18420, Fleetville, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18420, Fleetville, Pennsylvania is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.43 percent of the residents in 18420 has some form of health insurance. 40.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.05 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 18420 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 35 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18420. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 36 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,300 health care providers accessible to residents in 18420, Fleetville, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of breast cancer care within the 18420 ZIP code, encompassing Fleetville, Pennsylvania, requires a nuanced approach. It's not simply about listing doctors; it’s about evaluating the system of care, from initial screening to post-treatment support. We'll delve into primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components in a patient's journey. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the breast cancer care landscape in Fleetville, Pennsylvania.

Fleetville, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical starting point. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for patients, guiding them through preventative screenings, such as mammograms, and coordinating referrals to specialists if necessary. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment, while a robust primary care network allows for early detection and intervention, significantly improving patient outcomes. Assessing the number of PCPs practicing within the 18420 ZIP code and their patient load is paramount. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau can provide insights into these ratios, allowing for a preliminary assessment of primary care access.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is essential. Are PCPs actively promoting breast cancer screening guidelines from organizations like the American Cancer Society or the National Comprehensive Cancer Network? Do they have established protocols for referring patients with suspicious findings to specialists? Evaluating the practices of PCPs, perhaps through patient reviews and publicly available quality metrics (if available), can paint a more complete picture of their role in breast cancer care. The presence of nurse navigators within primary care practices can be a significant asset, helping patients navigate the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

Specialized breast cancer care, including oncology and surgical services, is another crucial aspect. Fleetville itself may not have a dedicated cancer center, meaning patients may need to travel to larger hospitals or medical centers in nearby cities like Scranton or Wilkes-Barre. The distance to these facilities, the availability of transportation, and the ease of scheduling appointments are all significant factors impacting patient access to care. Evaluating the proximity of these specialist facilities and the wait times for appointments is essential.

The existence of standout practices or centers of excellence in the region can be a significant advantage. These practices often have multidisciplinary teams, including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and specialized nurses, all working collaboratively to provide comprehensive care. They may also offer access to clinical trials, cutting-edge treatments, and supportive services like genetic counseling and survivorship programs. Identifying these standout practices and understanding their capacity to serve patients from the 18420 ZIP code is a key component of this analysis.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas like Fleetville. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services for breast cancer consultations, follow-up appointments, and support groups is important. Telemedicine can reduce the need for travel, making it easier for patients to receive timely care and maintain contact with their healthcare providers. The availability of telehealth platforms and the willingness of local physicians to adopt these technologies are critical factors.

The emotional and psychological toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is substantial. The availability of mental health resources, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, is crucial for patients' well-being. Assessing the availability of these resources within the 18420 ZIP code or in nearby communities is essential. Do local hospitals or cancer centers offer mental health services? Are there support groups specifically for breast cancer patients? The integration of mental health care into the overall treatment plan is vital for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per patient, can create challenges in accessing timely care. This ratio, calculated by dividing the number of physicians (PCPs, oncologists, surgeons, etc.) practicing within the 18420 ZIP code or serving patients in the area by the population of the ZIP code, provides a basic understanding of access to care. However, it is important to note that this ratio alone does not tell the whole story. Factors like physician specialization, patient demographics, and the availability of ancillary services also influence the quality of care.

The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and the interoperability of these systems are also relevant. EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information between providers, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of medical errors. Assessing the extent to which healthcare providers in the area utilize EHRs and whether these systems are integrated can provide insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of the care delivery system. The ability of different providers to share patient data seamlessly is crucial for coordinated care.

In conclusion, evaluating breast cancer care within the 18420 ZIP code requires a multifaceted approach. It involves assessing primary care availability, specialist access, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and physician-to-patient ratios. While Fleetville may face challenges due to its rural location, the presence of dedicated healthcare professionals, the adoption of innovative technologies, and the availability of supportive services can significantly impact patient outcomes.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Fleetville and surrounding areas, consider exploring the CartoChrome maps platform. CartoChrome offers interactive maps that can visualize healthcare data, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and access to various services. This visual representation can help you identify areas with high or low access to care, allowing for a more informed assessment of the breast cancer care environment. Explore CartoChrome maps today to gain a comprehensive and visual understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.