15936, Hooversville, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 15936, Hooversville, Pennsylvania is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.79 percent of the residents in 15936 has some form of health insurance. 45.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.65 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 15936 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 206 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15936. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 405 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,756 health care providers accessible to residents in 15936, Hooversville, Pennsylvania.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Hooversville, PA (ZIP Code 15936)

Analyzing the landscape of prostate cancer care in Hooversville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15936) requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider not only the availability and quality of physicians but also the broader healthcare ecosystem, including primary care access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, all crucial elements in a patient's journey. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, acknowledging the limitations of publicly available data and the dynamic nature of healthcare delivery.

The core of this assessment revolves around evaluating the accessibility of qualified medical professionals. In Hooversville, the primary focus is on the availability of urologists, the specialists primarily responsible for diagnosing and treating prostate cancer. Locating and assessing the qualifications of urologists within a specific ZIP code can be challenging. Public databases, such as those maintained by state medical boards, offer information on physician licensure and board certifications. However, these resources may not always reflect a physician's current practice location or the extent of their expertise in prostate cancer specifically. Further research into physician directories and hospital affiliations is crucial to identify urologists serving the Hooversville area.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. Determining the exact ratio within a small geographic area like Hooversville is difficult. It requires analyzing the number of urologists practicing within the ZIP code and estimating the population they serve. A lower ratio, indicating fewer urologists per capita, could suggest potential challenges in accessing timely care. This is particularly relevant for prostate cancer, where early detection and prompt treatment are often vital for positive outcomes. The presence of a nearby hospital with a dedicated urology department significantly improves the score.

Beyond the raw number of urologists, the quality of care is paramount. Factors such as board certifications, years of experience, and patient satisfaction ratings contribute to the overall score. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals may provide patient reviews and ratings, offering insights into a physician's reputation and the patient experience. However, the reliability of these ratings can vary, and it's essential to consider them alongside other sources of information.

Identifying standout practices in the region is essential. This involves looking for practices that offer comprehensive prostate cancer care, including advanced diagnostic tools like MRI and PET scans, as well as a range of treatment options such as surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Practices that participate in clinical trials or offer specialized programs for prostate cancer patients also receive a higher score.

The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a crucial supporting element. PCPs play a vital role in screening for prostate cancer through PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing and referring patients to urologists for further evaluation. The accessibility of PCPs in Hooversville, and the ease with which patients can schedule appointments, directly influences the overall score. A shortage of PCPs or long wait times for appointments can delay diagnosis and treatment.

Telemedicine adoption is another factor considered in the assessment. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas like Hooversville. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals receive a higher score. Telemedicine can facilitate follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education, reducing the burden on patients and improving their overall experience.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are critical to the well-being of prostate cancer patients. A diagnosis of cancer can be emotionally challenging, and access to mental health support can significantly improve a patient's quality of life. The presence of mental health professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, who specialize in oncology or cancer-related issues is a positive indicator. This includes access to support groups and counseling services.

The presence of a local cancer support group or a chapter of the American Cancer Society or the Prostate Cancer Foundation would contribute to a higher score. These organizations provide valuable resources, including educational materials, support groups, and financial assistance, to patients and their families.

The overall "Prostate Cancer Score" is a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. It is not a definitive ranking but rather an assessment based on available information. The score is a dynamic entity that changes over time as the healthcare landscape evolves.

The final score is a subjective assessment based on the weighted average of the factors discussed. The score is not a definitive ranking but rather an assessment based on available information. The score is a dynamic entity that changes over time as the healthcare landscape evolves.

In conclusion, evaluating the prostate cancer care landscape in Hooversville, PA, requires a thorough assessment of physician availability, quality of care, primary care access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. While this analysis provides a general overview, the best way to understand the landscape is to consult with local healthcare providers and gather information from reliable sources.

To visualize and further analyze the healthcare landscape in Hooversville, PA, and surrounding areas, consider exploring the power of spatial data and mapping tools. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, hospital affiliations, and other relevant data, offering valuable insights into the accessibility and distribution of healthcare resources.