18602, Bear Creek, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18602, Bear Creek, Pennsylvania is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.94 percent of the residents in 18602 has some form of health insurance. 32.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.03 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 18602 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 144 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18602. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 72 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,843 health care providers accessible to residents in 18602, Bear Creek, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Bear Creek (ZIP Code 18602)

Analyzing the availability and quality of breast cancer care within Bear Creek, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18602) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will assess the physician landscape, primary care accessibility, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, culminating in a "Breast Cancer Score" that offers a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare environment.

The foundation of any strong breast cancer care system is the presence of qualified physicians. In Bear Creek, the physician-to-patient ratio, specifically concerning oncologists, radiologists specializing in mammography, and surgeons capable of breast procedures, is a crucial metric. While publicly available data may not provide exact figures for a specific ZIP code, resources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and professional medical directories can be consulted to estimate this ratio. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of specialists, would negatively impact the Breast Cancer Score. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access to specialized care, which would positively influence the score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of the physicians is paramount. This involves evaluating their experience, board certifications, and affiliations with reputable hospitals and cancer centers. Identifying standout practices within the area is essential. These practices might be recognized for their advanced technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), their participation in clinical trials, or their patient-centered approach to care. Reviews from patients, available through online platforms and patient advocacy groups, offer valuable insights into the patient experience, including communication, empathy, and overall satisfaction. The Breast Cancer Score will consider these factors, recognizing practices that demonstrate excellence in these areas.

Primary care availability is another critical component. Early detection is key in breast cancer treatment, and primary care physicians (PCPs) play a vital role in this process. They are often the first point of contact for patients, providing routine screenings, such as breast exams and referrals for mammograms. The accessibility of PCPs in Bear Creek is a key factor. This involves assessing the number of PCPs, their appointment availability, and the ease of accessing their services. A shortage of PCPs or long wait times for appointments would negatively affect the Breast Cancer Score, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to care by providing virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. The extent of telemedicine integration among physicians in Bear Creek, specifically for breast cancer-related services, is a significant consideration. Does the practice offer virtual consultations for initial assessments? Are follow-up appointments available via video conferencing? The presence of telemedicine options can enhance the Breast Cancer Score by improving convenience and access to care, especially for patients who may have difficulty traveling.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are essential for breast cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is crucial for managing anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. The Breast Cancer Score will consider the availability of these resources within Bear Creek, including the presence of mental health professionals specializing in oncology and support groups specifically for breast cancer patients. Easy access to mental health services will improve the score.

The Breast Cancer Score, therefore, is a composite measure. It considers the physician-to-patient ratio of specialists, the quality of practices, the availability of primary care, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor is weighted based on its importance to the overall quality of care.

A high Breast Cancer Score would indicate a robust healthcare environment with readily available specialists, accessible primary care, integrated telemedicine options, and comprehensive mental health support. This would translate to better outcomes for breast cancer patients in Bear Creek. A lower score would highlight areas for improvement, such as a need for more specialists, improved access to primary care, or greater integration of telemedicine and mental health resources.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide a clear and comprehensive picture of the breast cancer care landscape in Bear Creek. This information can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by community organizations to advocate for better resources.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Bear Creek, and to visualize the locations of physicians, primary care providers, and other relevant resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a geographically-informed perspective on the availability and accessibility of healthcare services in your area.