely to score higher in this area.

The mental health aspect of breast cancer care is often overlooked, but it is absolutely essential. A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting is critical. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, either directly within the practice or through readily available referral networks. Practices that proactively screen patients for mental health concerns and offer support services will demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

In Mary D, the availability of primary care is especially important. The analysis must pinpoint the number of PCPs serving the town, their proximity to residents, and the types of services offered. Transportation infrastructure within Mary D also plays a role. Limited public transportation or long distances to medical facilities can create barriers to care. The analysis should consider the availability of transportation assistance programs or ride-sharing options for patients.

The assessment should consider the practices' use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate better coordination of care, allowing PCPs to easily share patient information with specialists and hospitals. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively, including features like patient portals and automated appointment reminders, are likely to provide more efficient and patient-centered care. Data security and patient privacy are also important considerations. Practices must adhere to HIPAA regulations and implement robust security measures to protect patient information.

Furthermore, the analysis needs to assess the practices' commitment to patient education. Do they provide educational materials about breast cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and treatment options? Do they offer support groups or educational programs for patients? Practices that actively engage in patient education empower patients to take an active role in their own health.

The analysis must also examine the practices' cultural competency. The healthcare needs of different patient populations can vary. Practices that are sensitive to cultural differences and provide care that is tailored to the specific needs of their patients are likely to provide better outcomes. This includes providing interpreters, offering materials in multiple languages, and being aware of the unique challenges faced by diverse communities.

Finally, the analysis should consider the cost of care. The affordability of healthcare is a major concern for many patients. The analysis should examine the practices' participation in insurance networks, the availability of financial assistance programs, and the transparency of their billing practices. Practices that are committed to providing affordable care will be more accessible to a wider range of patients.

In conclusion, a comprehensive breast cancer score analysis for ZIP Code 17952, with a focus on primary care in Mary D, requires a detailed examination of physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This analysis should incorporate factors like patient satisfaction, integration with specialists, the use of EHRs, patient education efforts, cultural competency, and the affordability of care. A thorough assessment of these factors can illuminate the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape and highlight areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 17952, including the location of primary care practices, patient demographics, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial analysis. Consider using CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and gain deeper insights into the accessibility and quality of breast cancer care in your community.