15774, Shelocta, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 15774, Shelocta, Pennsylvania is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.09 percent of the residents in 15774 has some form of health insurance. 32.16 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.93 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 15774 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 537 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15774. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 604 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 143 health care providers accessible to residents in 15774, Shelocta, Pennsylvania.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Shelocta, PA (ZIP Code 15774)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning prostate cancer care, within Shelocta, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15774), requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial factors in a patient's experience and the effectiveness of their treatment journey. The goal is to provide a "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer care rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Shelocta, primary care availability is a critical element. A robust primary care network serves as the initial point of contact, facilitating early detection through screening and providing crucial referrals to specialists, such as urologists and oncologists. The physician-to-patient ratio in the area is a key metric. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially hinder timely diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a lower ratio generally suggests better access to care. Data on the specific physician-to-patient ratio within 15774 is essential for a precise score, which would involve a deep dive into publicly available data and potentially utilizing data from healthcare provider databases.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Practices that prioritize preventative care, including regular prostate cancer screenings (PSA tests and digital rectal exams), are crucial. The "Prostate Cancer Score" would consider factors like the practice’s adherence to national guidelines for screening frequency and the availability of patient education materials. Practices that actively engage in patient education, providing information on risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options, would receive higher marks. This involves assessing the practices' websites, patient reviews, and potentially conducting direct inquiries to understand their patient-centered approach.

Specialist availability, particularly urologists and oncologists, is another vital component. Prostate cancer treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, necessitating collaboration between various specialists. The presence of board-certified urologists and oncologists within a reasonable travel distance is critical. The "Prostate Cancer Score" would assess the proximity of these specialists, the availability of appointments, and the quality of their facilities. This analysis would also examine the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as MRI and advanced imaging techniques, which are essential for accurate diagnosis and staging of the disease.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant factor in modern healthcare delivery. The ability to consult with physicians remotely, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and initial consultations, can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas like Shelocta. The "Prostate Cancer Score" would evaluate the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine platforms, the types of services offered remotely, and the ease of access for patients. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve patient convenience and reduce the burden of travel, especially for those undergoing treatment.

The emotional toll of a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment is significant. The availability of mental health resources is therefore an integral part of comprehensive care. The "Prostate Cancer Score" would assess the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who specialize in supporting cancer patients. This includes evaluating the proximity of mental health services, the availability of support groups, and the integration of mental health support within the cancer care pathway. Practices that proactively address the psychological needs of their patients would receive higher scores.

Standout practices within the Shelocta area would be those that demonstrate a commitment to excellence across multiple dimensions. This includes a strong primary care network, readily available specialists, a robust telemedicine infrastructure, and a focus on patient education and mental health support. These practices would likely have positive patient reviews, a history of adhering to best practices, and a culture of continuous improvement. Identifying these standout practices requires a comprehensive review of available data, including patient feedback, physician ratings, and practice characteristics.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Shelocta would be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted importance of each of these factors. The weighting would consider the relative impact of each factor on patient outcomes and overall care quality. A high score would indicate a strong healthcare ecosystem, providing excellent access to care, high-quality treatment options, and comprehensive support services. A lower score would highlight areas for improvement, such as physician shortages, limited access to specialists, or a lack of mental health resources.

This analysis is designed to be informative and actionable. The "Prostate Cancer Score" is not a static metric; it is intended to evolve as the healthcare landscape changes. Regular updates, incorporating new data and emerging trends, are essential to maintain its relevance and usefulness. The goal is to empower patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare and to encourage healthcare providers to continuously improve the quality of care they offer.

For a more detailed visualization of the healthcare landscape in Shelocta, including the location of physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a visual representation of the data discussed, allowing you to easily identify healthcare resources and assess their proximity to your location.