18969, Telford, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18969, Telford, Pennsylvania is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.64 percent of the residents in 18969 has some form of health insurance. 29.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.15 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 18969 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,348 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18969. An estimate of 26 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,995 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 9,434 health care providers accessible to residents in 18969, Telford, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of breast cancer care within ZIP code 18969, encompassing the Telford, Pennsylvania area, requires a multi-faceted approach. It's crucial to go beyond simply listing doctors; we need to assess the quality and accessibility of care, focusing on factors that directly impact patient outcomes. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all within the context of primary care accessibility.

Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios is a fundamental step. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors for a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potentially, less personalized care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access to physicians. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from professional medical organizations, is essential to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 18969, specifically for primary care physicians. This data should be further broken down to assess the availability of specialists, particularly oncologists and radiologists, crucial for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several key criteria. Accreditation by organizations like the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC) is a strong indicator of quality. CoC-accredited facilities adhere to rigorous standards, ensuring comprehensive care, including access to a multidisciplinary team of specialists, patient navigation services, and clinical trials. Further, evaluating the experience and expertise of individual physicians is essential. This includes looking at their board certifications, years of experience, and any specializations related to breast cancer care. Patient reviews, while not always definitive, can offer valuable insights into patient experiences, including communication, empathy, and the overall quality of care.

The adoption of telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility issues. It allows for virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring of patients' conditions. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of practices in 18969 involves determining which physicians offer virtual appointments, what platforms they use, and whether they provide remote monitoring services. This analysis should also consider the availability of telehealth for mental health support, as this is a crucial component of breast cancer care.

The availability of mental health resources is a critical aspect of breast cancer care, often overlooked. A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Therefore, assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is essential. This includes evaluating whether practices offer on-site mental health services or have established referral networks. It's also important to determine if these resources are covered by insurance and accessible to patients. The presence of support groups and patient navigators can also significantly improve the emotional well-being of patients.

Primary care availability in Telford is a key factor. The accessibility of primary care physicians directly impacts early detection and prevention efforts. Regular check-ups and screenings are crucial for detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective. Therefore, evaluating the number of primary care physicians in Telford, their appointment availability, and their willingness to provide preventative care, including mammograms and other screenings, is essential. This assessment should also consider the proximity of primary care practices to residents and the availability of transportation options.

To be specific, we need to identify the names and locations of primary care practices within Telford (ZIP code 18969). We must then investigate the number of physicians at each practice, their specialties, and their appointment availability. We should also determine if these practices offer on-site mammography services or have established referral relationships with imaging centers. Furthermore, it is important to determine how these practices communicate with patients about breast cancer screening guidelines and any patient education programs offered.

The analysis should go further than just listing the presence of these resources; it must evaluate their quality and accessibility. For example, simply listing the number of mental health professionals is not enough. We need to assess their qualifications, their experience in treating patients with cancer, and the ease with which patients can access their services. This requires gathering data from multiple sources, including physician directories, insurance providers, and patient advocacy groups.

To improve the accuracy of the analysis, the data should be regularly updated. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new practices opening, physicians moving, and telemedicine technologies advancing. Therefore, a system for ongoing data collection and analysis is essential. This includes monitoring changes in physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of new technologies, and the availability of mental health resources.

The ultimate goal of this analysis is to provide patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their care. This includes helping them find qualified physicians, access essential resources, and navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. It is also to help identify areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of specialists, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and improving access to mental health services.

This analysis will be more comprehensive when combined with geospatial data, allowing for a visual representation of the information. Using CartoChrome maps can visualize the distribution of physicians, the location of healthcare facilities, and the accessibility of resources. This can help identify areas where access to care is limited and facilitate the development of targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes.