18455, Preston Park, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18455, Preston Park, Pennsylvania is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18455 has some form of health insurance. 100.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.02 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 18455 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 16 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18455. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 90 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 95 health care providers accessible to residents in 18455, Preston Park, Pennsylvania.

The task requires an analysis of breast cancer care quality for physicians in a specific ZIP code, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This analysis will be tailored to Preston Park, PA (ZIP code 18455), and will conclude with a call to action.

Analyzing breast cancer care quality necessitates a multi-faceted approach. It’s not simply about the presence of oncologists; it's about the entire patient journey, starting with accessible primary care and extending through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship support. For Preston Park, PA (18455), assessing this involves examining several key aspects of the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of good breast cancer care rests on robust primary care. Preston Park's proximity to larger towns and cities likely influences primary care availability. A crucial metric is the physician-to-patient ratio within the ZIP code and surrounding areas. A low ratio, indicating fewer primary care physicians per capita, can lead to delayed diagnoses and reduced preventative care. Conversely, a high ratio suggests greater accessibility. Data on this should be available through the Pennsylvania Department of Health or through publicly available datasets. We need to determine the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within 18455 and nearby communities. This number must then be compared to the population served to calculate the ratio. This metric is critical for understanding the initial point of contact for patients, who are often referred for screening or further evaluation.

Standout practices in the region should be identified. These practices might excel in early detection, patient education, or coordinated care. Identifying these requires reviewing patient testimonials, awards, and accreditations. Look for practices utilizing advanced imaging technologies like 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), which improves detection rates. Furthermore, practices with dedicated breast cancer navigators, who guide patients through the complexities of diagnosis and treatment, are highly valuable. These navigators provide essential support, coordinating appointments, explaining treatment options, and connecting patients with resources. The practices' affiliations with larger hospitals or cancer centers also play a role. These affiliations often provide access to cutting-edge research, clinical trials, and specialized expertise.

Telemedicine adoption is another important factor. The ability to consult with specialists remotely can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Preston Park. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices offer virtual consultations for initial screenings, follow-up appointments, and consultations with specialists. This includes evaluating the types of telemedicine platforms used (e.g., secure video conferencing, patient portals) and the availability of remote monitoring tools. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients who may have mobility issues or live far from specialty centers.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are essential for breast cancer patients. A diagnosis can trigger significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, is a crucial component of comprehensive breast cancer care. This requires identifying mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) who specialize in oncology or have experience supporting cancer patients. The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, is also crucial. These groups offer a safe space for patients to share their experiences, receive emotional support, and learn coping strategies. Assessing the integration of mental health services within the overall care plan is a key consideration.

Physician-to-patient ratios, primary care accessibility, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources are all critical indicators of breast cancer care quality. Analyzing these factors for Preston Park (18455) will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. The goal is to provide patients with the best possible care, from early detection to survivorship.

The analysis should also consider the demographics of the population served by the physicians in 18455. Factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity can influence access to care and health outcomes. Understanding these demographics allows for a more nuanced assessment of the healthcare landscape and can help identify potential disparities in care. For example, if a significant portion of the population is older, the availability of geriatric specialists and home healthcare services becomes even more important.

When evaluating standout practices, consider the patient experience. Practices that prioritize patient communication, provide clear and concise information, and offer a supportive environment are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. This can be assessed through patient surveys, online reviews, and interviews with patients. The practices should also be committed to patient education, providing information about breast cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and treatment options.

The availability of financial assistance programs is also important. Breast cancer treatment can be expensive, and many patients may struggle to afford the cost of care. Practices that help patients navigate insurance coverage, identify financial assistance programs, and connect them with social workers are providing valuable support. This can include assistance with medication costs, transportation, and other expenses.

The analysis should also consider the presence of community outreach programs. Practices that actively engage in community education and screening programs are more likely to reach underserved populations and promote early detection. This can include offering free or low-cost mammograms, providing educational materials in multiple languages, and partnering with community organizations.

Finally, the analysis should be updated regularly. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatments, and guidelines emerging. Regular updates will ensure that the analysis remains relevant and provides the most accurate assessment of breast cancer care quality in Preston Park (18455). This includes tracking changes in physician staffing, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

To visualize this data and gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Preston Park (18455) and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, providing a powerful tool for both patients and healthcare providers. Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the breast cancer care landscape.