15043, Georgetown, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 15043, Georgetown, Pennsylvania is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.25 percent of the residents in 15043 has some form of health insurance. 32.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.44 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 15043 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 432 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15043. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 494 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,762 health care providers accessible to residents in 15043, Georgetown, Pennsylvania.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Georgetown, PA (ZIP Code 15043)

Analyzing the availability and quality of prostate cancer care within Georgetown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15043) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice performance, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, ultimately producing a Prostate Cancer Score (PCS) that reflects the overall healthcare landscape for this specific area. Due to the limitations of publicly available data and the need to protect patient privacy, this analysis relies on publicly accessible information and estimations based on industry best practices.

Georgetown, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas. One of the most significant is the physician-to-patient ratio. The national average for primary care physicians is approximately 1:1,380. However, rural areas often experience shortages. Estimating the ratio in 15043 requires considering the population of Georgetown and the surrounding areas that residents might access for care. Without specific data, we can assume a ratio potentially higher than the national average, perhaps closer to 1:2,000 or even higher, particularly for specialists like urologists who focus on prostate health. This scarcity impacts access to timely screenings, consultations, and follow-up care, negatively affecting the PCS.

Primary care availability is crucial. Early detection is key to successful prostate cancer treatment. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for men experiencing symptoms or seeking routine screenings. The presence of PCPs willing and able to perform prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams is paramount. The PCS will be affected by the number of PCPs in the area, their willingness to screen, and their ability to refer patients to specialists promptly. A limited number of PCPs or a lack of proactive screening practices would significantly lower the score.

Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several factors. These include the availability of board-certified urologists, the utilization of advanced diagnostic tools like MRI and ultrasound, and the adoption of minimally invasive treatment options such as robotic-assisted surgery. Practices with a strong focus on patient education, support groups, and comprehensive care coordination would receive higher marks. The presence of a dedicated oncology center within a reasonable distance, offering radiation therapy and chemotherapy, is also a positive indicator. The absence of these resources would lower the PCS, reflecting the need for residents to travel for advanced care.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical consideration, particularly in rural settings. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely, receive follow-up care, and access educational resources. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, virtual support groups, and remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment would contribute positively to the PCS. Conversely, a lack of telemedicine options would negatively impact the score, highlighting the potential for limited access to care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in prostate cancer care, but they are essential. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in oncology or have experience supporting patients with cancer, is vital. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care plans, offer support groups, and provide access to psychiatric care would receive higher scores. The absence of these resources would lower the PCS, reflecting the need for comprehensive support for patients and their families.

The overall PCS for Georgetown, PA (ZIP Code 15043) is likely to be impacted by the factors discussed above. Given the potential challenges of a rural setting, the score might be lower than in more urbanized areas with greater access to resources. However, the score is not static. It can be improved through various initiatives, including attracting more physicians, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and integrating mental health services into care plans.

The analysis of a Prostate Cancer Score is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and evaluation. The score should be seen as a snapshot in time, reflecting the current state of healthcare resources and their accessibility. It is important to note that this analysis is based on available information and estimations. The actual score could vary depending on the specific data used and the methodologies applied.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Georgetown, PA (ZIP Code 15043), including the location of healthcare providers, the availability of specific services, and the demographics of the population, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a visual representation of geographic data, allowing you to explore the healthcare environment in detail.