17023, Elizabethville, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17023, Elizabethville, Pennsylvania is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.98 percent of the residents in 17023 has some form of health insurance. 30.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.80 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 17023 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 798 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17023. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 505 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,135 health care providers accessible to residents in 17023, Elizabethville, Pennsylvania.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Elizabethville, PA (ZIP Code 17023)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality in Elizabethville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17023), necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on factors pertinent to prostate cancer care, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, ultimately providing a "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment. This score isn't a single number but rather a comprehensive evaluation based on the interplay of these elements.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer care is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). Elizabethville's primary care availability is a critical starting point. A low physician-to-patient ratio can significantly hinder timely diagnosis and treatment. Data regarding the exact physician-to-patient ratio within the 17023 ZIP code requires specific datasets, ideally from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the American Medical Association. However, we can infer potential challenges. Elizabethville is a small, rural community. Rural areas often face shortages of healthcare professionals, including PCPs. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative screenings, and delayed diagnoses.

The presence of urologists is another vital aspect. While PCPs often perform initial screenings and referrals, urologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. The availability of urologists within a reasonable distance of Elizabethville is crucial. This includes the proximity of specialists in nearby towns or cities. The travel time to these specialists is a significant factor. Longer travel times can be a barrier to care, particularly for elderly patients or those with limited mobility.

Examining the characteristics of existing primary care practices in the area is essential. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? These factors impact access. Practices with robust electronic health record (EHR) systems are generally better equipped to manage patient data, facilitate referrals, and coordinate care. The integration of these systems is a positive indicator.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important. Telemedicine can bridge geographical gaps, providing access to specialists and follow-up care. Assessing the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine platforms is a key component of the score. Do they offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments? Do they provide remote monitoring services for patients undergoing treatment? The availability of these services can improve access and convenience.

Beyond the medical aspects, the availability of mental health resources is crucial. A prostate cancer diagnosis can have a significant emotional impact. Patients may experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The proximity of mental health professionals, therapists, and support groups is a critical factor in the overall quality of care. Do local practices have established referral pathways to mental health providers? Are there support groups available for prostate cancer patients and their families? The presence of these resources contributes to a holistic approach to care.

Standout practices within the area would be those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive prostate cancer care. This includes practices with a high physician-to-patient ratio, offering same-day appointments, employing advanced diagnostic tools, and integrating telemedicine capabilities. Practices actively involved in patient education and support groups, and those with strong partnerships with mental health providers, would also be considered exemplary. Identifying these practices requires detailed research into individual practice profiles.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Elizabethville, PA (17023) is therefore contingent on a composite evaluation. The initial step involves determining the physician-to-patient ratio, specifically for PCPs and urologists within the area and the surrounding region. The next element is assessing the practices' characteristics, including their technological capabilities, appointment availability, and patient support services. Telemedicine adoption is crucial, as is the presence of mental health resources. The score would then reflect the overall access to care, the quality of services, and the availability of support systems.

The overall score would be a nuanced assessment, not a simple numerical value. It would highlight areas of strength and weakness within the healthcare landscape of Elizabethville. A low score would suggest potential challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive prostate cancer care. This might necessitate longer travel times, limited access to specialists, and a lack of integrated support services. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for patients, with readily available resources and a focus on holistic care.

The evaluation also considers the impact of socioeconomic factors. The affordability of healthcare, the availability of insurance, and the overall health of the community are all relevant. These factors can influence patient access to care and their ability to adhere to treatment plans.

In conclusion, assessing the "Prostate Cancer Score" for Elizabethville, PA (17023) is a complex process. It requires gathering data on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The final score is a comprehensive evaluation of the healthcare landscape, reflecting the community's ability to provide effective and accessible prostate cancer care. This analysis underscores the importance of understanding the local healthcare environment.

To visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice locations, and proximity to specialists, consider using interactive mapping tools. CartoChrome Maps provides powerful mapping capabilities that can help you analyze and understand the healthcare landscape in Elizabethville and surrounding areas.