15035, East Mc Keesport, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 15035, East Mc Keesport, Pennsylvania is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.48 percent of the residents in 15035 has some form of health insurance. 52.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.06 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 15035 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 304 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15035. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 533 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,889 health care providers accessible to residents in 15035, East Mc Keesport, Pennsylvania.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: East McKeesport (ZIP Code 15035)

Analyzing the landscape of prostate cancer care within East McKeesport (ZIP Code 15035) necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers the availability of primary care physicians, the accessibility of specialists, the adoption of modern technologies like telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all contributing to a comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score." This score, while not a definitive number, provides a qualitative assessment of the care environment for individuals facing prostate cancer in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any effective prostate cancer care strategy rests upon the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs are the initial point of contact, responsible for screening, early detection, and referral to specialists. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in East McKeesport is crucial. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, could potentially lead to delayed diagnoses and reduced access to preventive care. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and national databases such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would be essential to determine this ratio accurately. A low ratio, signaling a shortage of PCPs, would negatively impact the Prostate Cancer Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Practices with a demonstrated commitment to preventive care, including routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal exams (DREs) for men over 50, would score favorably. The presence of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate seamless information sharing between PCPs and specialists is another positive indicator. Furthermore, practices that actively engage in patient education regarding prostate cancer risk factors, symptoms, and screening options would contribute to a higher score.

The availability of specialists, particularly urologists and oncologists, within a reasonable travel distance from East McKeesport is another critical factor. Proximity to specialized care is directly linked to improved outcomes. The analysis must consider the number of urologists and oncologists practicing within the ZIP code and in neighboring areas, such as Pittsburgh. Examining the average wait times for appointments with these specialists is also essential. Shorter wait times indicate greater accessibility and contribute positively to the Prostate Cancer Score. Practices with a reputation for excellence in prostate cancer treatment, as evidenced by patient reviews, accreditations, and participation in clinical trials, would significantly boost their individual scores and, by extension, the overall score for the region.

The adoption of telemedicine represents a significant advancement in healthcare accessibility, especially for patients in areas with limited access to specialists. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially expediting the diagnosis and treatment process. The analysis should assess the extent to which urology and oncology practices in the area offer telemedicine services. Practices that utilize telemedicine for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education would receive higher scores. The availability of telehealth options, particularly for patients experiencing symptoms or managing treatment side effects, is a positive indicator of a robust care environment.

Prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Integrating mental health resources into the care pathway is, therefore, crucial. The analysis must evaluate the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in supporting patients with cancer. Practices that offer on-site counseling services or readily refer patients to mental health providers demonstrate a commitment to holistic care. The presence of support groups, both in-person and online, specifically for prostate cancer patients and their families, is another positive factor. The integration of mental health support directly impacts the Prostate Cancer Score.

The analysis should also consider the availability of ancillary services that support prostate cancer care. These services include radiation therapy centers, imaging facilities (MRI, CT scans), and physical therapy for post-surgical rehabilitation. The proximity of these facilities and the quality of the services they provide contribute to the overall care environment. Practices that collaborate effectively with these ancillary providers, ensuring seamless coordination of care, would receive higher scores.

Identifying "standout practices" within East McKeesport and the surrounding areas is a key aspect of this analysis. These practices would be those that demonstrate excellence in multiple areas, including: high physician-to-patient ratios, accessible specialists, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources. Identifying these practices would provide patients with valuable information when choosing a healthcare provider. These practices would act as models for others, driving overall improvement in prostate cancer care in the region.

The final Prostate Cancer Score for East McKeesport (ZIP Code 15035) is a composite assessment, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the care environment. A high score would indicate a robust system with accessible primary care, readily available specialists, the use of telemedicine, and integrated mental health support. A lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as addressing physician shortages, expanding telemedicine services, and increasing access to mental health resources. This score is not a definitive grade but rather a tool to understand the current state of prostate cancer care.

To gain a visual understanding of the distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and practice characteristics within and around East McKeesport, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a spatial representation of the data, making it easier to identify areas with limited access to care and to visualize the overall healthcare landscape.