17059, Mifflintown, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17059, Mifflintown, Pennsylvania is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.54 percent of the residents in 17059 has some form of health insurance. 35.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.77 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 17059 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,722 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17059. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,482 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,376 health care providers accessible to residents in 17059, Mifflintown, Pennsylvania.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Mifflintown, PA (ZIP Code 17059)

This analysis evaluates the landscape of prostate cancer care within the Mifflintown, PA (ZIP Code 17059) area, focusing on primary care availability and the resources available to patients. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Prostate Cancer Score' assessment, considering factors crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and ongoing management. This assessment aims to inform residents and healthcare providers about the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The cornerstone of effective prostate cancer management is early detection. This relies heavily on the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs) who can conduct routine screenings, order necessary tests (like PSA blood tests), and initiate referrals to specialists. Examining the physician-to-patient ratio in Mifflintown is the first step. Data from the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health will be cross-referenced to determine the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 17059 ZIP code and the estimated population. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can potentially create access challenges, leading to delays in care. This analysis will attempt to quantify this ratio and assess its implications.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs is crucial. Are the available physicians concentrated in a single practice or spread across multiple locations? This impacts patient choice and convenience. Furthermore, the types of practices present are important. Do they offer comprehensive services, including on-site laboratory testing or imaging? This can streamline the diagnostic process. We will investigate the presence of solo practices, group practices, and affiliations with larger healthcare systems, assessing their potential impact on patient access and coordination of care.

A critical aspect of prostate cancer care is the availability of specialists, particularly urologists. While PCPs are essential for initial screening and referral, urologists are the experts in diagnosing and treating prostate cancer. This analysis will identify the nearest urology practices serving the 17059 area and evaluate their accessibility. Factors considered will include travel distance, appointment availability, and insurance acceptance. The presence of specialized services, such as robotic surgery or advanced radiation therapy, will also be noted, as these can influence treatment options.

The adoption of telemedicine is another vital factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments, consultations, and remote monitoring. This analysis will assess the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine platforms. Do they offer virtual appointments for routine check-ups or consultations with specialists? The availability of telehealth services can significantly enhance patient convenience and reduce the burden of travel, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas.

Mental health support is often overlooked but is an integral part of cancer care. A prostate cancer diagnosis and its treatment can have a significant emotional impact on patients. Access to mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential for managing anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. This analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services in the Mifflintown area, including the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices or referrals to external providers. The presence of support groups specifically for prostate cancer patients and their families will also be evaluated.

Standout practices will be identified based on their commitment to comprehensive prostate cancer care. This will involve evaluating factors such as their patient-centered approach, the utilization of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, and their integration of mental health services. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, such as prostate cancer screening events or educational seminars, will also be recognized. The goal is to highlight practices that are setting a high standard for prostate cancer care in the region.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the availability of patient education resources. Access to reliable and understandable information about prostate cancer is crucial for empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health. This includes the availability of educational materials, such as brochures, websites, and online resources. Practices that provide patients with comprehensive information about their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential side effects will be recognized for their commitment to patient education.

The role of insurance coverage cannot be ignored. The analysis will consider the acceptance of major insurance plans by local practices and specialists. The availability of financial assistance programs for patients who are uninsured or underinsured will also be examined. Access to affordable care is essential for ensuring that all patients can receive the necessary screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Finally, the analysis will consider the potential impact of demographic factors on prostate cancer care in Mifflintown. The prevalence of prostate cancer varies among different ethnic and racial groups. The analysis will consider the demographic composition of the 17059 ZIP code and assess whether local healthcare providers are adequately addressing the needs of all patient populations. This includes providing culturally sensitive care and ensuring that all patients have equal access to resources.

This comprehensive assessment will culminate in a 'Prostate Cancer Score' that reflects the overall quality and accessibility of prostate cancer care in the Mifflintown area. This score will be based on a weighted evaluation of the factors discussed above, providing a valuable benchmark for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers. This score will be a dynamic measure, subject to change as the healthcare landscape evolves.

For an interactive and visually engaging way to explore the healthcare landscape of Mifflintown, PA, and to see the geographic distribution of resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a detailed visual representation of physician locations, specialist availability, and other relevant data points.