18631, Mifflinville, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18631, Mifflinville, Pennsylvania is 91 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.24 percent of the residents in 18631 has some form of health insurance. 34.85 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.91 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 18631 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 77 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18631. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 243 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 821 health care providers accessible to residents in 18631, Mifflinville, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical "Breast Cancer Score" assessment for primary care physicians in Mifflinville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18631), focusing on factors relevant to breast cancer prevention, detection, and patient support. This score, for illustrative purposes, considers various aspects of care delivery and resource availability, aiming to highlight areas of strength and potential improvement. It is crucial to understand that this is a simulated analysis and should not be used as a definitive guide for medical decisions.

The foundation of a strong Breast Cancer Score in Mifflinville rests on accessible and high-quality primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A favorable ratio, meaning a sufficient number of primary care physicians to serve the population, ensures timely access to appointments for screenings, diagnostic tests, and follow-up care. In this hypothetical scenario, we assess the current ratio in 18631. A low ratio, indicating a potential shortage of physicians, would negatively impact the score. This could lead to delayed diagnoses, decreased adherence to screening guidelines, and ultimately, poorer outcomes for patients.

Beyond the raw number of physicians, the quality and comprehensiveness of care provided by each practice are essential. We examine the practices within the Mifflinville area for their approach to breast cancer screening and prevention. Do they proactively remind patients about mammogram appointments? Do they educate patients about risk factors, including family history, lifestyle choices, and genetic predispositions? The practices' integration of these elements into their standard of care would significantly boost their scores.

Standout practices would demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, offering services beyond the basics. This might include dedicated nurse navigators who guide patients through the diagnostic and treatment process. These navigators can help patients understand complex medical information, schedule appointments, and connect with support services. Additionally, practices that offer on-site mammography or have strong partnerships with local imaging centers, facilitating seamless referrals and timely results, would receive higher marks.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial component of the Breast Cancer Score. The ability to conduct virtual consultations for routine follow-ups, discuss test results, and provide emotional support can enhance patient convenience and accessibility, particularly for patients in rural areas like Mifflinville. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine platforms and offer virtual consultations for breast cancer-related concerns would receive a more favorable rating. This also includes the availability of telehealth options for mental health support, which is crucial for patients dealing with the emotional toll of diagnosis and treatment.

Mental health resources play a significant role in the overall well-being of breast cancer patients. A comprehensive Breast Cancer Score considers the availability of these resources within the primary care setting and the broader community. Does the practice offer on-site counseling or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals specializing in cancer care? Are there support groups available locally, providing opportunities for patients to connect with others who understand their experiences? The presence of these resources contributes significantly to a higher score.

Furthermore, the Breast Cancer Score considers the availability of resources for patients with financial constraints. Are there financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of screenings, diagnostic tests, and treatment? Does the practice offer flexible payment options or assist patients in navigating insurance coverage? Practices that demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to care would receive higher scores.

The score also considers the practice's commitment to patient education. Do they provide educational materials about breast cancer prevention, screening, and treatment options? Do they actively participate in community outreach programs to raise awareness about breast cancer? Practices that prioritize patient education and community engagement would be recognized for their efforts.

We also consider the practice's approach to shared decision-making. Does the physician involve the patient in the decision-making process, explaining the benefits and risks of different treatment options and respecting the patient's preferences? Practices that prioritize shared decision-making, empowering patients to actively participate in their care, would receive a higher score.

The analysis also accounts for the practice's use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs can streamline the care process, allowing physicians to easily access patient information, track screening results, and coordinate care with other healthcare providers. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively, integrating them into their workflow to improve efficiency and patient care, would be viewed favorably.

The assessment also evaluates the practice's commitment to continuous quality improvement. Do they regularly review their performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes to enhance the quality of care? Practices that demonstrate a commitment to continuous quality improvement, striving to provide the best possible care to their patients, would receive a higher score.

Finally, the Breast Cancer Score considers the practice's adherence to national guidelines for breast cancer screening and treatment. Do they follow the recommendations of organizations like the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network? Practices that adhere to these guidelines, ensuring that their patients receive evidence-based care, would receive a favorable rating.

The final Breast Cancer Score for primary care in Mifflinville, PA (18631) would be a composite of these factors, weighted based on their relative importance. A high score would indicate a strong commitment to breast cancer prevention, detection, and patient support. A lower score would highlight areas where improvement is needed.

To explore these factors visually and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Mifflinville, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can help visualize physician locations, resource availability, and other relevant data points, providing a comprehensive overview of the healthcare environment.