18816, Dimock, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18816, Dimock, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18816 has some form of health insurance. 22.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 91.80 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 18816 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 12 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18816. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 13 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 227 health care providers accessible to residents in 18816, Dimock, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: ZIP Code 18816 & Dimock Primary Care

This analysis delves into the availability of breast cancer care resources for residents of ZIP code 18816, with a specific focus on primary care access within the broader community of Dimock, Pennsylvania. We will evaluate the landscape through the lens of a hypothetical "Breast Cancer Score," considering factors crucial for early detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being. This score, though not a formal metric, will guide our assessment of the area's strengths and weaknesses.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in accessible primary care. Dimock, as a rural community, faces inherent challenges in this regard. The “Breast Cancer Score” will therefore heavily weigh the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and their capacity to provide preventative screenings and referrals. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced opportunities for preventative care. Data on these ratios, ideally sourced from state or local health departments, is essential for a precise evaluation.

The presence of established primary care practices within Dimock and the surrounding areas is another key factor. We'll assess the number of practices, their size, and the types of services they offer. Do these practices routinely offer mammogram screenings, or do they rely on external referrals? Do they have dedicated staff trained in breast health? The "Breast Cancer Score" will favor practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to breast cancer screening and early detection.

Beyond the availability of PCPs, the quality of care is paramount. This includes the integration of evidence-based guidelines for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The "Breast Cancer Score" will consider the practices' adherence to these guidelines, as evidenced by their policies, protocols, and patient outcomes. Data on patient satisfaction, as measured through surveys and reviews, will also contribute to the score. Practices with consistently positive patient experiences will receive higher marks.

Telemedicine adoption presents both opportunities and challenges in rural areas like Dimock. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources without traveling long distances. However, the success of telemedicine depends on factors like internet access, patient digital literacy, and the willingness of physicians to embrace the technology. The "Breast Cancer Score" will assess the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine for breast cancer-related care. Practices actively leveraging telemedicine will be viewed favorably.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. The "Breast Cancer Score" will evaluate the availability of mental health services within the community, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health support into their care model will receive higher scores. This includes offering on-site counseling, providing referrals to mental health professionals, and promoting support group participation.

Specific practices within ZIP code 18816 and the surrounding areas will be evaluated based on the criteria outlined above. Identifying standout practices is essential. These practices demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care, including early detection, timely referrals, and patient-centered services. Their success can serve as a model for other practices in the area, fostering improvements in the overall quality of care.

The "Breast Cancer Score" will also consider the availability of specialized breast cancer care, such as access to oncologists, surgeons, and radiation therapists. While these specialists may not be located directly within Dimock, their proximity and the ease of referral are important. The score will assess the time it takes to access these specialists, as well as the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment options.

The "Breast Cancer Score" will also evaluate the presence of patient navigation programs. Patient navigators assist patients in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, providing support, education, and advocacy. Practices with dedicated patient navigators will receive higher scores, as these programs can significantly improve patient outcomes.

The economic and social determinants of health also influence the "Breast Cancer Score." Factors such as income, education, and access to transportation can impact a patient's ability to access care. The score will consider the availability of resources to address these disparities, such as financial assistance programs and transportation services.

Finally, the "Breast Cancer Score" will consider the community's engagement in breast cancer awareness and prevention efforts. This includes participation in screening programs, support for research, and community education initiatives. Communities that actively promote breast cancer awareness and prevention will receive higher scores.

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the breast cancer care landscape in ZIP code 18816 and Dimock. It highlights the importance of accessible primary care, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and community engagement. While a formal "Breast Cancer Score" requires detailed data collection and analysis, this assessment provides a valuable starting point for evaluating the area's strengths and weaknesses.

To visualize this information and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 18816 and Dimock, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the distribution of healthcare providers, patient demographics, and other relevant data, providing valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders.