15938, Lilly, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 15938, Lilly, Pennsylvania is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.56 percent of the residents in 15938 has some form of health insurance. 36.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.17 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 15938 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 530 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15938. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 502 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,240 health care providers accessible to residents in 15938, Lilly, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical 'Prostate Cancer Score' for primary care physicians and resources in Lilly, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15938), focusing on factors relevant to prostate cancer care. This score is a conceptual tool, and the specifics used are for illustrative purposes only. Actual data would be required for a real-world assessment.

The core of a good prostate cancer care landscape begins with accessible and high-quality primary care. In Lilly, understanding primary care availability is crucial. The 'Prostate Cancer Score' would assess this by examining the physician-to-patient ratio within the ZIP code. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors for the population, would negatively impact the score. Conversely, a higher ratio, suggesting greater access, would improve it. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health would be utilized to determine population size and the number of practicing primary care physicians within the 15938 ZIP code.

Beyond raw numbers, the analysis would delve into the quality of care. This includes evaluating the presence of board-certified physicians, a metric that reflects a commitment to specialized training and ongoing professional development. The 'Prostate Cancer Score' would award points for the percentage of board-certified primary care physicians in the area. Furthermore, the analysis would consider the longevity of practices. Established practices, those with a history of serving the community, often build strong patient relationships and have a deeper understanding of local health needs.

Standout practices would be identified based on several criteria. One key factor is the adoption of preventative care protocols, specifically those related to prostate cancer screening. The analysis would investigate if practices proactively offer prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, digital rectal exams (DRE), and discussions about risk factors, such as family history and ethnicity. Practices demonstrating a commitment to early detection would receive a higher score.

Another critical element is the integration of technology. Telemedicine adoption has significantly increased access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Lilly. The 'Prostate Cancer Score' would reward practices that offer telemedicine consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and initial consultations. This is especially important for patients who may face transportation challenges or prefer the convenience of virtual visits. The analysis would look for practices that utilize secure online portals for patient communication, appointment scheduling, and access to medical records.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but play a vital role in cancer care. A prostate cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, and access to mental health support is crucial for patients' well-being. The 'Prostate Cancer Score' would assess the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, within the primary care practices or within the community. It would also consider the presence of partnerships with local mental health organizations and the availability of support groups specifically for men with prostate cancer.

The analysis would also incorporate data on insurance acceptance. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, would receive a higher score, ensuring that care is accessible to all residents of Lilly, regardless of their financial circumstances. The ability to navigate the complexities of insurance coverage is essential for patients, and practices that assist with this process would be considered favorably.

The 'Prostate Cancer Score' would also assess the availability of patient education materials. Practices that provide clear, concise, and accessible information about prostate cancer, including risk factors, screening guidelines, treatment options, and side effect management, would be recognized. This includes offering educational brochures, online resources, and opportunities for patients to ask questions and receive personalized guidance.

The final score would be a composite of all these factors, weighted according to their relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might be given a higher weight than the availability of online patient portals. The resulting score would provide a comprehensive overview of the prostate cancer care landscape in Lilly, PA.

The methodology would involve several steps. First, publicly available data would be gathered from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the U.S. Census Bureau. Second, a survey of primary care practices in the 15938 ZIP code would be conducted, either through phone calls, online questionnaires, or a combination of both. The survey would gather information on the factors outlined above, such as board certification, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Third, the data would be analyzed, and each factor would be assigned a score based on pre-defined criteria. Finally, the individual scores would be combined to create the overall 'Prostate Cancer Score' for each practice and for the ZIP code as a whole.

This 'Prostate Cancer Score' analysis provides a framework for evaluating the quality and accessibility of prostate cancer care in Lilly, Pennsylvania. It emphasizes the importance of accessible primary care, proactive screening, technology adoption, and mental health support. This conceptual model underscores the need for a holistic approach to healthcare, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and compassionate care.

To visualize the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential gaps in care, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can help you understand the geographic distribution of physicians, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data points within the 15938 ZIP code and surrounding areas. They can also be used to identify areas with limited access to care and to inform strategies for improving healthcare delivery.