18925, Furlong, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18925, Furlong, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.87 percent of the residents in 18925 has some form of health insurance. 15.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 89.86 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 18925 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,000 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18925. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 893 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,736 health care providers accessible to residents in 18925, Furlong, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: 18925 & Furlong Primary Care

Analyzing the breast cancer care landscape within ZIP code 18925 (which encompasses Furlong, Pennsylvania) requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to evaluate the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), assess their capacity to provide breast cancer screening and early detection, and then consider the broader support systems available to patients. This analysis will culminate in a hypothetical “Breast Cancer Score” reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of care.

The foundation of any effective breast cancer care system rests on accessible primary care. Furlong, as a relatively small community, likely experiences fluctuations in physician availability. To determine the physician-to-patient ratio, one would need to consult publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). This data would reveal the number of PCPs practicing within 18925 and the estimated population they serve. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access to care. However, this is just the beginning.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. PCPs play a critical role in breast cancer screening, including performing breast exams and ordering mammograms. The "Breast Cancer Score" would need to account for the following: Does the PCP’s practice actively promote breast cancer screening guidelines? Are they proactive in recommending mammograms based on age and risk factors? Do they have established referral pathways to local radiology centers and specialists? Furthermore, the score should consider the patient's experience: Are appointments readily available? Is the office staff knowledgeable and supportive?

Standout practices within 18925 would ideally demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care. This could include practices that participate in quality improvement programs, track patient screening rates, and provide educational materials about breast health. They might also offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day sick visits to increase accessibility. Practices that integrate electronic health records (EHRs) and utilize patient portals to facilitate communication and appointment scheduling would also score higher.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments, prescription refills, and discussing test results, can significantly improve patient convenience and reduce barriers to care. Practices that offer telemedicine options, especially for patients who may have mobility issues or live in more remote areas, would contribute positively to the "Breast Cancer Score." The score would also consider the type of telemedicine services offered, such as video consultations versus simple phone calls.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The "Breast Cancer Score" needs to consider the availability of mental health support within the community. This includes whether PCPs screen patients for mental health concerns, whether they have established referral relationships with mental health professionals, and whether there are support groups or counseling services available locally.

The geographical distribution of these resources is also important. While Furlong itself may have limited resources, the proximity to larger towns and cities like Doylestown and New Hope, which offer a wider array of medical specialists, cancer centers, and support services, needs to be factored in. The "Breast Cancer Score" would consider the ease of access to these resources, including transportation options and the availability of public transportation.

Furthermore, the "Breast Cancer Score" could be influenced by the presence of any local initiatives or programs aimed at improving breast cancer awareness and care. This might include community health fairs, educational workshops, or partnerships with local hospitals or cancer centers. The score would also consider the availability of financial assistance programs for patients who may struggle to afford screening or treatment.

The data used to construct the "Breast Cancer Score" would need to be constantly updated. Physician availability, practice offerings, and community resources can change rapidly. This requires ongoing monitoring and analysis. The score itself would not be a static number but a dynamic representation of the breast cancer care landscape.

To create a truly comprehensive analysis, it is also important to consider the demographics of the patient population within 18925. Factors such as age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status can influence breast cancer risk and access to care. The "Breast Cancer Score" would ideally be adjusted to reflect these factors, ensuring that the analysis is sensitive to the needs of all patients.

In conclusion, assessing breast cancer care in 18925 and the primary care availability in Furlong is a complex undertaking. It requires evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, assessing the quality of primary care practices, considering telemedicine adoption, evaluating mental health resources, and taking into account the geographical distribution of care. By incorporating these factors, a "Breast Cancer Score" can provide a valuable snapshot of the breast cancer care landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses and ultimately helping patients make informed decisions about their health.

To visualize the spatial distribution of these critical resources and gain a deeper understanding of the breast cancer care landscape in 18925 and the surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you analyze geographic data, identify areas with limited access to care, and visualize the relationships between different healthcare providers and patient populations.