18651, Plymouth, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18651, Plymouth, Pennsylvania is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.35 percent of the residents in 18651 has some form of health insurance. 50.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.36 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 18651 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,942 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18651. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,608 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,085 health care providers accessible to residents in 18651, Plymouth, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Plymouth, PA (ZIP Code 18651)

Plymouth, Pennsylvania, a borough nestled in Luzerne County, presents a unique landscape for assessing breast cancer care. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of services within ZIP code 18651, focusing on primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses to inform residents and potential patients.

The foundation of any effective breast cancer care system rests on robust primary care. Early detection is crucial, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact. In Plymouth, assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This includes family medicine doctors, internal medicine specialists, and general practitioners. A critical factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, meaning a high number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnostic evaluations. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and local healthcare networks will be key to determining this ratio.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices' commitment to preventative care, including regular mammograms and breast exams. Do the practices actively remind patients of screening deadlines? Are they knowledgeable about the latest guidelines from organizations like the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network? Practices that integrate these best practices into their standard of care will score higher in this analysis.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. This involves considering factors like patient reviews, accreditations, and the availability of specialized services. Practices that offer comprehensive women's health services, including on-site mammography or strong partnerships with local radiology centers, will be highly valued. Furthermore, practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education and empowerment, providing resources and support for navigating the complexities of breast cancer, will be considered exemplary. This also includes considering the quality of their referral networks to specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons.

The adoption of telemedicine is another important factor. Telemedicine offers the potential to increase access to care, particularly for patients who may have mobility issues, transportation challenges, or live in remote areas. In the context of breast cancer, telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to support groups. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, will receive a higher score. The ease of use of the platforms, the security of patient data, and the availability of technical support for patients are all important considerations.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of breast cancer care. A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the community is crucial. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and provide referrals to mental health services will be viewed favorably. The presence of support groups, both in-person and online, is another positive indicator. These groups provide a safe space for patients to share their experiences, receive emotional support, and learn coping strategies.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Plymouth, PA (18651) will be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio and primary care availability will be heavily weighted, as they are fundamental to access. The quality of primary care, including preventative care practices and adherence to guidelines, will also be significant. Telemedicine adoption and the availability of mental health resources will contribute to the overall score, reflecting a holistic approach to patient care.

Assessing the specific practices within the ZIP code requires gathering data from various sources. This includes contacting local healthcare networks, reviewing patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades and Zocdoc, and examining practice websites for information on services offered and telemedicine capabilities. Public health data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health will be essential for determining the physician-to-patient ratio and identifying any potential disparities in access to care.

The final score will be a comparative assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of breast cancer care within Plymouth. This analysis will not only provide a valuable resource for residents seeking care but also highlight areas where improvements are needed. This could include advocating for increased access to primary care physicians, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, and expanding mental health resources. The goal is to empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and to encourage improvements in the quality of care available in the community.

By analyzing these factors, a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" can be generated for the Plymouth area. This score will be a valuable tool for both patients and healthcare providers, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the current system. The ultimate aim is to improve access to quality breast cancer care and support the well-being of the community.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in Plymouth and surrounding areas, explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful way to visualize the data and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape.