18644, Wyoming, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18644, Wyoming, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.11 percent of the residents in 18644 has some form of health insurance. 36.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.92 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 18644 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,577 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18644. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,735 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,083 health care providers accessible to residents in 18644, Wyoming, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Wyoming (ZIP Code 18644)

This analysis delves into the landscape of breast cancer care within ZIP Code 18644, located in Wyoming, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive ‘Breast Cancer Score’ assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The cornerstone of effective breast cancer management lies in early detection and proactive primary care. The accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs) within a reasonable distance is paramount. In the context of Wyoming, and specifically 18644, the geographic challenges are significant. Vast distances and sparse populations can create barriers to accessing timely medical attention. This necessitates a careful examination of the physician-to-patient ratio within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to delayed diagnoses and reduced access to preventative screenings like mammograms. Conversely, a higher ratio, while desirable, doesn't automatically guarantee quality.

The availability of specialized breast cancer care is another crucial factor. While 18644 may not have dedicated oncology centers within its immediate boundaries, the proximity to larger medical hubs, such as those found in Scranton or Wilkes-Barre, becomes critical. The ability of primary care physicians in 18644 to effectively refer patients to these specialized centers, and the efficiency of that referral process, directly impacts the patient's journey. This includes considering the travel time, the ease of scheduling appointments, and the coordination of care between the PCP and the specialist.

Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative force in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption within 18644 is a key indicator of the region's preparedness to address the challenges of distance and limited access. The availability of virtual consultations with PCPs, oncologists, and other specialists can significantly improve patient outcomes. Telemedicine can facilitate remote monitoring, follow-up appointments, and access to educational resources, empowering patients and reducing the burden of travel. The analysis will assess the types of telemedicine services offered, the technology infrastructure supporting them, and the level of patient and provider adoption.

The integration of mental health resources into breast cancer care is an often-overlooked but critical aspect. A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in oncology or have experience supporting cancer patients, is essential. This includes access to individual therapy, support groups, and resources for managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. The analysis will investigate the presence of these resources within 18644 and the surrounding areas, and the degree to which primary care practices are actively screening for and addressing the mental health needs of their patients.

Identifying standout practices within 18644 is a key objective. This involves evaluating the performance of individual primary care providers and their practices based on several factors. These factors include patient satisfaction scores, the frequency of preventative screenings, the timeliness of referrals to specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health services. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care will be highlighted as models for others to emulate. This evaluation will also consider the availability of patient education materials, support programs, and resources.

The assessment of primary care availability in Wyoming, particularly within 18644, requires examining the broader healthcare landscape. This includes considering the state's overall physician-to-population ratio, the distribution of healthcare resources across the state, and any initiatives aimed at improving access to care in rural areas. The analysis will also consider the impact of healthcare policy and funding on the availability of services in the region.

The analysis will consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on breast cancer care. Poverty, lack of insurance, and other social determinants of health can significantly impact a patient's ability to access timely and effective care. The analysis will assess the presence of programs and resources designed to address these disparities and ensure that all residents of 18644 have equal access to quality breast cancer care.

The Breast Cancer Score for 18644 will be a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses across all the assessed areas. It will provide a snapshot of the region's preparedness to address the challenges of breast cancer care and identify areas for improvement. The score will not only reflect the availability of resources but also the quality of care provided, the efficiency of the healthcare system, and the degree to which patient needs are being met.

The final score will be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It will help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare, guide healthcare providers in improving their practices, and inform policymakers about the need for healthcare improvements in the region. The score will also serve as a benchmark for tracking progress over time.

The analysis will consider the impact of community outreach programs and initiatives. These programs can play a crucial role in raising awareness about breast cancer, promoting early detection, and providing support to patients and their families. The analysis will assess the presence of these programs within 18644 and their effectiveness in reaching the target population.

This Breast Cancer Score analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in 18644, focusing on the factors that impact breast cancer care. It highlights the importance of primary care, specialized services, telemedicine, mental health resources, and community outreach. The analysis offers a data-driven assessment of the region's strengths and weaknesses, providing a roadmap for improving patient outcomes and ensuring that all residents have access to quality breast cancer care.

To visualize the data and gain deeper insights into the healthcare landscape of 18644 and the surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial analysis. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of physician distribution, access to specialists, telemedicine availability, and the location of mental health resources. This visualization will empower you to make informed decisions and advocate for improved healthcare access.