17967, Ringtown, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17967, Ringtown, Pennsylvania is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.71 percent of the residents in 17967 has some form of health insurance. 40.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.24 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 17967 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 426 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17967. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 507 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,485 health care providers accessible to residents in 17967, Ringtown, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Ringtown, PA (ZIP Code 17967)

Ringtown, Pennsylvania, a small community nestled in Schuylkill County, presents a unique challenge when evaluating its healthcare landscape, particularly concerning breast cancer care. This analysis aims to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources within ZIP code 17967. The goal is to offer a comprehensive overview for residents seeking information about their healthcare options.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on accessible and high-quality primary care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients, playing a crucial role in early detection through screenings and referrals. Assessing the availability of PCPs in Ringtown is therefore paramount. The limited population size of Ringtown, coupled with its rural setting, likely translates to a relatively low density of PCPs. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially limited access to preventative care services.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare accessibility. While precise data for Ringtown is difficult to obtain without granular datasets, the general trend in rural areas suggests a higher patient-to-physician ratio compared to urban centers. This means each physician in Ringtown may be responsible for a larger patient population, potentially impacting the time they can dedicate to individual patient needs, including breast cancer screening and follow-up.

Identifying standout practices within the Ringtown area requires a deeper dive into their service offerings and quality metrics. This involves assessing factors such as the availability of female physicians (which some patients prefer), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management, and the practice's commitment to preventative care guidelines, including regular mammograms and clinical breast exams. Researching patient reviews and testimonials can also provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the overall quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to bridge geographical barriers and improve healthcare access in rural communities like Ringtown. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, potentially reducing the need for travel and increasing the convenience of appointments. The availability of telemedicine services for primary care and specialist consultations, including oncology, can significantly impact the breast cancer care experience. Examining which practices in the area offer telemedicine options, and the types of services they provide, is crucial.

The emotional toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be substantial. Mental health resources are therefore an essential component of comprehensive breast cancer care. Evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, within Ringtown and the surrounding areas is important. This includes assessing whether practices have on-site mental health services or partnerships with mental health providers, and whether they offer support groups or other resources specifically for breast cancer patients.

The Ringtown area may face challenges in providing robust mental health support due to its rural nature. However, the availability of telehealth options for mental health services could mitigate some of these challenges.

The overall "Breast Cancer Score" for Ringtown, PA (17967) is likely to be moderate. The rural setting presents inherent challenges regarding access to care, physician density, and the availability of specialized services. While the community may have dedicated healthcare professionals, the limited resources and geographical constraints could impact the overall quality and accessibility of breast cancer care. The score is influenced by the potential for limited primary care availability, higher patient-to-physician ratios, and the need for improved telemedicine adoption and mental health resources.

To improve the score, Ringtown could benefit from initiatives focused on:

* **Recruiting and retaining PCPs and specialists:** Incentives to attract healthcare professionals to the area.
* **Expanding telemedicine services:** Promoting the adoption of telehealth for both primary care and specialist consultations, including mental health services.
* **Strengthening mental health support:** Increasing access to mental health professionals and support groups for breast cancer patients.
* **Promoting preventative care:** Encouraging regular mammograms and clinical breast exams through community outreach and education.

This analysis highlights the complexities of assessing healthcare accessibility in a rural setting. While Ringtown may have dedicated healthcare providers, the community's limited resources and geographical constraints necessitate a comprehensive approach to improving breast cancer care.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Ringtown and surrounding areas, including the specific locations of healthcare providers, their service offerings, and the availability of resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provides interactive, data-driven visualizations that can help you explore the healthcare options in your area.