17979, Summit Station, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17979, Summit Station, Pennsylvania is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.33 percent of the residents in 17979 has some form of health insurance. 18.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.30 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 17979 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17979. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 11 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,194 health care providers accessible to residents in 17979, Summit Station, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Summit Station, PA (ZIP Code 17979)

This analysis examines the availability and quality of breast cancer care within the 17979 ZIP code, focusing on primary care physician (PCP) resources and their impact on early detection and treatment pathways. The goal is to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice strengths, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health support, all crucial elements in the patient journey.

Summit Station, Pennsylvania, is a small, rural community. This demographic context significantly influences the healthcare landscape. Access to specialized medical care, including oncology, is often limited. This analysis will highlight the challenges and opportunities specific to this environment.

**Primary Care Physician Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in strong primary care. PCPs are often the first point of contact, responsible for screening recommendations, risk assessments, and referrals. The physician-to-patient ratio in 17979 is a critical indicator. A high ratio (fewer physicians per capita) can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnostic procedures. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access to primary care, which is a positive indicator for early detection.

Data on the precise physician-to-patient ratio in Summit Station requires a thorough investigation. This would involve analyzing publicly available databases, insurance provider networks, and local healthcare directories. This data would be crucial to understanding the baseline access to care.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact**

Identifying standout practices requires an in-depth review of the quality of care provided. This would involve evaluating factors such as:

* **Screening Compliance:** The percentage of patients undergoing recommended mammograms and other screenings.
* **Referral Patterns:** The speed and efficiency with which patients are referred to specialists (e.g., radiologists, oncologists, surgeons).
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Feedback from patients regarding their experiences with the practice.
* **Use of Evidence-Based Guidelines:** Adherence to established guidelines for breast cancer screening and management.

Practices demonstrating excellence in these areas would receive higher scores. They would likely have implemented robust systems for patient education, reminder systems for screenings, and streamlined referral processes. These practices would serve as models for others in the area.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Role**

Telemedicine offers a significant advantage in rural areas like Summit Station. It can bridge geographical barriers, providing patients with access to specialists and consultations that might otherwise be unavailable. The level of telemedicine adoption among PCPs in 17979 is an important factor.

Practices utilizing telemedicine for:

* **Specialist Consultations:** Enabling patients to connect with oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists remotely.
* **Follow-up Appointments:** Conducting routine check-ups and monitoring patients' progress.
* **Patient Education:** Providing educational resources and support via virtual platforms.

These practices would receive higher scores. Telemedicine can improve access to care and reduce the burden on patients, particularly those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

**Mental Health Resources and Integration**

The emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is significant. Access to mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive care. This involves assessing the availability of:

* **Psychologists and Therapists:** Professionals specializing in oncology-related mental health issues.
* **Support Groups:** Opportunities for patients to connect with others facing similar challenges.
* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Whether PCPs routinely screen for mental health concerns and refer patients to appropriate resources.

Practices that prioritize mental health integration would receive higher scores. Addressing the psychological well-being of patients is essential for their overall health and recovery.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for 17979 would be a composite score based on the factors discussed above. The scoring system would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The score would provide a snapshot of the overall breast cancer care landscape in the area.

**Challenges and Opportunities**

Summit Station faces unique challenges in providing breast cancer care, including:

* **Limited access to specialists:** The rural location may restrict access to oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists.
* **Transportation barriers:** Patients may struggle to travel to distant medical facilities.
* **Socioeconomic factors:** Income levels and insurance coverage can impact access to care.

However, there are also opportunities for improvement:

* **Telemedicine expansion:** Increased adoption of telemedicine can improve access to specialists and consultations.
* **Community partnerships:** Collaborations between PCPs, hospitals, and community organizations can enhance patient support.
* **Patient education:** Providing patients with information about breast cancer prevention, screening, and treatment options.

**Conclusion**

Improving breast cancer care in Summit Station requires a multifaceted approach. Addressing the physician-to-patient ratio, supporting standout practices, promoting telemedicine adoption, and integrating mental health resources are all crucial steps. The "Breast Cancer Score" provides a framework for assessing the current state of care and identifying areas for improvement.

This analysis serves as a starting point. A comprehensive assessment would involve gathering more detailed data and conducting a thorough investigation of the local healthcare landscape.

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