18625, Lake Winola, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18625, Lake Winola, Pennsylvania is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.89 percent of the residents in 18625 has some form of health insurance. 42.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 88.89 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 18625 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18625. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 35 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,901 health care providers accessible to residents in 18625, Lake Winola, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18625 & Primary Care Availability in Lake Winola

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of breast cancer-related care within ZIP code 18625 and its surrounding area, specifically focusing on primary care resources in Lake Winola, Pennsylvania. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for patient outcomes and overall well-being. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources.

The foundation of a strong breast cancer care system lies in accessible and competent primary care. Lake Winola, a small community within the broader 18625 ZIP code, serves as a microcosm for evaluating this access. The primary care physician (PCP) is the first point of contact, guiding patients through screening recommendations, risk assessments, and initial diagnostic steps. A low PCP-to-patient ratio, ideally, indicates a greater likelihood of timely appointments and personalized attention. Data collection would involve analyzing the number of PCPs actively practicing in the area and comparing it to the total population served. Public health data, insurance provider networks, and local hospital directories would be crucial resources for this calculation.

Furthermore, the quality of primary care is paramount. This goes beyond simple access. The analysis would assess the practices' adherence to national guidelines for breast cancer screening, including mammography recommendations based on age and risk factors. This involves examining practice websites and patient reviews, looking for mentions of preventative care protocols, and the availability of educational materials about breast health. Practices demonstrating a proactive approach to patient education and preventative care would receive higher scores.

Within the 18625 ZIP code, the presence of specialized breast cancer care providers is also critical. This encompasses oncologists, surgeons specializing in breast procedures, and radiation oncologists. The analysis would identify the number of these specialists practicing within the ZIP code or in close proximity. Proximity is key, as travel time can significantly impact patient experience, particularly during treatment. The presence of a multidisciplinary team, where these specialists collaborate seamlessly, would be highly valued. This can be assessed by examining the affiliations of local practices and hospitals.

Standout practices within the area would be identified based on several criteria. Reputation is a significant factor. Patient reviews on platforms such as Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews would be analyzed to gauge patient satisfaction and experiences. Practices consistently receiving high ratings and positive feedback regarding communication, compassion, and treatment outcomes would be highlighted. Additionally, the use of advanced technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), would be considered a positive indicator of a commitment to providing state-of-the-art care.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial aspect of modern healthcare, particularly for rural areas. The analysis would investigate the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine consultations for breast cancer-related care. This includes virtual appointments for follow-up care, consultations, and even some aspects of initial assessment. Telemedicine can improve access to care for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments, particularly those undergoing treatment or experiencing mobility limitations. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms and offering virtual support groups would receive higher scores.

Mental health resources are an integral component of comprehensive breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be emotionally taxing, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis would assess the availability of mental health services within the 18625 ZIP code and surrounding areas. This includes identifying therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists specializing in oncology or working with cancer patients. The presence of support groups, both in-person and virtual, would also be evaluated. Practices that actively integrate mental health support into their care plans would be recognized for their holistic approach.

In addition to the availability of resources, the analysis would consider the affordability of care. This involves examining the acceptance of various insurance plans by local practices and hospitals. The availability of financial assistance programs for patients struggling to afford treatment would also be assessed. Transparency in pricing and billing practices would be considered a positive indicator of patient-centered care.

The "Breast Cancer Score" would be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of these various factors. Each factor would be assigned a specific weight based on its importance in influencing patient outcomes and overall well-being. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and the presence of specialized providers might be given higher weights than the availability of support groups. The final score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the breast cancer care landscape within the 18625 ZIP code and the primary care resources in Lake Winola.

This analysis is not intended to be a definitive ranking but rather a snapshot of the current state of breast cancer care. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and this assessment would need to be updated regularly to reflect changes in practice patterns, technology, and resource availability.

To further explore the geographical distribution of these resources and visualize the data, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide an interactive platform to visualize the locations of healthcare providers, patient demographics, and other relevant information. This can provide a clearer understanding of access to care and identify areas where resources may be lacking.