18056, Hereford, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18056, Hereford, Pennsylvania is 82 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.14 percent of the residents in 18056 has some form of health insurance. 25.50 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.37 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 18056 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 294 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 40 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18056. An estimate of 94 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 195 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 43,900 health care providers accessible to residents in 18056, Hereford, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Hereford, PA (ZIP Code 18056)

This analysis examines the availability and quality of breast cancer care within the Hereford, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18056) area, focusing on primary care physician (PCP) accessibility and related resources. We'll assess factors crucial for early detection and comprehensive patient support, ultimately providing a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment. The score is a conceptual tool based on available public data and qualitative assessments, not a formal medical rating.

The cornerstone of effective breast cancer management is early detection, primarily facilitated through regular screenings. This begins with a strong primary care foundation. In Hereford, assessing the availability of PCPs is paramount. We need to understand the physician-to-patient ratio. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau can help estimate this ratio. A lower ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access. However, simply counting physicians isn't enough.

We must consider the geographical distribution of these physicians. Are they concentrated in a single area, potentially leaving some residents underserved? Are they accepting new patients? Do they offer evening or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? These factors significantly impact accessibility. A high physician-to-patient ratio is meaningless if those physicians are geographically inaccessible or not accepting new patients.

Standout practices within the area deserve recognition. These are practices demonstrating excellence in patient care, particularly regarding breast cancer screening and referral protocols. This includes practices that actively promote mammography screening, provide patient education materials, and have established streamlined referral pathways to specialists, such as radiologists and oncologists. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals, allowing for easy access to medical records and communication, also contribute positively.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Hereford. Practices that offer telemedicine options for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations can improve access. This is particularly important for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments due to mobility issues, transportation limitations, or work commitments.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in oncology or have experience working with cancer patients is essential. This includes both in-person and virtual mental health services. Practices that proactively screen patients for mental health needs and offer referrals to appropriate resources demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

The availability of support groups and patient education programs is also vital. These resources provide patients with a sense of community, offer valuable information about the disease and treatment options, and empower them to make informed decisions about their care. Practices that actively promote these resources and facilitate patient access contribute to a more supportive and informed healthcare environment.

Evaluating the quality of care also involves assessing the adherence to established guidelines for breast cancer screening and treatment. This includes the use of evidence-based screening protocols, such as mammography, and the timely referral of patients with abnormal findings to specialists. Practices that regularly audit their performance against these guidelines and implement quality improvement initiatives demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Hereford (18056) would be a composite of these factors. A high score would indicate a strong primary care foundation, with readily accessible PCPs, a low physician-to-patient ratio, and practices that actively promote screening and early detection. It would also reflect the availability of telemedicine options, robust mental health resources, and access to support groups and patient education programs. The score would also consider the adherence to established guidelines for breast cancer screening and treatment.

Conversely, a low score would indicate challenges in any of these areas. This could include a high physician-to-patient ratio, limited access to PCPs, a lack of telemedicine options, and inadequate mental health resources. It could also reflect a lack of adherence to established guidelines for breast cancer screening and treatment.

To determine the score accurately, a thorough investigation would be necessary. This would involve gathering data from various sources, including physician directories, healthcare provider websites, and public health agencies. It would also involve qualitative assessments, such as patient surveys and interviews with healthcare professionals.

This analysis highlights the importance of a multi-faceted approach to assessing breast cancer care in Hereford. It's not just about the number of doctors; it's about access, quality, and the availability of supportive resources. The goal is to ensure that residents have access to the best possible care, promoting early detection and improving outcomes.

To visualize the geographical distribution of physicians, pinpoint practices, and understand accessibility challenges within Hereford and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of the data, making it easier to identify areas of need and potential gaps in care.