18444, Moscow, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18444, Moscow, Pennsylvania is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.50 percent of the residents in 18444 has some form of health insurance. 34.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.27 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 18444 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,242 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18444. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,712 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,861 health care providers accessible to residents in 18444, Moscow, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Moscow, PA (ZIP Code 18444)

This analysis examines the landscape of breast cancer care within the Moscow, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18444) area, focusing on primary care physician availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and overall quality indicators. The goal is to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, offering insights into the accessibility and comprehensiveness of care available to residents.

The foundation of quality breast cancer care rests on accessible primary care. This is the gateway for early detection, risk assessment, and referrals. Examining primary care availability in Moscow involves considering the number of practicing physicians, the patient-to-physician ratio, and the geographic distribution of practices. A high physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a scarcity of primary care providers, can lead to delayed appointments, potentially hindering timely diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a robust primary care network facilitates proactive screening and prompt action when concerns arise.

Moscow, PA, presents a unique demographic profile that impacts healthcare needs. Factors such as age distribution, socioeconomic status, and insurance coverage influence the demand for and access to healthcare services, including breast cancer screening and treatment. Understanding these demographic variables is crucial for interpreting the availability and effectiveness of healthcare resources.

Assessing physician-to-patient ratios requires analyzing publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and professional medical associations. This data, combined with information on the population of Moscow, provides a numerical representation of access to primary care. The ideal scenario involves a low ratio, allowing for personalized attention and proactive care.

Standout practices within the area, identified through patient reviews, physician directories, and hospital affiliations, can be evaluated based on their commitment to breast cancer care. This includes their adherence to screening guidelines, their use of advanced diagnostic technologies (such as 3D mammography), and their collaboration with specialists. Practices that demonstrate a patient-centered approach, offering comprehensive services and support, would receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical element in modern healthcare, particularly for areas with geographic limitations or access challenges. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, provide remote monitoring, and offer educational resources can significantly improve patient outcomes. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, offering virtual appointments for follow-up care, medication management, and even initial consultations, would score favorably. This is especially relevant for patients who may face transportation barriers or have mobility limitations.

The inclusion of mental health resources is a crucial aspect of comprehensive breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be emotionally taxing, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that offer access to mental health professionals, either within their practice or through referrals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being. This includes providing support groups, counseling services, and access to psychiatrists or therapists specializing in oncology.

The Breast Cancer Score for Moscow, PA, would be a composite score, reflecting the various factors discussed. This score would incorporate the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices with advanced technologies and patient-centered care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for breast cancer care.

The analysis would also consider the presence of local hospitals and cancer centers in the vicinity. Proximity to specialized facilities, offering comprehensive breast cancer treatment options, is a significant advantage. This includes access to surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and supportive care services. Collaboration between primary care physicians and these specialists is essential for coordinated and effective care.

The evaluation of each practice would involve a review of their websites, patient testimonials, and public information. This would provide insights into their services, their approach to patient care, and their commitment to breast cancer screening and treatment. The analysis would also consider the practice's affiliations with hospitals and cancer centers, indicating their ability to provide comprehensive care.

The analysis would also delve into the availability of patient education and support resources. This includes information on breast cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, treatment options, and survivorship care. Practices that provide educational materials, support groups, and access to patient navigators would receive higher scores. Patient navigators play a vital role in guiding patients through the complexities of the healthcare system, providing emotional support, and coordinating care.

The overall "Breast Cancer Score" would provide a snapshot of the current state of breast cancer care in Moscow, PA. It would highlight strengths and weaknesses, identifying areas where improvements are needed. This information can be used by residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by healthcare providers to improve their services, and by policymakers to allocate resources effectively.

The final assessment would consider the overall quality of care, including patient satisfaction, treatment outcomes, and adherence to national guidelines. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to quality improvement and patient-centered care would receive higher scores. This includes actively monitoring patient outcomes, soliciting patient feedback, and implementing evidence-based practices.

To further enhance your understanding of the healthcare landscape in Moscow, PA, and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including primary care physicians and cancer centers, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a visual representation of the data, allowing you to easily identify areas with high and low access to care.