18221, Drifton, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18221, Drifton, Pennsylvania is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.09 percent of the residents in 18221 has some form of health insurance. 47.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.05 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 18221 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 113 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18221. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 68 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,603 health care providers accessible to residents in 18221, Drifton, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Drifton, PA (ZIP Code 18221)

Analyzing the breast cancer care landscape within Drifton, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18221) requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to assess the availability and quality of primary care, the presence of specialists, and the integration of supportive resources. This analysis will provide a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on key factors influencing patient outcomes and access to care. It’s important to remember that this is an analysis based on publicly available data and estimations, not a definitive medical evaluation.

**Primary Care Foundation & Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

The cornerstone of effective breast cancer care is a robust primary care system. Early detection and preventative measures often begin with a patient's primary care physician (PCP). In Drifton, the availability of PCPs directly impacts the timeliness of screenings and referrals. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can be used to estimate the physician-to-patient ratio within the 18221 ZIP code. A lower ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can strain resources and potentially delay care. This ratio is a critical element in our scoring system.

Furthermore, the types of primary care practices present are important. Are there solo practices, or are there larger group practices? Larger group practices often have greater resources, including on-site lab services and the potential for better coordination of care. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) would significantly improve the score, as these centers often provide comprehensive care, including preventative screenings, regardless of a patient's ability to pay. The existence of these types of practices, and their accessibility, directly influences the "Breast Cancer Score".

**Specialist Availability and Standout Practices:**

Beyond primary care, the availability of specialists is crucial. This includes oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals involved in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The presence of these specialists within or easily accessible to the 18221 ZIP code is a major factor. Ideally, patients should have convenient access to these specialists, minimizing travel time and potential delays in care.

Identifying "standout practices" requires looking beyond just the presence of specialists. We need to assess factors like the use of advanced imaging technologies (mammography, MRI, etc.), the availability of breast cancer treatment options (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery), and the existence of multidisciplinary care teams. Practices that offer comprehensive care, including genetic counseling and patient navigation services, will score higher. Data from the American Medical Association (AMA) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) can be used to identify practices that meet these criteria.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by both primary care physicians and specialists in the 18221 ZIP code significantly impacts the "Breast Cancer Score." Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up appointments, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits and improving access to specialists for patients who may have difficulty traveling.

Practices that have embraced telemedicine, especially those that offer virtual consultations for breast cancer screenings or post-treatment follow-up, will receive a higher score. The availability of telehealth platforms, the ease of use for patients, and the integration of telehealth into the overall care plan are all crucial considerations. Data on telemedicine adoption can often be found through state medical boards and professional organizations.

**Mental Health Resources and Supportive Care:**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive care. The "Breast Cancer Score" will consider the presence of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) within the community, as well as the availability of support groups and counseling services specifically for breast cancer patients.

Practices that proactively address mental health needs, such as by offering on-site counseling or referrals to mental health professionals, will receive a higher score. The availability of resources like support groups, educational materials, and patient navigators who can help patients navigate the emotional and practical challenges of breast cancer treatment is also crucial. Data from local hospitals, cancer support organizations, and mental health providers can be used to assess the availability of these resources.

**Overall "Breast Cancer Score" Assessment:**

Based on the factors discussed above, a "Breast Cancer Score" for Drifton, PA (18221) can be assigned. This score will reflect the overall quality and accessibility of breast cancer care within the community. The score will be determined by a weighted average of the following factors:

* **Primary Care Availability & Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** (Weight: 25%)
* **Specialist Availability & Standout Practices:** (Weight: 30%)
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** (Weight: 20%)
* **Mental Health Resources & Supportive Care:** (Weight: 25%)

Each factor will be assessed based on available data and assigned a score. The overall "Breast Cancer Score" will then be calculated. This score provides a snapshot of the breast cancer care landscape in Drifton and can be used to identify areas for improvement and inform patient choices.

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