18464, Tafton, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18464, Tafton, Pennsylvania is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.10 percent of the residents in 18464 has some form of health insurance. 36.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.81 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 18464 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 334 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18464. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 340 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 991 health care providers accessible to residents in 18464, Tafton, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Tafton, PA (ZIP Code 18464)

This analysis evaluates the landscape of breast cancer care within ZIP code 18464, encompassing Tafton, Pennsylvania, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests heavily on robust primary care. Early detection through regular screenings and proactive risk assessments are crucial. Examining primary care availability in Tafton reveals a complex picture. While the area enjoys a degree of geographic proximity to larger healthcare hubs, access to primary care physicians (PCPs) within the immediate vicinity of Tafton can be limited. This geographic constraint can impact the speed with which patients can access crucial preventative care, including mammograms and clinical breast exams.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a key indicator of access. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per patient, can translate to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced opportunities for preventative care. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio within 18464 requires a detailed investigation of the number of PCPs actively practicing in the area and the estimated population served. This data, unfortunately, is not readily available. This lack of accessible data is a significant challenge when trying to provide a comprehensive score.

Identifying standout practices requires a multifaceted approach. It involves evaluating factors such as the adoption of evidence-based breast cancer screening guidelines, the availability of on-site mammography services, and the integration of patient navigation programs. The presence of certified breast centers, facilities accredited by organizations like the American College of Radiology, would be a significant positive indicator. Further, the ability of practices to seamlessly coordinate care with specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons, is critical.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve access to care, particularly in rural or underserved areas like Tafton. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and the delivery of educational resources. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms for breast cancer screening education, follow-up appointments, and mental health support would score favorably. The extent of telemedicine adoption within the 18464 ZIP code is a crucial factor in the overall score.

Mental health resources are an integral component of comprehensive breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. Access to mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services is essential. The presence of these resources within the local healthcare ecosystem is a key indicator of the quality of care. The availability of these services, and how well they are integrated into the overall care plan, will significantly impact the score.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Tafton, PA (18464) would be a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses identified. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare environment with readily accessible primary care, favorable physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices with comprehensive services, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. A lower score would suggest challenges in one or more of these areas, potentially hindering timely diagnosis and treatment.

Unfortunately, without specific data on physician counts, practice details, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, a precise score cannot be calculated. The overall assessment is therefore limited to a general overview.

To enhance this analysis and provide a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape, access to detailed geographic data is critical. This data includes the precise locations of medical facilities, the demographics of the patient population, and the distribution of healthcare professionals. This is where a powerful mapping tool can become invaluable.

CartoChrome maps can be used to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, identify areas with limited access, and analyze patient demographics. This visual representation can reveal patterns and insights that would be difficult to discern through traditional data analysis. CartoChrome maps can also be used to track telemedicine adoption, identify practices offering specialized breast cancer services, and map the availability of mental health resources.

The ability to overlay different datasets, such as population density, income levels, and insurance coverage, onto a map provides a comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape. This allows for a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the community.

This analysis highlights the need for a data-driven approach to evaluating breast cancer care in Tafton, PA (18464). While the general overview provides some insights, a more comprehensive assessment requires access to specific data and the ability to visualize that data effectively.

If you are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Tafton, PA (18464), or any other geographic area, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. They provide the tools and visualizations needed to analyze healthcare data, identify areas of need, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.