16725, Custer City, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 16725, Custer City, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.13 percent of the residents in 16725 has some form of health insurance. 62.50 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 15.63 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 16725 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 31 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16725. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 9 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 338 health care providers accessible to residents in 16725, Custer City, Pennsylvania.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Custer City (ZIP Code 16725)

Analyzing the landscape of prostate cancer care and primary care access in Custer City, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16725) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, quality of care indicators, technological integration, and the provision of mental health resources, all crucial elements in a patient's journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Prostate Cancer Score' that reflects the overall health of the healthcare ecosystem within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment lies in the availability of physicians. In Custer City, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative screenings, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health would be essential to ascertain this ratio. The analysis must also account for the number of urologists, the specialists directly involved in prostate cancer care, practicing within the ZIP code or in easily accessible neighboring areas. The proximity to larger medical centers in nearby cities like Bradford or Olean (NY) would influence the overall score, as these centers often house specialized cancer treatment facilities.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care provided by the available physicians is paramount. Assessing this involves examining several key indicators. The first is the utilization of evidence-based guidelines for prostate cancer screening and treatment. This includes adherence to recommendations from organizations like the American Urological Association (AUA) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Practices that consistently follow these guidelines, offering regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, digital rectal exams (DREs), and appropriate follow-up based on risk factors, would receive higher scores.

Another crucial aspect is the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities. This includes access to state-of-the-art imaging techniques like MRI and PET scans, as well as treatment options such as minimally invasive surgery (e.g., robotic-assisted prostatectomy), radiation therapy (e.g., brachytherapy, external beam radiation), and hormone therapy. The presence of these resources within Custer City or readily accessible nearby facilities significantly impacts the score. Furthermore, the experience and expertise of the physicians, particularly the urologists, are vital. Analyzing their credentials, board certifications, and years of experience, as well as their patient outcomes, would provide valuable insights.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Custer City. Telemedicine allows patients to access consultations, follow-up appointments, and even certain types of therapy remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, would receive higher marks. This is especially relevant for patients undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, who may require frequent follow-up visits.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of cancer care. A prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's emotional well-being. Therefore, the availability of mental health support, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, either through in-house providers or referrals to external resources, would be viewed favorably. The ability to connect patients with support groups specifically tailored to prostate cancer survivors is also a significant factor.

Identifying standout practices within Custer City is a key element of the analysis. This involves looking for practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, utilizing best practices in screening and treatment, embracing technology, and providing comprehensive support services. These practices might be recognized for their patient satisfaction scores, their participation in quality improvement initiatives, or their commitment to community outreach and education. A practice that consistently scores high in all these areas would be considered a leader in prostate cancer care within the region.

The overall 'Prostate Cancer Score' for Custer City would be a composite score, reflecting the weighted averages of the factors discussed above. The weighting of each factor would be determined based on its relative importance in influencing patient outcomes and access to care. For example, physician availability and the quality of treatment options would likely receive higher weights than the adoption of telemedicine. The final score would provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Custer City, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement.

This analysis would also consider the overall primary care availability in Custer City. The presence of a robust primary care infrastructure is crucial for early detection and management of prostate cancer. PCPs play a vital role in screening, risk assessment, and referral to specialists. The analysis would assess the availability of PCPs, their accessibility, and their awareness of prostate cancer screening guidelines. A strong primary care network would contribute positively to the overall score.

Finally, the analysis must acknowledge the limitations of the data. Publicly available data may not always be comprehensive or up-to-date. Patient outcomes data can be difficult to obtain and may be limited by privacy concerns. However, by utilizing the best available data and employing a rigorous analytical approach, it is possible to create a meaningful 'Prostate Cancer Score' that can inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Custer City and surrounding areas, including the location of physicians, hospitals, and support services, we recommend exploring interactive maps and data visualizations.