18616, Forksville, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18616, Forksville, Pennsylvania is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.84 percent of the residents in 18616 has some form of health insurance. 49.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.56 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 18616 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 98 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18616. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 222 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 173 health care providers accessible to residents in 18616, Forksville, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18616 and Primary Care in Forksville

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of breast cancer care within ZIP code 18616, encompassing a focus on the broader context of primary care accessibility in the neighboring community of Forksville. Our evaluation utilizes a "Breast Cancer Score," a hypothetical metric designed to assess the overall strength of the healthcare ecosystem in supporting breast cancer patients. This score considers factors like physician availability, access to specialized care, the integration of mental health resources, and the adoption of technologies like telemedicine. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the landscape, identifying strengths and weaknesses to inform patient decision-making and highlight areas for improvement.

The foundation of a strong Breast Cancer Score rests on the availability of primary care physicians. In Forksville, understanding primary care accessibility is crucial. A limited number of primary care providers can create significant barriers to timely diagnosis and referral. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, suggests potential challenges in securing appointments, receiving preventative screenings, and navigating the healthcare system. This can delay the detection of breast cancer and negatively impact patient outcomes. The availability of same-day or next-day appointments for acute illnesses also plays a crucial role, as it allows for prompt attention to any symptoms that might indicate a problem.

Within ZIP code 18616, the presence of primary care physicians who demonstrate a proactive approach to breast cancer screening is essential. This includes adherence to established guidelines, such as recommending mammograms and clinical breast exams based on age and risk factors. A strong score is earned by practices that actively educate patients about breast cancer risks, promote self-exams, and provide resources for further information. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate the tracking of patient screening history and automated reminders for follow-up appointments is another important factor.

Beyond primary care, the availability of specialists is paramount. The Breast Cancer Score assesses the proximity and accessibility of oncologists, surgeons specializing in breast cancer, and radiologists. The presence of a dedicated breast cancer center within a reasonable driving distance significantly enhances the score. These centers often provide comprehensive care, including diagnostic imaging, surgical options, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials. The ability to receive all these services in a single location streamlines the patient experience and improves coordination of care.

Standout practices within 18616, or those serving patients in the area, contribute significantly to the overall score. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, offering extended hours, weekend appointments, or flexible scheduling options. They may also have dedicated patient navigators who guide patients through the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The presence of support groups, educational programs, and resources for financial assistance further elevates the score. The willingness of practices to participate in community outreach programs, such as offering free screenings or educational seminars, demonstrates a commitment to proactive breast cancer prevention.

The adoption of telemedicine is a key component of the Breast Cancer Score. Telemedicine offers several benefits, including increased access to specialists, particularly for patients in rural areas. It allows for remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to educational resources. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow, offering virtual appointments for routine check-ups and consultations, receive a higher score. This is particularly important for patients who may have mobility limitations or difficulty traveling to appointments.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but crucial aspect of breast cancer care. The Breast Cancer Score assesses the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in supporting cancer patients. Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Practices that offer on-site counseling services or have established referral networks with mental health providers receive a higher score. The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan ensures that patients receive comprehensive support for their physical and emotional well-being.

The integration of genetic counseling services is another crucial element. Patients with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may benefit from genetic testing and counseling. Practices that offer or facilitate access to genetic counselors receive a higher score. This allows patients to make informed decisions about their risk and potential preventative measures.

The Breast Cancer Score also considers the overall quality of care, as reflected in patient satisfaction surveys and outcomes data. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback from patients and demonstrate favorable outcomes, such as high survival rates and low complication rates, are awarded a higher score. This emphasizes the importance of providing not only accessible care but also high-quality care.

Finally, the Breast Cancer Score considers the availability of resources for financial assistance. Breast cancer treatment can be expensive, and patients may face significant financial burdens. Practices that provide information about financial assistance programs, offer payment plans, or have dedicated staff to assist patients with navigating insurance and financial challenges receive a higher score. This ensures that patients have access to the care they need, regardless of their financial situation.

In conclusion, assessing the Breast Cancer Score in 18616 and considering primary care availability in Forksville reveals a complex landscape. While this analysis provides a hypothetical framework, it highlights the importance of evaluating various factors to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, the availability of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the overall quality of care.

For a more detailed and visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 18616 and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, specialist availability, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides a powerful tool for understanding healthcare access and making informed decisions.