17953, Middleport, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17953, Middleport, Pennsylvania is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.93 percent of the residents in 17953 has some form of health insurance. 43.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.24 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 17953 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 55 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17953. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 89 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 852 health care providers accessible to residents in 17953, Middleport, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Middleport, PA (ZIP Code 17953)

This analysis assesses the landscape of breast cancer care within the Middleport, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17953) area, focusing on the availability and quality of care, particularly for primary care physicians (PCPs). This assessment considers factors relevant to early detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being, providing a 'Breast Cancer Score' perspective. The analysis acknowledges the crucial role PCPs play in the early stages of breast cancer care, from screening recommendations to initial diagnosis and referral.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on accessible and knowledgeable primary care. In Middleport, evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards, can be utilized to determine the number of active PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This data, when compared to the population size of Middleport and the broader Schuylkill County, provides a preliminary understanding of PCP availability. A low physician-to-patient ratio can indicate potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and preventative care, which is vital for breast cancer screening.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care provided by the PCPs is equally important. This involves an assessment of the practices' adherence to established breast cancer screening guidelines. This includes the recommendation and facilitation of mammograms, clinical breast exams, and appropriate follow-up procedures. Information on these practices can be gleaned from a variety of sources. Patient reviews, available through platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc, can offer insights into patient experiences, including the ease of scheduling appointments, the attentiveness of the physicians, and the overall quality of care. Further, public health data, if available, can reveal the screening rates in the area.

Identifying standout practices within the Middleport area requires a deeper dive. This involves investigating the specific services offered by each practice. Do the practices have established protocols for breast cancer screening? Do they have relationships with local imaging centers and specialists for prompt referrals? Do they offer patient education materials about breast cancer risk factors and self-examination techniques? Practices that actively engage in these activities are likely to be ranked higher in a 'Breast Cancer Score' assessment.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor in this analysis. Telemedicine offers several advantages, particularly for rural communities. It can enhance access to care by allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel. This is especially beneficial for follow-up appointments, discussing test results, and providing mental health support. The availability of telemedicine services within the practices of Middleport is an important factor. Practices that embrace telemedicine are likely to demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility.

Mental health resources are also a crucial element of comprehensive breast cancer care. A diagnosis of breast cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, is a significant factor in the overall quality of care. This analysis will assess the availability of mental health resources in the Middleport area, including whether PCPs have established referral pathways to mental health professionals or if they offer in-house counseling services. The presence of local support groups and access to mental health professionals specializing in oncology are also critical.

Furthermore, the analysis needs to consider the availability of specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons, in the surrounding areas. While PCPs are crucial for early detection and referral, the availability of specialized care is essential for treatment. The proximity of Middleport to hospitals and cancer centers offering comprehensive breast cancer treatment options is a factor. The ability of PCPs to easily refer patients to these specialists is important.

The 'Breast Cancer Score' for Middleport, PA (ZIP Code 17953) is therefore a composite of various factors. It considers the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by PCPs, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the proximity to specialized cancer care. The final score will reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of breast cancer care within the area.

The findings of this analysis can be used to inform patients about the availability of breast cancer care in their community. It can also be used by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement and to develop strategies to enhance the quality of care.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Middleport, Pennsylvania, and to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physicians, specialists, and treatment centers, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and detailed view of the area, allowing you to visualize the data discussed in this analysis and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare ecosystem.