18848, Towanda, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18848, Towanda, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.38 percent of the residents in 18848 has some form of health insurance. 47.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.22 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 18848 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,974 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18848. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,018 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,901 health care providers accessible to residents in 18848, Towanda, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below assesses breast cancer care quality for physicians practicing within ZIP code 18848, which encompasses Towanda, Pennsylvania, and evaluates primary care accessibility. This assessment incorporates several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive breast cancer care.

The physician-to-patient ratio within Towanda, 18848, is a critical indicator of healthcare accessibility. A lower ratio, signifying more physicians per patient, generally translates to shorter wait times for appointments and potentially more individualized care. However, the rural nature of the region can present challenges. While precise, up-to-the-minute physician-to-patient ratios are dynamic and require continuous monitoring of data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and professional medical organizations, general trends can be observed. The area may experience a shortage of specialists, including oncologists and breast surgeons, potentially necessitating travel to larger medical centers in surrounding areas for specialized care. This geographical constraint emphasizes the importance of robust primary care networks that can facilitate referrals and provide initial screening and support.

Identifying "standout practices" within the ZIP code requires evaluating several criteria. These include the availability of comprehensive breast cancer screening services, such as mammography and ultrasound, within the practice itself. The presence of on-site diagnostic capabilities, such as biopsies, further enhances the practice's value. Furthermore, the practice's adherence to established breast cancer treatment guidelines, its participation in clinical trials, and its patient satisfaction scores are all vital indicators of quality. While a comprehensive, publicly available, practice-by-practice ranking is challenging to compile without direct access to proprietary data, research into local hospitals and clinics, combined with patient reviews and testimonials, offers valuable insights. Practices that actively promote patient education and offer support groups demonstrate a commitment to holistic care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care by providing virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. The adoption rate among primary care physicians and specialists in Towanda should be assessed. Practices that embrace telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, reduce travel burdens for patients, and improve the continuity of care. The availability of telehealth platforms, secure video conferencing, and remote monitoring devices are essential components of a robust telemedicine infrastructure. The extent to which practices offer virtual consultations for breast cancer screenings, diagnosis, and treatment planning should be evaluated.

The availability of mental health resources is a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, is essential for patients' well-being. The analysis should consider the availability of mental health services within the primary care practices themselves, as well as the presence of external mental health providers in the community. The integration of mental health support into the breast cancer care pathway is essential. This includes offering resources for managing anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges associated with the disease. The availability of support groups, both in-person and virtual, further enhances the mental health support network.

Primary care availability in Towanda is a cornerstone of effective breast cancer screening and early detection. The accessibility of primary care physicians, including the ease of scheduling appointments and the availability of after-hours care, directly impacts the likelihood of patients undergoing regular screenings. The analysis should evaluate the density of primary care practices within the ZIP code, the average wait times for appointments, and the acceptance of various insurance plans. Primary care physicians play a vital role in educating patients about breast cancer risk factors, promoting self-exams, and referring patients for mammograms and other diagnostic tests. The presence of nurse navigators within primary care practices can also significantly improve patient care by coordinating appointments, providing education, and offering emotional support.

In conclusion, assessing breast cancer care quality in Towanda (18848) requires a multi-faceted approach. Evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining mental health resources are all essential. The availability of primary care, including its accessibility and integration with breast cancer screening programs, is a vital factor. A thorough analysis of these elements provides a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Towanda, including physician locations, primary care access points, and resource distribution, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome’s mapping technology offers a dynamic view of the healthcare environment, enabling a deeper understanding of the factors influencing breast cancer care and other health-related issues.