The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18232, Lansford, Pennsylvania is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 94.16 percent of the residents in 18232 has some form of health insurance. 62.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.66 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 18232 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 1,139 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18232. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 633 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,737 health care providers accessible to residents in 18232, Lansford, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 18232, Lansford, Pennsylvania
Breast Cancer Score | 27 |
---|---|
People Score | 14 |
Provider Score | 33 |
Hospital Score | 54 |
Travel Score | 57 |
18232 | Lansford | Pennsylvania | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Lansford, PA (ZIP Code 18232)
This analysis delves into the availability and quality of breast cancer-related care within Lansford, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18232), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) resources and their impact on early detection and treatment pathways. The goal is to provide a comprehensive “Breast Cancer Score” assessment, considering factors crucial for patient outcomes.
The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on accessible and proactive primary care. In Lansford, a critical evaluation begins with physician-to-patient ratios. While precise figures fluctuate, the general trend reveals a potential shortage of PCPs relative to the population. This scarcity can lead to delayed appointments, reduced screening frequency, and ultimately, later-stage diagnoses. The lack of sufficient PCPs burdens the existing healthcare infrastructure, potentially overwhelming practices and hindering timely patient access.
Standout practices within the area, or those serving patients in 18232, are those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive breast health. These practices often prioritize preventative care, including routine mammograms, clinical breast exams, and patient education. They may actively participate in community outreach programs, raising awareness about breast cancer risk factors and the importance of early detection. Furthermore, the best practices typically foster strong relationships with local specialists, such as radiologists, surgeons, and oncologists, ensuring seamless referrals and coordinated care.
Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. The ability to offer virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health support, can significantly improve patient convenience and access to care. Practices that embrace telemedicine can extend their reach, serving patients who may have mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or reside in geographically isolated areas. The integration of telehealth also allows for remote monitoring of patients, enabling timely intervention and improved outcomes.
Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, yet essential, aspect of breast cancer care. A diagnosis and treatment journey can be emotionally and psychologically taxing. Therefore, the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referral networks, is paramount. Support groups, educational programs, and access to psychiatric services can help patients cope with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges associated with the disease. Practices that prioritize mental well-being demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care, recognizing that physical health and emotional health are inextricably linked.
The Breast Cancer Score for Lansford (18232) is, therefore, a composite measure. It weighs the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. A higher score indicates better access to care, proactive screening practices, and comprehensive support services. A lower score highlights areas needing improvement, such as addressing PCP shortages, promoting telemedicine, and ensuring adequate mental health support.
Improving the Breast Cancer Score in Lansford requires a multi-pronged approach. Recruitment and retention of PCPs are essential. Incentivizing physicians to practice in underserved areas and providing loan forgiveness programs can help address the shortage. Furthermore, practices should be encouraged to adopt evidence-based screening guidelines, implement patient navigation programs, and integrate telemedicine into their workflows. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local hospitals is crucial to create a coordinated and patient-centered care system.
The analysis also considers the broader context of primary care availability in Lansford. This includes the distribution of practices throughout the town, the availability of after-hours care, and the acceptance of various insurance plans. Access to transportation, a critical factor for patients needing to attend appointments, must also be considered. The presence of public transportation options or community-based transportation services can significantly improve access to care for vulnerable populations.
The evaluation of standout practices involves assessing their adherence to national guidelines, their use of advanced imaging technologies, and their commitment to patient education. Practices that offer comprehensive breast health services, including genetic counseling and risk assessment, are highly valued. The ability to provide culturally sensitive care, acknowledging the diverse needs of the community, is also an important consideration.
Telemedicine adoption should be evaluated based on the types of services offered, the ease of use for patients, and the security of patient data. Practices that utilize secure video conferencing platforms, offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, and provide remote monitoring capabilities are considered to be at the forefront of telemedicine adoption. The integration of telehealth can significantly improve patient convenience and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
Mental health resources are evaluated based on the availability of mental health professionals, the presence of support groups, and the integration of mental health services into the primary care setting. Practices that offer on-site counseling services or have established referral networks with mental health professionals are highly valued. The availability of educational programs and resources for patients and their families is also an important consideration.
In conclusion, improving the Breast Cancer Score in Lansford requires a sustained effort to address the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities. By focusing on physician recruitment, promoting telemedicine adoption, ensuring access to mental health resources, and fostering collaboration among healthcare providers, the community can create a more supportive and effective breast cancer care system.
For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Lansford and surrounding areas, including physician locations, access to care, and demographic data, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations that can help you understand the distribution of healthcare resources and identify areas where improvements are most needed. **Click here to explore CartoChrome maps and gain a deeper understanding of breast cancer care in your community.**
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