17049, Mc Alisterville, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17049, Mc Alisterville, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 75.22 percent of the residents in 17049 has some form of health insurance. 27.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.70 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 17049 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,061 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 8 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17049. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 574 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,480 health care providers accessible to residents in 17049, Mc Alisterville, Pennsylvania.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Mc Alisterville (ZIP Code 17049)

Analyzing the landscape of prostate cancer care in Mc Alisterville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17049) requires a nuanced approach, considering not only the direct availability of specialists but also the broader healthcare ecosystem, including primary care access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a "Prostate Cancer Score" perspective, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer care lies in robust primary care. Early detection is crucial, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact, ordering initial screenings like the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test and performing digital rectal exams. In Mc Alisterville, assessing primary care availability involves examining physician-to-patient ratios. A low ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can be used to estimate these ratios. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or rural health clinics (RHCs) in the area, which often serve underserved populations, is also a positive indicator, suggesting a commitment to accessible primary care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes the PCPs' awareness of prostate cancer screening guidelines, their willingness to discuss risk factors with patients (age, family history, race), and their ability to effectively manage patients with elevated PSA levels. The Prostate Cancer Score will reflect the perceived quality of primary care based on these factors.

The availability of specialists, specifically urologists and oncologists, is critical for advanced care. Mc Alisterville is a rural area, and the presence of these specialists within the immediate ZIP code is unlikely. The analysis will therefore focus on the proximity of specialists in neighboring towns and cities, such as Lewistown and Harrisburg. Travel time, accessibility of transportation, and the availability of specialized services (e.g., robotic surgery, radiation therapy) will be factored into the score. The presence of a hospital with a dedicated urology department and oncology services is a significant positive.

Standout practices, if any, will be identified based on their reputation, patient reviews, and the breadth of services offered. This includes assessing their use of advanced diagnostic tools (e.g., MRI fusion biopsies), their participation in clinical trials, and their commitment to patient education. Practices that demonstrate a patient-centered approach, focusing on shared decision-making and providing comprehensive support, will receive higher marks.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial factor in improving access to care, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations with specialists, follow-up appointments, and even mental health services. The Prostate Cancer Score will assess the availability of telemedicine options for prostate cancer patients in Mc Alisterville. This includes evaluating the presence of telemedicine platforms offered by local hospitals or practices, the availability of virtual consultations with specialists in nearby areas, and the ease of access to these services.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are essential for patients undergoing prostate cancer treatment. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services in Mc Alisterville and the surrounding areas. This includes the presence of therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in cancer care. The ability of primary care physicians and specialists to screen for mental health issues and refer patients to appropriate resources will also be considered.

The overall Prostate Cancer Score will be a composite of these factors, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare infrastructure in Mc Alisterville. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for prostate cancer care, characterized by accessible primary care, proximity to specialists, advanced treatment options, telemedicine availability, and robust mental health support. Conversely, a lower score suggests potential challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive care.

The analysis will consider the potential for disparities in care based on socioeconomic factors, such as insurance coverage and transportation access. Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensuring equitable access to high-quality prostate cancer care for all residents of Mc Alisterville.

The Prostate Cancer Score will be a dynamic measure, subject to change as healthcare resources evolve. Regular updates will be necessary to reflect changes in physician availability, technological advancements, and the availability of support services. This ongoing monitoring is essential to identify areas for improvement and to ensure that patients in Mc Alisterville have access to the best possible care.

The methodology will involve a combination of publicly available data, including physician directories, hospital websites, and government health resources. Patient reviews and feedback will also be considered, where available, to gain insights into the patient experience.

The analysis will strive to provide a balanced and objective assessment of the prostate cancer care landscape in Mc Alisterville. The goal is to empower patients with information and to help them navigate the healthcare system effectively.

Ultimately, the Prostate Cancer Score is a tool to understand the local healthcare environment.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Mc Alisterville and surrounding areas, including the locations of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare resources, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a geographical perspective on the availability of care, aiding in decision-making and facilitating access to the resources needed.