The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18417, Equinunk, Pennsylvania is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 93.97 percent of the residents in 18417 has some form of health insurance. 43.66 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.80 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 18417 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 182 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18417. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 278 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 422 health care providers accessible to residents in 18417, Equinunk, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 18417, Equinunk, Pennsylvania
Breast Cancer Score | 48 |
---|---|
People Score | 78 |
Provider Score | 32 |
Hospital Score | 51 |
Travel Score | 28 |
18417 | Equinunk | 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 |
The task is to analyze the landscape of breast cancer care and primary care accessibility in a specific geographical area, focusing on physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources. The analysis will be centered on ZIP Code 18417 (a location in Pennsylvania) for physician evaluation, and the town of Equinunk, PA, for primary care accessibility.
**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18417**
Evaluating breast cancer care within ZIP Code 18417 presents a complex challenge. This rural Pennsylvania area, characterized by a relatively small population, likely has limited direct access to specialized breast cancer physicians. A comprehensive analysis necessitates looking beyond the immediate ZIP Code and considering the broader regional healthcare network.
The primary concern for residents in 18417 is the availability of oncologists, surgeons specializing in breast cancer, and radiologists skilled in mammography and related imaging. Due to the likely scarcity of these specialists within the ZIP Code, patients are almost certainly required to travel to larger medical centers in nearby cities like Scranton or Binghamton, NY, for comprehensive care.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**
Determining precise physician-to-patient ratios within 18417 is difficult without access to proprietary healthcare data. However, the general expectation is that the ratio of specialists (oncologists, surgeons) to the population is significantly lower than in urban areas. This necessitates a reliance on primary care physicians (PCPs) for initial screening, referrals, and ongoing patient management. The ratio of PCPs to the population might be more favorable, but the critical factor is their ability to facilitate timely access to specialized care.
**Standout Practices (and the Challenges of Identification):**
Identifying "standout practices" in this context is challenging. Given the rural nature of the area, it is unlikely that there are dedicated, specialized breast cancer clinics within the ZIP Code. The "standout" features will likely be the quality of the referral network and the efficiency with which PCPs can connect patients to specialists in larger medical centers. This includes factors such as the speed of referral, the availability of appointments, and the communication between the PCP and the specialist.
**Telemedicine Adoption:**
Telemedicine offers a potential solution to the geographic limitations of rural healthcare. The adoption of telemedicine for breast cancer care in 18417 would ideally involve remote consultations with oncologists, radiologists reviewing imaging results, and virtual support groups. The success of telemedicine hinges on reliable internet access, patient and physician comfort with technology, and the integration of telemedicine platforms into the existing healthcare system. The availability of telemedicine is likely to be influenced by the specific healthcare systems and hospitals serving the region.
**Mental Health Resources:**
Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact mental health. Access to mental health resources, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, is crucial. In 18417, mental health resources might be limited. Patients may need to access these services through their primary care physicians, community health centers, or by traveling to larger towns or cities. The availability of mental health support groups, whether in-person or virtual, is particularly important.
**Primary Care Availability in Equinunk**
Equinunk, as a small town within the region, presents a similar challenge regarding primary care accessibility. The analysis must consider the number of PCPs serving the area, their patient load, and the ease with which residents can schedule appointments.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratios in Equinunk:**
The physician-to-patient ratio in Equinunk is likely to be a key indicator of accessibility. A low ratio (fewer doctors per capita) could lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to care. The availability of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can provide primary care services, might partially mitigate the impact of a low physician-to-patient ratio.
**Standout Practices in Equinunk:**
Standout practices in Equinunk would be those that prioritize patient access, offer a wide range of services, and demonstrate a commitment to preventive care. This could include practices that offer same-day appointments for urgent needs, have extended hours, or provide comprehensive wellness programs.
**Telemedicine in Primary Care:**
Telemedicine can enhance primary care accessibility in Equinunk. It can be used for routine follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations for minor illnesses. The availability of telemedicine services in Equinunk will depend on the infrastructure and technology adoption of the primary care practices serving the area.
**Mental Health Integration in Primary Care:**
Primary care practices can play a vital role in addressing mental health needs. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have strong referral networks to mental health professionals are particularly valuable. The integration of mental health screening into routine checkups can also improve early detection and treatment.
**Conclusion:**
Evaluating the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 18417 and Equinunk reveals challenges common to rural areas: limited access to specialists, potential for long travel times, and the importance of strong primary care networks. Telemedicine and integrated mental health services are crucial components of a robust healthcare system. The ability to quickly and efficiently connect patients to the care they need is paramount.
To gain a more granular understanding of physician locations, practice details, and healthcare infrastructure in the region, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps.
Reviews
No reviews yet.
You may also like