18853, Wyalusing, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18853, Wyalusing, Pennsylvania is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.85 percent of the residents in 18853 has some form of health insurance. 39.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.56 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 18853 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 927 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18853. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 902 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 563 health care providers accessible to residents in 18853, Wyalusing, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Wyalusing, PA (ZIP Code 18853)

Analyzing the availability and quality of breast cancer care within Wyalusing, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18853) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, aiming to provide a “Breast Cancer Score,” will evaluate several key areas crucial for patient outcomes: physician access, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. The goal is to paint a clear picture of the local healthcare landscape and identify areas of strength and potential improvement for individuals seeking breast cancer care in this rural community.

The foundation of any strong healthcare system is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). In Wyalusing, the availability of PCPs directly impacts the early detection and management of breast cancer. PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for patients, conducting routine screenings, ordering diagnostic tests, and providing referrals to specialists. A low physician-to-patient ratio can create significant barriers to care, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio in 18853 requires in-depth data analysis, including the number of practicing PCPs, their patient load, and the demographics of the population. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau can be leveraged to estimate this ratio. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, would negatively impact the Breast Cancer Score.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. Assessing practice quality involves evaluating factors such as the availability of on-site mammography services, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management and communication, and the presence of patient-centered care models. Practices that actively promote breast cancer awareness, offer comprehensive screening programs, and prioritize patient education would receive higher marks. Information about practice quality can be gleaned from online reviews, patient testimonials, and publicly available data from healthcare rating organizations.

The presence of specialized care, such as oncologists and surgeons, is critical for patients diagnosed with breast cancer. While Wyalusing is a rural community, access to these specialists is crucial. The proximity to larger medical centers in neighboring towns or cities, such as Towanda or Sayre, becomes vital. Evaluating the ease of access to these specialists, including travel time and appointment availability, is essential. The presence of multidisciplinary cancer care teams, offering integrated services from diagnosis to treatment and survivorship, would significantly boost the Breast Cancer Score.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices can enhance the Breast Cancer Score. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. Evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and online patient portals is crucial. Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly improve patient convenience and access to specialized expertise.

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources is therefore an integral part of comprehensive breast cancer care. Evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers would receive higher marks. The availability of support groups specifically for breast cancer patients and survivors is also a positive indicator.

Standout practices in Wyalusing, if any, should be identified. These practices might excel in specific areas, such as early detection, patient education, or patient-centered care. Highlighting these practices can serve as models for other providers and provide valuable information for patients seeking care. This involves a deep dive into the available data and a comparative analysis of the practices in the area.

To calculate the final Breast Cancer Score, a weighted scoring system would be used. Each of the aforementioned factors (PCP availability, practice quality, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources) would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The score would then be calculated based on the performance of the local healthcare system in each area. This score would provide a quantifiable measure of the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care in Wyalusing.

The analysis would also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on healthcare access. Poverty, lack of transportation, and limited health literacy can create significant barriers to care. The Breast Cancer Score would be adjusted to reflect these factors, ensuring that the analysis provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape.

In conclusion, evaluating the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care in Wyalusing, PA (ZIP code 18853) requires a comprehensive analysis of physician availability, practice quality, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The resulting Breast Cancer Score provides a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

For a visual representation of this data, including physician locations, practice locations, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can transform complex healthcare data into interactive and easily understandable visualizations, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health and access to care.