The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18640, Pittston, Pennsylvania is 82 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 95.73 percent of the residents in 18640 has some form of health insurance. 46.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.40 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 18640 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 3,699 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18640. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,816 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,076 health care providers accessible to residents in 18640, Pittston, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 18640, Pittston, Pennsylvania
Breast Cancer Score | 45 |
---|---|
People Score | 12 |
Provider Score | 82 |
Hospital Score | 30 |
Travel Score | 62 |
18640 | Pittston | Pennsylvania | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Pittston, PA (ZIP Code 18640)**
This analysis delves into the availability and quality of breast cancer-related healthcare within Pittston, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18640), focusing on primary care access, physician resources, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, offering insights for patients and highlighting areas of strength and potential improvement.
**Primary Care Accessibility and Physician-to-Patient Ratio**
The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests upon a strong primary care infrastructure. In Pittston, assessing primary care availability involves evaluating the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) relative to the population. Publicly available data, such as that from the US Census Bureau, can be used to estimate the population within the 18640 ZIP code. This figure is then compared to the number of PCPs listed in directories like the Pennsylvania Medical Society or online healthcare databases. A lower physician-to-patient ratio suggests greater access to primary care.
Beyond simple numbers, the analysis considers factors like insurance acceptance, appointment wait times, and the availability of evening or weekend hours. Practices accepting a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, are crucial for serving the diverse needs of the community. Shorter wait times for appointments, both for routine checkups and urgent concerns, are also vital. This directly impacts the speed at which patients can access screenings and diagnostic tests.
**Standout Practices and Their Contributions**
Identifying "standout practices" requires looking beyond basic metrics. Practices demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care often have several distinguishing features. These may include:
* **Proactive Screening Programs:** Practices actively promoting mammograms and other screening methods, particularly for women at higher risk.
* **Patient Education:** Practices providing educational materials and resources to empower patients with knowledge about breast cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.
* **Care Coordination:** Practices that effectively coordinate care with specialists, such as oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists, ensuring a seamless patient experience.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Practices that embrace a multidisciplinary approach, involving various healthcare professionals in the patient's care plan.
Specific practices within the 18640 ZIP code are evaluated based on these criteria. Publicly available information, patient reviews, and practice websites are key sources of information. The analysis considers whether these practices are affiliated with larger healthcare systems, which can offer access to advanced technologies and specialized expertise.
**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**
Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. The analysis examines the extent to which practices in Pittston have adopted telemedicine for breast cancer-related services. This includes:
* **Virtual Consultations:** Offering virtual consultations with PCPs, specialists, and other healthcare professionals.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Utilizing technology to monitor patients' health remotely, such as tracking vital signs or symptoms.
* **Educational Resources:** Providing online educational materials and support groups.
The benefits of telemedicine are significant, including increased access to care, reduced travel burdens, and improved patient convenience. The analysis assesses the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of use of the technology, and the overall patient experience. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their breast cancer care model receive higher scores.
**Mental Health Resources and Support**
Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental health. The analysis evaluates the availability of mental health resources within the 18640 ZIP code, specifically those tailored to breast cancer patients. This includes:
* **Psychotherapy Services:** Access to licensed therapists and counselors specializing in oncology or women's health.
* **Support Groups:** Availability of support groups where patients can connect with others who have similar experiences.
* **Psychiatric Care:** Access to psychiatrists for medication management and other mental health needs.
* **Integrated Care Models:** Practices that integrate mental health services into their breast cancer care programs, recognizing the importance of holistic care.
The analysis considers the accessibility of these resources, including insurance coverage, appointment availability, and the overall quality of care. Practices that prioritize mental health support and offer a range of services receive higher scores.
**Overall Breast Cancer Score and Conclusion**
The "Breast Cancer Score" for Pittston (18640) is a composite score based on the factors discussed above. Each category (primary care access, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources) is assigned a weighted score based on its importance to overall patient care. The final score provides a comprehensive assessment of the breast cancer healthcare landscape in the area.
The goal of this analysis is to provide valuable information for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. By identifying areas of strength and weakness, the analysis can help improve access to quality breast cancer care in Pittston and surrounding communities.
**Visualize the Data with CartoChrome Maps**
For a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and patient demographics, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allow you to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, providing a powerful tool for identifying trends, patterns, and disparities in breast cancer care. Explore the possibilities and gain a more comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape.
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