18472, Waymart, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18472, Waymart, Pennsylvania is 82 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 54.76 percent of the residents in 18472 has some form of health insurance. 21.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 42.90 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 18472 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 985 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18472. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 778 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,427 health care providers accessible to residents in 18472, Waymart, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Waymart, PA (ZIP Code 18472)

Waymart, Pennsylvania, a rural community nestled in the Pocono Mountains, presents a unique challenge when evaluating its healthcare infrastructure, particularly concerning breast cancer care. This analysis aims to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on the availability and quality of care within ZIP code 18472, while also considering the broader context of primary care access in the surrounding Waymart area. The score will be based on several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components in providing comprehensive breast cancer care.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a foundational metric. Determining the exact number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists within the 18472 ZIP code requires detailed data collection. However, the rural nature of Waymart suggests a potential shortage compared to more urban areas. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can hinder timely diagnosis and referral, impacting the overall Breast Cancer Score negatively. This is further complicated by the need for specialists, such as oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons, who may be located outside of the immediate ZIP code, potentially increasing travel time and logistical burdens for patients. The score must reflect this potential disparity.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. While a comprehensive review would involve analyzing patient outcomes, physician credentials, and practice infrastructure, some preliminary observations can be made. Practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems, such as those connected to regional hospitals, often have access to more resources, advanced technologies, and specialized expertise. These practices, if present within or readily accessible from the 18472 area, would contribute positively to the Breast Cancer Score. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in clinical trials or offer patient navigation services would also be considered highly valuable. The presence of these elements would significantly boost the score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to bridge geographical gaps, allowing patients to access specialists and receive consultations without extensive travel. The availability of telemedicine for breast cancer screening, follow-up appointments, and mental health support would positively impact the Breast Cancer Score. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, providing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, would be recognized as leaders in providing accessible care. The lack of telemedicine options, conversely, would negatively affect the score, highlighting a potential area for improvement.

Mental health resources are an integral part of breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be emotionally and psychologically taxing. The availability of mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services within the Waymart area is a critical factor in assessing the Breast Cancer Score. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, or have strong referral networks to mental health providers, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The absence of these resources, or a lack of awareness of their availability, would significantly detract from the score.

Primary care availability in Waymart is inextricably linked to the overall Breast Cancer Score. Primary care physicians play a crucial role in early detection, screening, and referrals. The accessibility of primary care, measured by appointment wait times, insurance acceptance, and patient satisfaction, directly impacts the ability of patients to access timely breast cancer screening and diagnosis. A robust primary care system, with readily available PCPs, would contribute positively to the score. Conversely, limited access to primary care would negatively impact the score, underscoring the need for improvements in primary care infrastructure.

The Breast Cancer Score would be a composite value, reflecting the weighted average of these factors. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and primary care availability might have a higher weight than telemedicine adoption, depending on the specific context of the 18472 area. The final score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the breast cancer care landscape in Waymart, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.

The data for this analysis would be gathered from a variety of sources. Publicly available data, such as census information, Medicare data, and state health department reports, would be used to assess physician-to-patient ratios and primary care availability. Practice websites, online directories, and healthcare provider databases would be used to identify standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Patient reviews and community feedback would also be considered to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the patient experience.

The analysis would also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on breast cancer care. Factors such as income levels, insurance coverage rates, and transportation access can significantly impact a patient's ability to access care. These factors would be incorporated into the analysis to provide a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the Waymart area.

The ultimate goal of this Breast Cancer Score analysis is to provide a clear and concise assessment of the breast cancer care landscape in Waymart, Pennsylvania. This assessment can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care. The score should be viewed as a dynamic metric, subject to change as the healthcare landscape evolves and new data becomes available.

For a more detailed and visually compelling understanding of the healthcare landscape in Waymart, PA, and to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital access, and other relevant data, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide an interactive platform for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, offering valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members.